In diverse Collier County, Florida, Spanish is spoken as often as English. Beginning in 1984, Literacy Volunteers of Collier County (LVCC) – a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization – has provided English as a second language (ESL), family literacy and citizenship classes to empower immigrants in the community to seize opportunities that require English language skills.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, executive director Susan Spry sought to address the drastic drop in donations and sponsorships the organization relies on for revenue. Spry applied for and received a first-draw PPP loan in early 2020 and immediately used the funds to keep her staff on payroll.
When the program reopened later in the year, Spry hoped to secure additional financing for LVCC. After finding CRF through an internet search, Spry applied for and received a second round PPP loan in 2021. With this loan, LVCC could continue to pay its six employees and maintain all of its program offerings uninterrupted.
LVCC serves thousands of students from various walks of life and countries of origin. With two PPP loans to help support the organization, LVCC can continue to meet the challenges of the county’s growing and diverse population. These efforts help Collier County residents improve job prospects by speaking and understanding English.
Spry now feels optimistic for the future of the organization and its ability to continue delivering services to the community, with a full complement of staff and volunteers that help fulfill the LVCC mission of enhancing the lives of students and their families by improving their English skills.
