In this informative episode, Dr. Lisa Wiśniewski interviews Stephen Morris, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford (LVGH), who highlights the challenges and opportunities for literacy education and advocacy in Connecticut. Morris shares the mission, advocacy, and programming of this amazing organization that serves adult students to build and strengthen their literacy skills and career pathways. Stephen contextualizes the opportunities for literacy education in the Greater Hartford area with current data. He highlights alarming statistics, including that 19% of Greater Hartford residents have below second-grade literacy levels, and explains how these challenges impact employment, health outcomes, economic stability, and overall well being. Interwoven throughout this episode, Morris shares powerful stories of students who have faced incredible challenges and their successes through literacy education. At LVGH, Morris and his team are always exploring different solutions to remove barriers for students by providing adjacent supports, like childcare, social networking, and ongoing career assistance. Morris also explains how LVGH partners with other community organizations to promote health literacy, career pathways, and access to other resources to help students transition to the Greater Hartford area. He also details the specific programming at LVGH for adult students as well as volunteering opportunities for early career to retired professionals with and without education backgrounds. Morris highlights the mutual benefits for students and volunteers as they engage in tutoring sessions, including English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and basic literacy for native English speakers. Morris concludes with a call to action, urging community support through donations and volunteering to further LVGH's transformative impact that goes well beyond literacy.

To support, volunteer, or learn more about Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford visit: https://lvgh.org/