Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County

Empowering adults to achieve literacy and improve their quality of life.

LVMC provides educational services to adults who desire to learn to read, obtain the High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma by preparing them for the General Educational Development (GED®) exam, or communicate in English. LVMC strives to empower adults in our community to become better candidates for sustainable employment, participate in higher education or job training, and improve their quality of life.
We serve approximately 700 students every year, providing more than 80,000 hours of instruction in our various programs. Our students range from age 16 to 80; 20% of our students are age 24 and younger, 63% are women, and 79% are underemployed or unemployed.
The majority of LVMC's students receive free instruction by attending one of LVMC's two Learning Centers. Our centers offer comprehensive services including computer-based instruction, small classes and one-to-one tutoring. Additionally, LVMC offers a distance learning program directed at individuals who do not live near an adult education center or whose work schedules prevent them from attending a learning center. LVMC has eight full-time instructors and over 50 volunteers that provide invaluable help assisting students with the different software programs, and tutoring on specific subject matter.

Testimonials

My name is Alexandra and I'm a 2023 High School Equivalency graduate.
I was born in Denver, Colorado, and moved to Arizona when I was 2. I'm the second oldest of 4 children. My siblings and I spent many days without running water, a good dinner on the table, and I didn't realize this until I was 12 but my parents were addicts. They never cared about our grades or how we were doing in school, so in turn we didn't either.
When I was 18, I had my first daughter Audrey, 3 years later came my second daughter Abigail, and then a year later Addison followed. I was 23 years old with three beautiful daughters and I swore they would never grow up like I did.
Sadly, at the age of 25, I fell into addiction myself and I was quickly faced with the consequences of my addiction. I lost my job of 10 years, I lost my home, and most importantly I lost my children.
I became homeless living on the streets of Phoenix, and it stayed like that for almost 5 years. I was in and out of jail multiple times and obtained 4 felonies during that time.
Finally, one day I was picked up by the cops on a probation violation and I knew in that moment it was over. I was tired, broken, and done with the streets. I had never been so happy to see a cop in my life!
When I went to jail, they sentenced me to 4 months and mandatory rehab. I did it with a smile on my face and I felt the life in me come back.
After two years of being sober, with the help of my sister and my brother-in-law, I got full custody of my children and was starting the new chapter of my life. I wanted my children to be proud of me, and I wanted to be proud of myself. I did not know where to start.
Then a friend referred me to Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa [County]. Literacy Volunteers was not just about reading, writing, or learning math; it was about transforming lives and allowing people like me to obtain their GED. When I received my [High School Equivalency] diploma, the doors opened for me. Charlie's Sports Grill recognized my accomplishments, and they gave me the position of Sous Chef. I was scared, nervous, and I still was not 100% believing in myself. The owners of Charlie's believed in me though. Why? Because I showed them I was a hard worker, dedicated, and had the attitude "whatever it takes". When I was asked why I was so committed to Charlie's, I said "Because I worked to obtain my GED [High School Equivalency diploma]."
Literacy Volunteers gave me the chance to prove myself not only to me but to my children and my family, and to my employer and staff. They were my pathway to success.
Charlie's promoted me to Executive Chef, not just of 1 restaurant but of all 3. I am proud of my story, and I am a changed person because of Literacy Volunteers.
I will end with this: Literacy Volunteers changes lives daily. My life would never be where it is without this organization. It has changed my life and is changing the lives of my children.