Literacy Volunteers Of Central Connecticut Welcomes New Director

Press release from Literary Volunteers of Central CT:

Aug. 4, 2020

Literacy Volunteers of Central CT announced West Hartford resident Ron Sheffer was named as its new Executive Director in April. Since 1978, Literacy Volunteers of Central CT has offered free English language instruction in 15 towns across the central Connecticut region, including New Britain, Middletown, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Cromwell, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Marlborough, Middlefield, Plainville, Portland, and Southington.

Approximately 400 people per year participate in tutoring programs, which help them obtain or retain employment, enhance their English language skills, obtain citizenship, receive a GED or other professional certification, and increase involvement in their children’s educational activities.

“The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Ron into this role and look forward to him leading Literacy Volunteers into the future,” said Paulette Lemma, co-president of the Board. “We need an executive director who has a vision for how Literacy Volunteers will build upon and advance its 40 years of literacy programs in communities across central Connecticut.”

Sheffer brings nearly two decades of experience working in community-based nonprofits as a dedicated advocate and strategic thinker. He has extensive experience leading literacy programs and working with youth and homeless populations. Most recently, Sheffer worked at the Homeless Children’s Playtime Project in Washington, DC, where he oversaw guided play programs with educational and therapeutic benefits for children experiencing homelessness and trauma.

“I am so inspired by the New Britain community and its resilience during these extremely challenging times,” said Sheffer. “It is incredible to witness the dedication of our volunteers, students, Board of Directors, and staff to our mission of changing lives through literacy."

“Literacy Volunteers has responded to the COVID-19 crisis by using innovative methods to meet the needs of our students as well as our volunteers,” added Sheffer. “I am excited to use this as an opportunity to plan ahead to the future and use technology as a way to reach even more students.”

This press release was produced by Literary Volunteers of Central CT. The views expressed here are the author's own.