'THERE'S ALWAYS A NEED.' Literacy Chippewa Valley offers free education through an array of programming focused on supporting locals of all ages and life journeys. After seeing record participation in the 2023-2024 year, it's clear the community benefit  is real.

Literacy Chippewa Valley, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has been serving the area for nearly 40 years – but do you know the diverse range of programming and services it offers? Elizabeth Hart, executive director of Literacy Chippewa Valley (LCV), said the organization often feels like a best-kept secret in the community. Their team wants to change that.

“Some people just don’t know all the things we offer or may only associate us with English Language Learning (services) but not family and early childhood development, or anything else,” Hart said in a recent interview. “Yet there’s always a need, it seems.”

In the last year, LCV has already seen an all-time record number of participants in its programs – over 630 individuals – a continuing trend in post-pandemic years, Hart said.

LCV may be best known for its English Language Learning program – a well-utilized service with about 100 participants currently – but that’s not the program with the largest number of partakers. That designation goes to the organization’s Corrections Education program.

What I think really makes a difference is building a space where (people) feel welcome, supported, and free from judgement as they work towards their goals. –Aleah Sauter, Corrections Education instructor

Working with the Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire County jails, LCV educators work with adolescents and adults with over 25 offered courses for individuals to choose from. The Corrections Education program has seen a nearly 20% increase in participation between 2022-23 and 2023-24, with a total 426 students.

“Each participant follows a personalized education plan tailored to their goals,” Corrections Educator Aleah Sauter explained. “My primary role is to guide individuals in selecting their courses and to support them throughout the program until they complete their chosen coursework and earn a certificate.

We try to help whoever wants to further their education (or careers), whether it's because they may have slipped through the cracks and need to get back into education to learn fundaments, or want to be in some of our other programs. –Elizabeth Hart, executive director

Elizabeth Hart pictured with students during an English Language Learning class.

“Many of the individuals I work with are incredibly creative and talented, but they have faced difficult challenges such as childhood trauma, abuse, and environments that didn’t give them a fair chance. A lot of them have never had anyone tell them they are proud of them or that someone believes in them,” Sauter said. “What I think really makes a difference is building a space where they feel welcome, supported, and free from judgement as they work towards their goals.”

“We try to help whoever wants to further their education (or careers), whether it’s because they may have slipped through the cracks and need to get back into education to learn fundamentals or want to be in some of our other programs,” Hart continued.

Programming for incarcerated individuals spans a range of topics including financial literacy, creative writing, parenting, and language, to career-focused courses like resume and interview skill building, entrepreneurship, and certifications like OSHA 10 and Master Craftsman shingle application.

“On top of that, we collaborate with CVTC to help individuals work toward their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED),” Sauter said. “We’re proud to share that we’ve already had over 20 individuals complete their HSED, with many more currently on track to graduate!”

LCV’s Workplace Literacy program – a separate service from the Corrections Education program – also offers classes and certifications support for non-incarcerated people. LCV has offered Workplace Literacy services at the Career Development Center for a number of years, as well as Lunch and Learn events to offer lunch-hour classes for working folks.

A newer avenue to reach more people with the Workplace Literacy program includes LCV’s on-site offering, which has been used by area dairy farms and different manufacturing sites. The offering increases Workplace Literacy accessibility by bringing an educator to working people instead of the other way around.

Literacy Chippewa Valley also has a childcare space for parents to bring their little ones (0-3 years old) while attending courses.

By collaborating with Chippewa Valley Technical College, LCV is able to offer certifications and introductory courses related to several job sectors, including food service, manufacturing, hospitality, technology, and more. “The certificates are typically industry recognized which can give you a little bit of an edge when applying for jobs,” Hart said.

“We try to help whoever wants to further their education (or careers), whether it’s because they may have slipped through the cracks and need to get back into education to learn fundamentals or want to be in some of our other programs,” Hart continued. “We have all these programs and try to fill niches that maybe other bigger area institutions can’t, and we can get the job done with quality, and often on shorter notice.”

LCV has a small-yet-mighty staff – two Corrections Education instructors, one English Language Learning instructor, and one childcare instructor – with a pool of community volunteers. Those local volunteers offer one-on-one tutoring in English, math, certification study support, and more.

As participation grows for the organization, LCV hopes awareness grows in tandem. For those interested in joining one of its programs or volunteering, visit its downtown Eau Claire location (221 W. Madison St., Suite #6) or call at (715) 834-0222.

Learn more about Literacy Chippewa Valley at www.literacychippewavalley.org and keep up with the organization on Facebook.