named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Adult Literacy Tutoring
One-on-one tutoring program pairing trained volunteers with adult learners to improve reading and writing skills
ESL Instruction
English as a Second Language tutoring for adult learners, focusing on speaking, listening, and comprehension skills
Volunteer Tutor Training
Comprehensive training program for volunteers, including orientation, online coursework, and in-person workshops
activities · 3 groups
What they do
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Adult Literacy and ESL Tutoring 3 activities
- Provide one-on-one literacy tutoring for adultsOffers free, personalized one-on-one tutoring to adult learners in Erie and Niagara Counties to improve reading, writing, and English language skills through volunteer tutors. Services are provided to nearly 200 students annually, with 79% showing measurable improvement in literacy skills.
- Recruit and train community volunteers for literacy tutoringEngages, recruits, and trains community volunteers to deliver one-on-one literacy tutoring, including 45 new volunteers in the 2024–2025 program year. Training includes in-person and online workshops, with ongoing support and instructional resources provided.
- Support active volunteer tutorsProvides ongoing support to 125 active volunteer tutors through individualized learning plans, instructional materials, coaching, and monthly training to ensure effective delivery of literacy services.
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ESL and Citizenship Instruction 1 activity
- Host weekly English conversation groupsOrganizes and facilitates weekly English language conversation groups at public libraries in Williamsville and Lackawanna to support adult English language learners in building speaking and listening skills.
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Digital Literacy Training and Technology Access 1 activity
- Offer one-on-one digital literacy tutoringProvides individualized digital literacy instruction for adults, covering computer basics, internet use, job searching, email, and Microsoft Word, with opportunities to earn NorthStar Digital Literacy certifications.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$633K
Contributions & grants$623K98%
Program service revenue$6600%
Investment income$9K1%
Other revenue$614
expenses
Total expenses$623K
Program expenses87%
Admin / overhead8%
Fundraising6%
Salaries & benefits$317K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$514K
Cash$148K
Investments$318K
Liabilities$12K
Net assets$502K
Liquid reserves9.0 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2023 · YoY revenue +37.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TARA SCHAFER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $92K |
board members · 15
- ADAM M DESMOND — DIRECTOR
- DOUGLAS MANDELL JR — DIRECTOR
- DR ANNE EISENBERG — VICE CHAIRPERSON
- HANNAH PISCATELLI — DIRECTOR
- JONELLE GORDON — DIRECTOR
- JUSTINE DAVID — CHAIRPERSON
- KARRIE GEBHARDT — SECRETARY
- KATHRYN WALKER — DIRECTOR
- MARK L TALLEY — DIRECTOR
- MICHAEL BERCHOU — TREASURER
- RACHEL LEIDENFROST — DIRECTOR
- ROYCE L WOODS — DIRECTOR
- SEAN BOWERS CPA — DIRECTOR
- STEPHANIE RIVERA — DIRECTOR
- TRACIE L LOPARDI BROWN — DIRECTOR
relationships · 11
Who they work with
- Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Partner — Collaborative partner in supporting literacy services in the region.
- Buffalo Police Department Athletic League Partner — Collaborative partner in supporting literacy services in the region.
- Central Library in downtown Buffalo Partner — Hosts in-person volunteer tutor training workshops for Literacy Buffalo Niagara.
- Legislator Jeanne Vinal Partner — Hosted a “Night of Consideration” event in collaboration with Literacy Buffalo Niagara to promote volunteer engagement.
- Literacy New York Network — Member organization within the statewide Literacy New York network.
- Literacy New York, Inc. Network — State-level affiliate organization within the Literacy New York network.
- NorthStar Digital Literacy Partner — Partners with NorthStar Digital Literacy to provide certification opportunities for adult learners in digital skills.
- OtherWisz Creative Partner — Designed the organization's website.
- OtherWisz Creative Partner — Website design partner for Literacy Buffalo Niagara.
- ProLiteracy Network — Member organization formed from the merger of Laubach Literacy International and Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc.
- ProLiteracy Partner — Partner organization providing tools for formal advocacy in adult literacy.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Goal-Based Intake and Assessmentmethodology: goal_based_intakeBy conducting goal-based intake interviews and skills assessments, we ensure program fit and inform enrollment decisions, because understanding learner objectives at entry increases retention and instructional relevance.
- Individualized Learner-Centered Instructionmethodology: learner_centered_instructionBy using personalized learning plans and one-on-one tutoring aligned with each learner’s goals, we increase engagement and progress in literacy, because individualized instruction responds directly to learner needs and motivations.
- Long-Term, Consistent Tutoring Engagementmethodology: long_term_consistent_tutoringBy emphasizing long-term commitment and consistent tutoring relationships, we support sustained literacy development, because durable tutor-learner partnerships foster trust, continuity, and deeper learning progress.
- Structured Volunteer Training with Specializationmethodology: modular_specialized_trainingBy providing modular, specialized training for volunteer tutors—dividing them into focused instructional tracks—we improve teaching effectiveness and program coherence, because structured preparation increases tutor confidence and alignment with evidence-based literacy practices.
- Volunteer-Driven One-on-One Tutoring Modelmethodology: volunteer_driven_tutoringBy recruiting and training community volunteers to deliver one-on-one tutoring, we provide personalized literacy instruction at scale, because leveraging local human capital expands access and sustainability while fostering community ownership of literacy outcomes.