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Craig Newmark Philanthropies Supports New US Citizens with Donation to Literacy Volunteers of Morris County

[2/7/2022] – Three local women– Karon, from Jamaica; Shu Hsiang from Taiwan; and Estela from Argentina all recently achieved a huge milestone in their lives: They became U.S. citizens. All three are students of Literacy Volunteers of Morris County, a local not-for-profit that provides free instruction to adults in reading, writing and English conversation, as well as classes in civics and citizenship. These classes are supported by Craig Newmark Philanthropies, the organization started by craigslist founder Craig Newmark. “I’m proud to renew my support for this organization, which promotes fairness, opportunity and respect for all.” said Craig Newmark.

”I am delighted that Craig Newmark, a graduate of Morristown High School, has not forgotten his roots, and is focused on helping others and making the world a better place,” said Debbie Leon, Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Morris County. “His support enables us to help hundreds of people in Morris County improve their lives, and ensure that no one in our community finds their opportunities limited by their inability to read, write or speak English fluently.”

The generous $25,000 grant from Craig Newmark Philanthropies will enable LVMC to provide instruction to adults from over 50 different countries in U.S civics, citizenship, and American Culture, ensuring that their students learn their legal rights, and become more engaged and active citizens and members of the community.

Literacy Volunteers of Morris County is a non-profit organization that trains volunteers to provide adults with free literacy instruction across over 40 communities in Morris County, New Jersey. LVMC believes that the ability to read, write, comprehend and speak English is essential to personal freedom and the sustainability of a democratic society.

Craig Newmark is a web pioneer, philanthropist, and leading advocate. Best known for founding the online classified ads service craigslist, the Morristown, New Jersey-born Newmark works to support and connect people and drive broad civic engagement.

In 2016, he founded Craig Newmark Philanthropies to advance people and grassroots organizations that are “getting stuff done” in areas that include trustworthy journalism & the information ecosystem, voter protection, women in technology, and veterans & military families. At its core, all of Newmark’s philanthropic work helps to strengthen American democracy by supporting the values that the country aspires to – fairness, opportunity, and respect.