Whether it’s lack of education or a language barrier, Buffalo is still faced with a serious literacy issue. Buffalo’s illiteracy rate is 30%; 10% higher than the national average. 63% of all U.S. jobs now require education beyond high school. Yet, nearly half of the U.S. workforce has only a high school education or less, and/or low English proficiency. This severely limits their access to jobs, college, and citizenship, and increases their vulnerability to living in poverty.

Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara Inc., is a nonprofit and the region’s sole provider of free, one-on-one adult literacy services in Erie and Niagara counties, helping adults learn to read, write or speak English better.

This is our largest annual fundraiser and the evening will include two (2) complimentary drink tickets, heavy hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, live music and a gift certificate raffle.

Proceeds from the evening will directly benefit our adult literacy programming, which serves approximately 300 adult learners, providing them with the opportunity to succeed and the confidence to achieve their personal goals. That’s what matters.