Literacy Volunteers
Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts (formerly known as Literacy Volunteers of the Tri-Community) provides free, confidential, and individualized tutoring to adults in basic adult literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Services are provided by our professionally trained and supported volunteer tutors. Tutoring is flexibly scheduled, and remote and/or hybrid options are available. Small group instruction at the "Literacy Cafe" English conversation group is also available.
Please visit the Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts website for more information about becoming a student or volunteer!
Hours
Monday: 3:00 – 8:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 5:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 5:00
Thursday: 3:00 – 8:00
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
About Us
Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts (LVSCM) is an affiliate of Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts (LVM), the state's leading provider of literacy tutoring for adults serving nearly 1,000 adults each year and is one of 12 affiliate programs across the state. Our service area includes Southbridge, Sturbridge, Charlton, Webster, Dudley, and the surrounding communities. There are no residency or citizenship requirements to participate.
We are thankful to the Town of Southbridge and the Jacob Edwards Library for their generous support of LVSCM. LVSCM is proud to be a member agency of the United Way of South Central Massachusetts.
Emily Farrell, Executive Director
Telephone: 508-765-3880
E-mail: info@lvscm.org
Address:
236 Main Street
Southbridge, MA 01550
Ground Floor
Services
Learn to Read - Learn to Speak English
Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts can help you learn to read or speak English. We will match you with a tutor to help you. You and your tutor will meet each week for 2 hours. Your tutor will help you to reach your goals.
Literacy Cafe English Conversation Group
The Literacy Cafe is free to attend and open to all. Practice speaking and understanding English in a welcoming, small group setting. Classes are offered year-round and are available on a "drop-in" basis. Students may start attending at any time. Please contact LVSCM for the most up-to-date class schedule.
Become a Literacy Volunteer
Tutoring is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in someone's life! Our tutors are patient, flexible, and encouraging volunteers who create a positive learning environment for adults in basic literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). They are sensitive to the needs of adult learners and are willing to meet a learner's individual needs.
To become a volunteer tutor, you do not need prior teaching experience or the ability to speak another language. You must be fluent in English, over the age of 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be able to work with diverse groups of people.
Prospective volunteers will attend a 2-hour Volunteer Information Session to learn about our program, have your questions answered, and determine if becoming a Literacy Volunteer is the right fit for you. Volunteers must successfully complete an 18-hour tutor training in either basic literacy or ESOL. Tutors are matched with an adult learner to tutor for at least 2 hours per week. We ask for a commitment of at least 9-12 months. In person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available.
LVSCM's professional staff provide ongoing support and guidance to tutors, as well as access to an online and hard-copy lending library of materials to assist tutors and students. For more information or to sign up for a volunteer information session, please contact us.