Mission & History
Our Mission
Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy exists to strengthen opportunities for adults and families through free, accessible, and individualized literacy and learning programs.
Our mission is to meet learners where they are and help them build skills toward goals that matter to them. That may mean strengthening reading, writing, or math skills, learning English, becoming more comfortable using technology, preparing for citizenship, or building skills for education and the workforce.
As the needs of our community grow and change, so does our work. Today, CCVL provides adult education, English language learning, digital literacy, citizenship preparation, workforce readiness, and growing family literacy opportunities.
By helping adults build skills and access learning opportunities, we strengthen individuals, families, workplaces, and our community.
Our Vision for the Future
CCVL continues to grow as a community resource for adult and family literacy in Crawford County. Our priorities include:
Our goal is to continue building learning opportunities that respond to the needs of adults and families throughout Crawford County.
Our History
CCVL’s work began in 1987 when members of the Fannie Miller Circle at Alma United Methodist Church recognized a deep need for adult literacy support in Crawford County. Led by community members like Faye Brannon, the group launched a volunteer-driven effort using the Laubach Method of instruction. Twenty-two volunteers completed the first tutor training, establishing a foundation of service that still guides us today.
As the program grew, CCVL moved its office to Van Buren in the mid-1990s and partnered with local organizations, including Altrusa of Fort Smith and Crawford County, churches, libraries, and AmeriCorps service projects. Generations of tutors, directors, and volunteers helped shape the organization into the countywide literacy council it is today.
Over the years, CCVL has expanded its services to include reading, writing, math, ESL, digital literacy, and GED preparation. The council has always remained committed to one promise: every student receives free instruction, materials, and support.
Today, we continue this work with that same commitment and the same belief that guided our earliest volunteers: literacy opens doors.
Our Mission
Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy exists to strengthen opportunities for adults and families through free, accessible, and individualized literacy and learning programs.
Our mission is to meet learners where they are and help them build skills toward goals that matter to them. That may mean strengthening reading, writing, or math skills, learning English, becoming more comfortable using technology, preparing for citizenship, or building skills for education and the workforce.
As the needs of our community grow and change, so does our work. Today, CCVL provides adult education, English language learning, digital literacy, citizenship preparation, workforce readiness, and growing family literacy opportunities.
By helping adults build skills and access learning opportunities, we strengthen individuals, families, workplaces, and our community.
Our Vision for the Future
CCVL continues to grow as a community resource for adult and family literacy in Crawford County. Our priorities include:
- Expanding individualized learning opportunities for adults
- Growing and supporting our volunteer tutor network
- Increasing access to services throughout Crawford County
- Strengthening partnerships with schools, libraries, employers, nonprofits, and community organizations
- Growing our Family Literacy and PACT programming for parents, caregivers, and children
- Expanding digital literacy and workforce readiness opportunities
- Connecting learners with resources that support their education, employment, family, and personal goals
Our goal is to continue building learning opportunities that respond to the needs of adults and families throughout Crawford County.
Our History
CCVL’s work began in 1987 when members of the Fannie Miller Circle at Alma United Methodist Church recognized a deep need for adult literacy support in Crawford County. Led by community members like Faye Brannon, the group launched a volunteer-driven effort using the Laubach Method of instruction. Twenty-two volunteers completed the first tutor training, establishing a foundation of service that still guides us today.
As the program grew, CCVL moved its office to Van Buren in the mid-1990s and partnered with local organizations, including Altrusa of Fort Smith and Crawford County, churches, libraries, and AmeriCorps service projects. Generations of tutors, directors, and volunteers helped shape the organization into the countywide literacy council it is today.
Over the years, CCVL has expanded its services to include reading, writing, math, ESL, digital literacy, and GED preparation. The council has always remained committed to one promise: every student receives free instruction, materials, and support.
Today, we continue this work with that same commitment and the same belief that guided our earliest volunteers: literacy opens doors.