Two years ago, our
two affiliates started working on joint projects-re engineered
tutor training curriculum, creating uniform intake and
assessments, more in service options for tutors and students-
all focused on helping our students gain skills faster and
better. Our decision to merge followed, centralizing
administration while enhancing our local programs.
The actual date of the merger – July 1, 2009 – is here and we
want to provide you with a brief update. Bob Stevens, formerly
Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of
America—Mohawk/Hudson, has been named Executive Director of the
new organization, and Sue Hensley-Cushing, formerly Executive
Director of Literacy NENY, has been named Director of
Educational Services of Literacy New York Greater Capital
Region.
The new organization will serve Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren,
Washington, and Albany counties. This is 3500 square miles of
literacy services! Our administrative headquarters will be
located in Colonie, and we will maintain existing program
offices in Saratoga, Glens Falls and Salem, as well as enhancing
Literacy Resource Centers at the Schenectady County Public
Library and Albany Public Library.
Over the next few months, we will have several opportunities to
meet and chat. Upcoming events include a Faces of Literacy
celebration at the Crandall Library, Glens Falls on September
16th, and a Story Hour in Albany on October 19th. We will also
be scheduling chats in many communities to share ideas,
questions, thoughts and pearls of wisdom. We look forward to
your continued support as we all create a more literate
community.
