"My name is Lydia* and I am a survivor of domestic violence. I lived in a domestic violence situation for 17 years. I did not think there would ever be any hope for me, or that I would ever make it out alive. With the help of the few strong amazing women in my life who believed in me. They linked me with Family and Children Services of Niagara’s domestic violence shelter Passage House. If you think that there is no hope, I am here to tell you there is a way out. Once for so long I was silent and now I am ready to speak."

"My name is Kimberly, I am 42 years old. I am the mother of 5 beautiful children, and have been blessed with one grandchild. Carolyn’s House has a supportive housing program for homeless women and children run by the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier. After completing my stay at the halfway house, I had nowhere to go. I am proof that it is NEVER too late and you can always make the right change."

"Literacy New York Buffalo-Niagara has been fortunate to have a family of dedicated volunteer tutors for the past 50 years, including volunteers like Chuck Curran. Chuck is an avid reader and active volunteer for a variety of community agencies. After retiring from a career in government social work, he joined LNYBN in 2013 and has been tutoring Constance Lansberry at the Niagara Falls Main Library ever since. "