Established in 1635, Hartford, Connecticut — one of America’s oldest cities — has always been a city shaped by stories. From the literary legacies of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain to the voices influencing its future today, Hartford’s narrative continues to grow with its community.
One chapter of this story centers on the spot where local inventor William Gray introduced the nation’s first pay phone — an innovation that changed how people connected. Though the pay phone is now a relic of the past, its historic location remains relevant: it stands just steps away from Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford (LVGH), an organization dedicated to empowering communication in its most lifechanging form — literacy.
Today, the spirit of connection lives on through the partnership between Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford and Goodwin University. Bound by a shared mission, these two institutions collaborate to amplify voices, expand access to opportunity, and empower the community through education, career readiness, and lifelong learning.
Breaking barriers through literacy
Contrary to common perceptions, literacy challenges are more prevalent in Connecticut than many locals realize. Stephen Morris, executive director of LVGH, notes that while the state includes some of the wealthiest regions in the country, literacy remains a pressing issue for many residents. In the Greater Hartford area alone, approximately 19% of adults read at or below a second-grade level — amounting to over 200,000 residents. These staggering numbers underscore the ongoing need for Literacy Volunteers’ vital services, as well as the power of literacy to transform lives, families, and communities.
Since its founding in 1972, LVGH has been committed to addressing adult literacy needs across the region. By strengthening communication skills and building confidence, Literacy Volunteers empowers diverse learners to pursue higher-paying jobs, overcome language barriers, and support their children’s literacy at home.
Today, LVGH offers a range of accessible classes to the community — including basic literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), digital literacy, career pathways, and more. Most recently, the organization introduced an on-site daycare room — an essential resource that allows parents to pursue their education without the added worry of childcare. With every new initiative, LVGH reaffirms its mission to meet learners where they are by removing barriers, opening doors, and championing lifelong growth.
Personalized learning with a practical impact
Always putting individual student needs first, Literacy Volunteers maintains small class sizes while tailoring instruction to each student’s goals, with a focus on developing reading, writing, and speaking skills that lead to real, tangible improvements in daily life.
“This model creates a unique atmosphere,” notes Rebecca Hawkins, director of programs at LVGH. “There isn’t the same pressure as a traditional classroom. Students can move at their own pace to meet their own milestones.”
This flexibility is especially critical for English language learners.
“We have students who come to us from other countries with advanced degrees and professional experience,” explains Hawkins. “But language can be a significant barrier — and many of their credentials aren’t recognized here in the United States. As a result, they’re often starting their lives and careers over from scratch.”
For these learners, LVGH offers far more than English instruction. It becomes a safe harbor — a place of belonging, empowerment, and possibility. Cristina, an English language student, shared how deeply the program has impacted her life:
“At 50, I arrived in the U.S. from Brazil, where I had been working as a lawyer. But I haven’t been able to practice here,” she said. “Learning English is important in our global world. I’m so glad to be at LVGH because I feel comfortable here and love the relationships I’ve built.”
Cristina’s story is only one of many, highlighting how LVGH helps learners reclaim their confidence, rebuild their careers, and find community in a new country.
Did you know that Goodwin offers SNAP Employment and Training programs in Manufacturing, Healthcare, and more? Learn how Goodwin can help you begin your next chapter
Turning the page — together
Goodwin University and LVGH forged a strong alliance rooted in a shared vision: providing accessible education for adult learners in the Greater Hartford area. As Stephen Morris observes, “LVGH and Goodwin serve similar communities and have overlapping missions. It’s been a very natural partnership and benefits both nonprofits.”
Goodwin faculty lend their expertise to the governance of Literacy Volunteers. Dr. Lisa Wiśniewski, Faculty Senate president and professor of Sociology, has served on the LVGH Volunteer Board for over a year.
“I am proud to serve on their board,” Wiśniewski shares. “LVGH is a place of hope, shaped by the warmth, dedication, and kindness of the individuals who make up the organization.” She continues, “Their holistic approach — changing lives through literacy — makes an impact every day on the people they work with, the Hartford community, and the state of Connecticut.”
Beyond serving on LVGH’s board, Goodwin faculty are bringing their instruction directly into the community. Dr. Robert LeGary, Jr., program director of Master of Education, associate professor of Education, and teaching fellow, dedicates his time to teaching at the center — an effort that benefits not only students but also fellow volunteers.
“Rob has been a wonderful asset to Literacy Volunteers,” says executive director Stephen Morris. “He’s great with our students and brings a skillset that helps our volunteers grow as literacy educators, too.”
Dr. LeGary echoes that appreciation.
“From my very first meeting with Stephen Morris, I was captivated by his passion, competency, and care for literacy work in the Greater Hartford area,” he says. “Volunteering as an ESOL tutor at LVGH has been transformational, beautiful, and inspiring for me. The students, professional staff, and fellow tutors have enriched my own teaching practice in ways I never expected.”
The partnership between Goodwin and LVGH reflects what’s possible when institutions align their values — creating lasting impact through education, empathy, and service.
Student-to-student support
This spirit of collaboration extends beyond literacy instruction. Through the partnership, Goodwin University’s Dental Hygiene students gain valuable, hands-on experience by teaching oral health literacy to LVGH learners — a win-win opportunity that benefits both groups.
For Dental Hygiene students, it’s a chance to build practical skills while engaging with the broader community in meaningful ways. For LVGH students, it’s an opportunity to learn about oral health and discover a valuable resource: accessible dental cleanings at no cost. “Our students learn they can receive free cleanings in East Hartford at Goodwin’s Dental Hygiene Clinic and we’ve had a few people take advantage of that,” Morris highlights.
By connecting education with essential services, the collaboration between the University and Literacy Volunteers continues to knock down barriers and uplift learners at both organizations.
A perennial partnership
Reflecting on our ongoing partnership, Stephen Morris looks ahead with optimism. “We’re exploring new ways to connect with the University and collaborate in meaningful ways that support our communities,” he shares.
Dr. LeGary reiterates this sense of purpose, emphasizing that the transformative power of LVGH extends beyond its students to the volunteers themselves. While literacy is at the heart of the mission, he believes the organization’s true impact lies in its ability to help adults “develop career-readiness skills, access community resources, and engage with their local communities to achieve their dreams.” He adds, “LVGH exemplifies compassion, care, and dedication in helping adults realize their potential.”
At its core, this enduring alliance is built on shared values: lifelong learning, accessible education, and a commitment to community. With these principles as their guide, Goodwin University and Literacy Volunteers are poised to continue making a lasting difference in Greater Hartford — together.
At Goodwin University, we start with you — providing the support and individualized instruction you deserve on your journey to crushing your career goals. Learn more about starting your student success story today
Bri Gagné is a content developer at Goodwin University, bringing backgrounds in literary studies, creative storytelling, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and social justice. They earned their bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Film Studies, and Gender Studies from University of Connecticut and a master’s in Elementary Education from Eastern Connecticut State University.
After teaching English abroad and locally, Bri transitioned to a full-time writing career, contributing to the University’s educational narratives and brand-building efforts. They are currently earning their Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing at Emerson College.