About Us

The Newland Center for Adult Learning and Literacy was founded in 1990 by Phyllis M. Newland under the sponsorship of Laubach Literacy (now ProLiteracy) as a neighborhood center to provide free literacy instruction to adults who were reading below a 4th grade level.

The most significant difference between The Newland Center and other programs is the belief that learners must be true partners in their learning experience.  Through this partnership students are encouraged to participate in all center operations.  

Students at The Newland Center can choose one-on-one or small group instruction, or independent learning at the computer labs in the center.

For more than a decade since its founding, The Newland Center has served more than 1,000 adults with 70,000 plus hours of instruction by more than 200 dedicated volunteer tutors.  The Newland Center has, on occasion, been able to send students to regional and national literacy conferences for further training and learning with other students from across the country.  This additional experience, training and support helps enable students to assume leadership roles.

In 2003, The Newland Center was chartered in New York State as a non-profit corporation and is managed by a board of directors, consisting of volunteer members.  

On May 1, 2004, The Newland Center officially established itself as an independent organization, affiliated with but no longer under the direct auspices of ProLiteracy Worldwide.  

In memory of our founder, Phyllis Newland, The Learning Place name was changed on our 20th anniversary in 2010, to The Newland Center for Adult Learning and Literacy.  

Since our doors have opened, the vision for the center has continued in the tradition of our founder.  With the help of volunteers we continue to provide necessary literacy services to our students.