LVA-PW Mission and Organization
Giving the Gift Of Literacy
For 35 years, Literacy Volunteers of America- Prince William (LVA-PW) has helped adults in Prince William's County gain dignity. Equity and inspiration through the gift of literacy and health literacy.
Our mission is to provide free instruction that helps adults read, write, speak, and listen in English so they can achieve personal and employment goals, better support their families, and fully participate in their communities. We envision a county where adults are not held back by lower literacy or limited access to education or health information.
Our work is guided by values of equity, inclusion, and respect for the lived experiences of our learners, many of whom face.
Our Story
Literacy Volunteers of America–Prince William was founded 35 years ago by Dona Swanson, a longtime Prince William County resident and library manager who recognized that many adults were being excluded from opportunity simply because they could not read, write, or communicate confidently in English. As she later reflected, she responded to “a need in Prince William County to create an organization that could help adults improve their lives and the lives of their families through literacy.” What began as a small, volunteer-driven effort was rooted in her belief that literacy restores dignity and opens doors—for individuals, families, and the broader community.
Dona often spoke about everyday moments that defined success, "when a 33-year old construction worker learns to read the words 'I can build a house'; when a 54-year old housewife learns to write a check or a love letter to her husband, I know I've made a worthwhile contribution to my community. And that is soul-satisfying.” These moments shaped LVA-PW’s early focus on practical, learner-centered instruction that met adults where they were and addressed real needs in their daily lives. That emphasis on respect, relevance, and human connection continues to guide LVA-PW’s work today.
