
Our History
In 1962, Ruth J. Colvin started Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) as a small grassroots effort to end illiteracy in Syracuse, NY. Literacy Volunteers of America/Buffalo and Erie County was founded in 1965 as an affiliate of LVA. The two main programs offered were: Basic Literacy Learning and English Language Learning.
In 2002, Literacy Volunteers of America merged with Laubach Literacy International to create a “Literacy Superpower” with nearly 1,400 affiliates called ProLiteracy America. As a result of this name change, our affiliate became known as “Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo and Erie County.”
In July 2012, Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo & Erie County merged with Literacy Volunteers of Niagara County to create Literacy Buffalo Niagara, Inc.
Our Mission
We develop literacy skills by providing free tutoring in Erie and Niagara counties through engagement and training of diverse community volunteers.
Our vision is that all people in Erie and Niagara counties are literate.
Our Impact
2019-2020 Program Year Achievements
- We recruited and trained 77 new volunteers
- We served 300 adult students
- Staff supported 220 active volunteer tutors
- Volunteers provided over 11,000 hours of instruction and other volunteer services

Learn more about our organization and how you can do your part for literacy with our digital brochure
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