National Headquarters Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. 635 James Street · Syracuse, NY 13202 · (315)472-0001 · FAX (315)472-0002 · [email protected] For Immediate Release Contact: Beverly Miller, ext. 208

February 18, 1999 Literacy Volunteers of America launches new Web site; site made possible by a grant from GTE Syracuse, NY -- A wealth of information on literacy and Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. (LVA) is now available on the World Wide Web at www.literacyvolunteers.org. Ranging from details on LVA's strategic initiatives to human interest stories and photos profiling LVA's adult learners, the site is a unique resource to anyone seeking information on literacy. It includes the services available to those who lack literacy skills, and the opportunities to support literacy through volunteerism or donations. The LVA Web site was made possible by a grant from the GTE Foundation. In 1998, the GTE Foundation renewed its commitment to family literacy and technology by awarding LVA $600,000 over three years to expand the multi-year LVA/GTE Family Literacy and Technology Initiative. As part of this grant, GTE funded the development of the new Web site. Marsha L. Tait, LVA president, stated, "The development of the new Web site has opened up worlds of unanticipated possibilities for LVA in terms of communicating with the general public about the importance of adult literacy. It represents a first step in LVA's initiative to become a leader in the use of technology in the field." "Literacy is the key that unlocks the promise of technology for our nation's families," said Maureen V. Gorman, vice president, GTE Foundation. "That's why GTE is pleased to support the Literacy Volunteers of America's new Web site. Both LVA and GTE recognize the Internet's power to educate, and this new Web site will communicate LVA's programs and resources in ways that were not possible before." The Web site provides a broad range of information on family literacy and technology, some of which is in a password-protected section, "For Affiliates Only," access to which is a benefit of LVA affiliation. Exemplary practices in the area of family literacy and a variety of other topics will be regularly disseminated through the Web site. Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. is a national, not-for-profit educational organization, managed by professionals, which delivers literacy services through a community network of more than 50,000 volunteers and 375 local affiliates nationwide. GTE is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies and is a leading provider of integrated telecommunications services. Through the GTE Foundation, one of the country's largest corporate contributors to philanthropy, GTE has contributed more than $1.5 million to Literacy Volunteers of America during the past 10 years for family literacy programs and the use of technology in literacy instruction, communications and information. The GTE Foundation will invest $30 million in 1999 in charitable and educational organizations on behalf of the company and its business units. ###