Local group receives grant from Craig's List Founder

Contact: Debbie Leon

Executive Director

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County

(973) 984-1998

Debbie@lvmorris.org

Craig Newmark from Craig’s List Supports Local Literacy ProgramLiteracy Volunteers of Morris County Receives $25K in Support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Gift from organization of craigslist founder to help increase adult literacy and civic engagement in New Jersey community

January 23, 2020 – Literacy Volunteers of Morris County, a local nonprofit that promotes English literacy and fluency for adult learners, is pleased to announce they received a generous grant gift of $25,000 from Craig Newmark Philanthropies. This philanthropic funding from the organization of craigslist founder Craig Newmark will help to ensure that students achieve fluency in English, learn their legal rights, and be active community members. It is the second donation of this size that the foundation has made to Literacy Volunteers.

“I am delighted that Craig Newmark, a Morristown native, has made this additional investment in our community,” said Debbie Leon, Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Morris County. “His support will enable us to help hundreds of people in Morris County improve their lives and become more engaged members of society.”

Asking for help can be difficult. With the support of Literacy Volunteers, adult students from diverse backgrounds attend free, one-one-one and/or group classes to improve their skills in a welcoming and encouraging environment. For over 30 years, the nonprofit has provided English speaking, reading, and writing tutoring services, as well as classes on U.S. civics and citizenship. Currently, over 300 volunteer tutors provide instruction to more than 500 students throughout Morris County, NJ.

“The training that Literacy Volunteers of Morris County provides is bolstering this New Jersey community, my childhood home, by helping to keep folks informed and supporting them in being good neighbors,” said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. “I’m proud to renew my support for this organization, which promotes fairness, opportunity, and respect for all.”

to support their adult literacy program.

The purpose of Craig Newmark Philanthropies is to support: Organizations strengthening the immune system of democracy; Americans struggling to vote and otherwise exercise their rights; Women working in technology, who might be denied equal access to opportunities; and Military service members, and their families.

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County, a non-profit located in Morristown was established more than thirty years ago to promote increased literacy and fluency in English for adult learners. They also provide instruction in U.S civics and citizenship. This grant will be used to ensure their students become fluent in English, learn their legal rights, and become more engaged and active citizens and members of the community. Currently, more than 300 volunteer tutors are providing instruction to more than 500 students throughout Morris County.

Asking for help can be a terrifying and humiliating experience for an adult. Through Literacy Volunteers, students from all walks of life may attend free, one-one-one or group classes to improve their skills in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County is a non-profit organization of trained volunteers who are dedicated to providing adults with one-to-one and small group tutoring across over 40 communities in Morris County, New Jersey. We believe that the ability to read, write, comprehend and speak English is essential to personal freedom and the sustainability of a democratic society. To learn more, visit: LVMorris.org.

About Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Craig Newmark Philanthropies was created by craigslist founder Craig Newmark to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. It works to advance grassroots organizations that are getting stuff done in areas that include trustworthy journalism & the information ecosystem, voter protection, gender diversity in technology, and veterans & military families. For more information, please visit: CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org.