2019
To start off, 2019 was the calm before the storm of 2020. In 2019, Literacy Volunteers of Rochester continued to be active in the community and host organization traditions.
- 100 Years of Literacy Luncheon. This luncheon was hosted to celebrate two milestone achievements at LR. First, to celebrate 45 years of dedicated and unwavering service by Rose-Marie Klipstein; and second to celebrate 55 years of the organization.
- Later in the year, the organization publicly changed its name from Literacy Volunteers of Rochester, Inc. (LVR) to Literacy Rochester (LR).
- In October, the Digital Literacy Program partnered with Monroe County’s Recruiting on the Road Initiative and Amazon. The partnership led to the three organizations hosting a hiring event with digital volunteers available to assist adults in the online application process. Over 350 applications were submitted in three hours and a third of applications either received or were offered a job at Amazon.
2020
The COVID-19 pandemic closed everything around the world and shut down operations, including those at Literacy Rochester.
- Stay at home ordered changed instructional operations. Volunteer tutors and students could no longer meet face-to-face with many public spaces including libraries, coffee-shops, and local agencies closed. However, changing to remote lessons proved difficult as many students didn’t have reliable internet or devices to learn on. Even so, individual student and volunteer pairing figured out solutions that adhered to COVID guidelines while still provided instructional services.
- Technology in hands launch. This program was launched to provide 9 to 15 students in the instructional and digital literacy program with a computer and short-term internet service. The launch was designed help those in the programs continue their literacy journey and reach their goals even when the world required remote work. You can read about the launch in a previous blog post HERE
- The office reopened on August 4th, 2020 and implemented new guidelines to protect staff, students, and volunteers.
- The 20th annual Brain Game was held virtually, but that didn’t stop teams from joining in to support Literacy Rochester. There were over a dozen teams that logged in remotely to participate
2021
- A big announcement was the new partnership between Literacy Rochester (LR) and LiteracyCNY (LCNY). In 2020, LCNY suspended their services after almost 60 years of operation. Historically, LCNY is the founding chapter of Literacy Volunteers of America that has since become the international organization, Proliteracy. Ruth Colvin championed this literacy organization back in 1962. The re-launch of LCNY not only meant maintaining historical significance, but more importantly, keeping accessible and free adult literacy programs available in Onondaga county. Today, the partnership between LR and LCNY is still strong and LCNY has been able to expand into more county’s and introduce a digital literacy program.
- Launch of Community Bookends fundraiser. This unique fundraiser encouraged the community to show their creative skills while supporting Literacy Rochester. The blank bookends were made by Flour City Craft Company. Once the bookends were decorated and complete, Literacy Rochester auctioned them off and money raised helped with the continued growth of programs.
- Due to COVID restrictions still looming, Brain Game once again was held virtually.
2022
- According to the 2021-2022 Annual Report, the digital literacy program expanded its services into some site locations in Ontario, Wayne, and Yates Counties in the spring. This was the first time site locations were available outside of Monroe County!
- The DL program held its first Basic Computer Skills Workshops in March and April. The workshops were designed to help participants learn more about their devices, use the internet, and online safety tips. Today, the DL program continues to offer workshops that helps community members learn specific skills.
2023
- In December 2023, Literacy Rochester hosted its 60th Anniversary kickoff with an open house. You can see pictures from the open house HERE. The event celebrated Literacy Rochester 60 years of service and honored the organization’s founder, Queenie Zuehlke, by renaming the Learning Center after her. LR also had the pleasure of hosting Queenie’s son who shared memories of his late mother.
2024
And just like that, there are all 60 years of Literacy Rochester history! Thank you for reading this series each month and hoped you enjoyed learning about the impact, changes, and monumental moments of this organization! Cheers to 60 years!
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