NORWICH – For more than 29 years, Literacy Volunteers of Chenango County (LVCC) has played a key role in helping adults reach their personal goals through literacy.

LVCC students and mentors alike were lauded for their dedication, efforts, and accomplishments Thursday as the organization held its annual recognition dinner at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Norwich. LVCC, a subsidiary of Opportunities for Chenango, is credited for helping more than 1,000 individuals through free, one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction for adults in basic literacy and English for speakers of other languages.

The organization currently mentors nearly 30 students with help from approximately 20 tutors, many of whom were honored at Thursday’s gala with awards on behalf of LVCC as well as certificates signed by New York 122nd District Assemblyman Clifford Crouch.

“Sometimes, students don't get that recognition and tutors don't either,” said JoAnn Kishbaugh, who took over as Director for LVCC last winter. “It’s nice to bring them together in one place because it's not often they have that opportunity to interact with other students and other tutors.”

Kishbaugh further complimented students in the program for going through a time of change which she admits can be scary, but it presents an endless list of opportunities.

“I have only been here for nine months and I see all of you are going through change,” she told students. “Change can be difficult sometimes, but it opens up many doors.”