Have you ever thought about how lucky we are? Most of us learned English as children. Some were even luckier having parents or grandparents who spoke a “foreign” language. Definitely a plus for us but it must have been hard for them to communicate in the 101 ways we do every day – in English. You may have experienced a similar challenge if you visited or perhaps lived in a non-English speaking country. If you did, then you know how much a little help can mean. And, this is where Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area comes in.
Here’s what Literacy Volunteers do
Our goal at Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area is to help adults gain proficiency in the English language. Here’s how we achieve it:
- Our 24 tutors work weekly, one-on-one, with adults who want to improve their English skills.
- Our weekly conversation circles provide the opportunity to practice conversational English.
- Our citizenship preparation classes give students the information and practice needed to pass citizenship exams.
It works: A success story from one of our tutors
It’s about a young woman who arrived from Brazil just one year before graduating from high school. Eliana (not her real name) came to the U.S., got a job, met her future husband, and started a family – still missing that high school diploma. Through her husband’s tutor, Eliana was introduced to LVMONT and matched with a tutor. During COVID restrictions, they met remotely and, with her tutor’s support, Eliana earned her high school equivalency certificate. But she didn’t stop there. She has begun taking community college classes and is now working for a non-profit agency that supports parents and families. Eliana is leaving our program after five years of hard work. We wish her all the best!
Here’s What You Can Do
Today, we are asking you to help us create more stories like Eliana’s. Your gift will help provide a tutor for each of the 30 future students currently on our waiting list. Our goal is to raise $4,500 to recruit, train, and support this new cohort of tutors. Their success depends on your generosity. Please help!
Thanking you in advance,
Lucille R. Cormier, Ph.D.
President
LVMont Board of Directors
Contributions may be made online via Paypal, Venmo (@lvmonta), at our website, or may be made by mailing a check to Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area, PO Box 7197, Fitchburg, MA 01420.