About
Our Mission
Transforming individuals and communities through the doorway of literacy.
Literacy Volunteers of Chautauqua County (LVCC) is dedicated to improving the lives of local residents by providing free one-on-one and small group literacy instruction. We believe that it’s never too late to change your life through learning.
LVCC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based out of Fredonia, NY. Our volunteer tutors help people gain crucial skills in a wide range of areas, including reading, writing, English language, math, finances, and high school equivalency. LVCC volunteers also help the low vision population fill out forms and read documents.
100% of the proceeds from used and vintage book sales at The Next Chapter Bookstore are used to support our free literacy programs.
"When you learn to read you will be born again…and you will never be quite so alone again." - Rumer Godden
Our Executive Director
Julie LaGrow has been the Executive Director of LVCC since 2015. Julie deeply understands the impact that literacy and learning have on people’s lives. As the head of our volunteer department, she works to manage the entire LVCC operation and secure funding for its programs. Julie relies on a dedicated team to help carry out our critical mission – volunteer tutors and operational assistants who care about making a difference in the lives of their fellow Chautauqua County residents.
Meet Our Team
In addition to our Executive Director Julie, volunteer tutors, and bookstore assistants, LVCC has a hard-working staff and board of directors that support the organization from behind the scenes.
Alicia McDowell
Outreach & Development Coordinator
Tammy Day
Marketing & Vintage Books
Melissa Kaufman
Bookstore Manager
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Dominic Schultz
Assistant Bookstore Manager
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Meet Our Board
Priscilla (Perce) Bernatz
Board President
Ann Siegle Drege
Board Treasurer
Kim Maternowski
Board Member
Donna Luh
Board Vice President
Joyce Haines
Board Member
Michele Starwalt
Board Member
Eileen Ardillo
Board Secretary
David Tiffany
Board Member