Milestones

Awards

1983

Gail Borden Public Library staff identified the need for a tutoring program that would help English-speaking non-readers learn to read.

1984

Steering committee formed. Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) affiliate created. Gail Borden Public Library donates space and other resources to start the organization. First tutor training held.

1985

Gail Borden Public Library received grant to establish an LVA Elgin Area affiliate, which held its first meeting and was incorporated in November.

1986

Organization received funding from then-new Secretary of State’s literacy grant program, and hired first full-time Executive Director, Bev Cohen Saiz.

LVA’s Administrative Volunteer of the Year Award given to Theresa Garry, a Gail Borden Public Library staff member who helped establish the LVA Elgin Area Affiliate. Garry was one of the first tutors and long-time Board member.

1987

ESL program began. Theresa Garry elected to LVA National Board of Directors.

1988

First Spelling Bee fundraiser held.

1989

LVA Elgin became a United Way partner agency.

A learner was named ESL Student of the Year

1990

Workplace Literacy program began.

1991

Organization named LVA Affiliate of the Year

1992

Family Literacy program began.

1995

Named changed to The Literacy Connection.

1998

First Trivia Bee fundraiser was held, replacing Spelling Bee. Karen Oswald became The Literacy Connection’s second Executive Director.

1999

A learner was named ESL Student of the Year

2000

A learner was named ESL Student of the Year

2001

The Literacy Connection became accredited.

2002

LVA became ProLiteracy America

2003

The Literacy Connection moved to the new Gail Borden Public Library.

Albert Guevara named LVA Tutor of the Year

2009

Celebrated 25 Years of Literacy Education

Received The Business Ledger’s Annual Award for Business Excellence (AABE) in the “Notable Non-Profit” category.

2014

Celebrated 30th Anniversary

2023

Received Elgin Hispanic Network's "Organization of the Year" award.