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BUCKHANNON -- A nonprofit organization that has dedicated years to helping community members is at risk of shutting down if a new location is not found soon.
For the past 30 years, Literacy Volunteers of Upshur County has been utilizing office space donated by the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Throughout those years, LVUC has assisted more than 400 Upshur County residents improve their literacy skills.
Currently, LVUC provides free confidential literacy services to adult learners in reading, math, computers, life skills and English as a second language. Volunteer tutors would like to expand the services offered, including literacy in financial, auto care, healthcare and nutrition.
However, the church recently had to make a tough decision in which they would no longer be able to provide the space to LVUC beyond Aug. 31.
LVUC Interim Director Cortney Meriwether and incoming Director Kristy Stewart spoke to Buckhannon City Council recently, expressing their need for a new location.
The duo explained the timing of the relocation is coming during a period of inconsistent leadership and financial instability, as LVUC has had a high turnover with directors in the past few years.
"For three years we've been running a pretty big deficit," Meriwether said. "Which wouldn't be the worst thing because so far we've been turning things around this year. We've had a great 2018 so far."
In order to keep the doors open, the group is relying on a small budget entirely based on fundraising, grants and community support.
"It's a challenge that's coming at a bad time," she said. "But we feel like we're up for it."
Now, the group is appealing to the community for recommendations or assistance with finding a new location.
"Anything that could help solve this solution we believe our services are incredibly necessary to this area," Meriweather said, adding West Virginia's illiteracy rate is estimated to be as high as 19 percent.
She continued, "It's hard for those of us who reading comes so naturally to grasp how extensive that it can affect your life. It can affect grocery shopping, any bills you get in the mail."
Should LVUC seize to exist, Meriwether said she believed it would negatively impact the group's current students as well as potential future students.
"The success stories vary. There's not always someone who's passing a test. Sometimes it's finding independence because we believe literacy is freedom," said Meriwether.
Steward and Meriwether noted the group is not looking for a large space.
"We could really operate with two rooms and a bathroom ... ," she said. "We're not picky. We need a room for tutoring and a room for our desks and that's about it."
For more information on how to help, visit LVUC's website at upshurliteracy.com.