Morris Literacy Volunteers receive $25K from Craig Newmark, craigslist founder and Morristown High alum

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County. From left: from left: Robert Falcone, LVMC tutor, Xiaodong Xu, Tatiana Gomez; LVMC Executive Director, Debbie Leon: Martha Yepes, Karla Osorto, Husniye Ucmakli and Aslinur Arasam. Photo: LVMC
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From the Literacy Volunteers of Morris County:

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County Receives $25K in Support from Craig Newmark Philanthropies
Gift from organization of craigslist founder to help increase adult literacy and civic engagement in New Jersey community

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County, a local nonprofit that promotes English literacy and fluency for adult learners, is pleased to announce a generous gift of $25,000 from Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

This philanthropic funding from the organization of craigslist founder Craig Newmark will help to ensure that students achieve fluency in English, learn their legal rights, and be active community members. It is the second donation of this size that the foundation has made to Literacy Volunteers.

Craig Newmark, billionaire founder of Craigslist, is an avowed nerd with a passion for Judaism and journalism. Photo by Norm Levin/ JWeekly.com
Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist. Photo by Norm Levin/ JWeekly.com

“I am delighted that Craig Newmark, a Morristown native, has made this additional investment in our community,” said Debbie Leon, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Morris County.

“His support will enable us to help hundreds of people in Morris County improve their lives and become more engaged members of society.”

Asking for help can be difficult. With the support of Literacy Volunteers, adult students from diverse backgrounds attend free, one-one-one and/or group classes to improve their skills in a welcoming and encouraging environment.

For over 30 years, the nonprofit has provided English speaking, reading, and writing tutoring services, as well as classes on U.S. civics and citizenship. Currently, over 300 volunteer tutors provide instruction to more than 500 students throughout Morris County, NJ.

“The training that Literacy Volunteers of Morris County provides is bolstering this New Jersey community, my childhood home, by helping to keep folks informed and supporting them in being good neighbors,” said Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

“I’m proud to renew my support for this organization, which promotes fairness, opportunity, and respect for all.”

For more information regarding Literacy Volunteers of Morris County, the organization may be contacted by phone at (973) 984-1998 and by email.

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County is a non-profit organization of trained volunteers who are dedicated to providing adults with one-to-one and small group tutoring across over 40 communities in Morris County, New Jersey. We believe that the ability to read, write, comprehend and speak English is essential to personal freedom and the sustainability of a democratic society. To learn more, visit: LVMorris.org.

About Craig Newmark Philanthropies

Craig Newmark Philanthropies was created by craigslist founder Craig Newmark to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement. It works to advance grassroots organizations that are getting stuff done in areas that include trustworthy journalism & the information ecosystem, voter protection, gender diversity in technology, and veterans & military families. For more information, please visit: CraigNewmarkPhilanthropies.org.

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