Page 61 - 2025 Van Buren Chamber Community Profile

THE CHAMBER

Crawford County Volunteers for Literacy
(CCVFL).
Jessica Blasingame, Executive
Director of CCVFL, said 20 students, who
were unable to read at a third grade level
when they enrolled, are currently being
served by the organization’s volunteer
tutors in a variety of locations around the
county. “If they are 16 years old or older,
not enrolled in the school system, and
not proficient in reading, they are eligible
to enroll with us,” Blasingame explained.
Students are referred from several
sources, including potential employers,
Crawford County Adult Education
Center, 100 Families, and by word of
mouth. “Most have been able to reach
adulthood by memorizing or faking their
way through their younger lives, and
learning to actually read and comprehend
creates a real life-change for these
individuals,” she added.
CCVFL is funded by a combination Jessica Blasingame (left), Executive Director of Crawford County Volunteers for
of state grants, private donations, and Literacy, and Shirley Yeager, owner of Shamrock Liquor, renew their partnership for Read
two main fundraising events – Read Between the Wines. Photo by John Speck
Between the Wines in spring and Taste of
Crawford County in the fall. “The business
community in general and Chamber
members particularly have been very
supportive of us,” Blasingame stated.
“Our fundraisers have always had great
sponsors and wonderful attendance.”
Shirley Yeager, owner of Shamrock
Liquor, has been a sponsor of Read free services to expecting mothers & fathers
Between the Wines since the event
was created. “I was always impressed Leaving a Legacy For Generations to Come!
with Jessica, and the way she runs this
organization,” Yeager said. “When she
invited us to be a big sponsor, we could
see the benefit to the community and Pregnancy Tests Peer Counseling
were glad to be able to participate.”
Many local businesses provide Ultrasounds Post Abortion Counseling
volunteers to tutor students. Such
support demonstrates the community’s Maternity & Baby Closets Community Assistance Referrals
understanding of the importantce
of having an adult population that is Baby Boutique Earn While You Learn Parenting Classes
prepared for greater success. “We have
banks who have put on Financial Literacy Adoption Referrals INVEST Fatherhood Program
workshops with our students, which takes
them to the next step toward a successful
life,” Blasingame described.
For more information about services “Our choices about the lives we live determine the kinds of legacies we leave.”
or volunteering, visit the CCVFL website, Tavis Smiley
www.ccvliteracy.org or call (479) 474-4594.
vanburenchamber.org Van Buren Chamber 2025 Community Profile 61