Tara Schafer of Buffalo Niagara Literacy

Buffalo, New York (WBEN) Some people choose their career, for others the career chooses them.

Tara Schafer worked in the associative world around ten years ago
when the board of Literacy Buffalo Niagara approached her.

“Working with a nonprofit is such a rewarding experience,” she told Susan Rose.

Schafer said his background is in transformational leadership. “I thrive in environments that need a little TLC. The Literacy Buffalo Niagara (LBN) board tapped into her expertise as they went through a transition and the more she learned about the mission and organization, the more meaningful it became for her.

She ended up applying for the vacant executive director position, got the job, and never looked back.

Adult literacy is a bigger problem than we think.

“We estimate that 17% of adults in Erie and Niagara counties struggle with low literacy. That’s about 147,000 people,” she said. “It’s mind-blowing. It torments a lot of our friends and families, but we don’t always see it as an obvious problem. But when you see it, it breaks your heart and you want to help.”

Buffalo Niagara Literacy primarily serves two different populations. Refugees and immigrants who come to Western New York, and they also serve a significant number of people who have faced challenges throughout their lives, perhaps due to a mental health disorder. learning, or perhaps they have gone backwards.
in reading levels over the years.

LBN is a voluntary organization. They are always recruiting volunteers.

“The work we do is mostly due to the goodness of heart of the entire community,” she said. “At any given time, we have hundreds of volunteers helping us every year.”

The group’s primary funding source is the New York State Department of Education. They also receive generous sponsorships from businesses in the community.

“I would like to recognize West Herr Automotive Group. They have been a tremendous supporter of the work we do. They also help us find volunteers,” Schafer added.

Additionally, LBN receives generous donations from personal donors. Find a link to donate or volunteer HERE.

Tara is not only the executive director, but also a literacy tutor. “I have been working with two students for three years. Two sisters from Vietnam. Their understanding of the language has increased exponentially. We talk about everyday things. This helps them increase their self-confidence and become a more functional part of our company. For me, it’s the highlight of my week. It’s a way for me to give back.”

Schafer said she was honored to be recognized as an “altruist among us.”

“I feel very privileged to be part of a community where we recognize everyone else and the work we do. I just hope that if anyone wants to get involved in the community, they will consider becoming a literacy volunteer.