Literacy Volunteers at Centenary College

"Teaching Literacy. Bringing Hope. Changing Lives."

Solid growth, ongoing success, and a shared vision for the future!

Please Join Us! Your vital support enables us to continue empowering adult neighbors with literacy skills, directly improving their lives and the well-being of their families.

Get to Know us.

↑(Don't forget to click the "Our Future" tab above to see where we're going next!)↑

“Pathways to Literacy”

The Need! 

It's hard to believe, but today, one in four adults in our community struggles with basic reading and math, creating significant barriers to providing for their families. This affects their ability to afford food, healthcare, and even school supplies, leaving no room for savings.

The good news? Three in four of us can help change this – and that includes you.

Literacy Volunteers at Centenary College (LVCC) has been a vital source of hope in Northwest Louisiana for the past 40 years. We empower adults through literacy education, with a clear mission: "Teaching Literacy. Bringing Hope. Changing Lives." By improving language and math skills, we open doors to greater opportunities and a better quality of life for individuals and their families.

Your support is now essential to help us continue this life-changing work.

The Answer!

LVCC is experiencing significant growth! Student numbers are up 45% (from 127), and tutors/teachers have increased by 260% (from 10). This presents a fantastic opportunity to expand our impact, and with your continued help, we can effectively manage this exciting trend.LVCC is experiencing significant growth! Student numbers are up 45% (from 127), and tutors/teachers have increased by 260% (from 10). This presents a fantastic opportunity to expand our impact, and with your continued help, we can effectively manage this exciting trend.

Our students' success!

A high school diploma unlocks rewarding futures, and 35 dedicated students are in our Pre-HiSET/GED program pursuing that key. Simultaneously, our ESL students are striving for English fluency to fully engage in our community. Our success speaks for itself – here are three inspiring stories.

Reading for Family, Reading for Pleasure

Many come to LVCC seeking to strengthen their fundamental reading, writing, and math skills. Our Adult Basic Learning program is designed to meet each student where they are, from foundational literacy to high school level proficiency. We've witnessed incredible progress: individuals now read to their families, assist children with homework, and discover the pleasure of reading for leisure. These ladies, for example, have completed four reading workbooks and added Jack London's "The Call of the Wild," which Kelly enthusiastically described as "It's like reading a movie!" Witnessing this newfound joy of reading is a true privilege for us at LVCC. It can be for you, too.

Marie never gave up.

Despite her sharp intellect, school didn't suit Marie, leading her to drop out. Fortunately, she found LVCC. Excelling on her initial literacy assessment, Marie's primary hurdle was confidence.

Through her hard work and the encouragement of family and LVCC, she earned her high school diploma, passing all tests on the first attempt. With a scholarship to Bossier Parish Community College, Marie is pursuing her passion for music. "I have class friends. My professor is cool. I'm the happiest I have ever been,” - a testament to her journey and the support she found.

Confidence, not capability, is often the hurdle. How many others need this support to succeed? Join LVCC and be the help they need.

Sometimes it's not learning that's the issue, it's confidence.  How many others out there need this kind of support?... you and LVCC can help.

Let's talk about Jenny and her food truck.

Arriving in Shreveport with a passion for cooking but limited English, Jenny found LVCC. In her own words, "When I first came to school, I had zero foundation.  LVCC provided a one-on-one tutor. The twice-weekly study improved my English. I have made great progress.  Now, I am no longer afraid to communicate with others.  I can speak English with my unique Chinese accent.  My tutor gave me confidence in learning English thanks to his patience and teaching.  I love this school for giving me the opportunity to learn English systematically, thank you!"

Now, with her husband's support, Jenny thrives as the owner of "Humpty Dumpling," a local Chinese food truck.

The need is great, but the impact is even greater. Join the movement at LVCC that builds stability for our neighbors and strengthens our community. Your donation can help others like Jenny achieve their dreams. Please consider being a part of their success – it truly makes a difference.