Literacy Volunteers of America, Essex and Passaic Counties

"Juneteenth is a celebration and reaffirmation of African American culture, freedom, and hope. This celebration marks the day that enslaved Texans learned that they’d been freed, over two months after Robert E. Lee‘s surrender ended the Civil War, and almost three years after President Abraham Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation." Learn more about this holiday: https://www.esl.org/community/esl-in-the-community/articles/what-is-juneteenth

And take a look at the events you can join around New Jersey to celebrate Juneteenth: https://www.njfamily.com/celebrate-juneteenth-in-new-jersey-at-these-events/

Literacy is more than reading. It's a pathway to opportunity.

Strong literacy skills help adults navigate work, education, healthcare, technology, and daily life. Every tutoring session, every lesson, and every volunteer hour helps create new possibilities.

At LVAEP, adult learners are building confidence, independence, and brighter futures one step at a time.

Join us in making literacy accessible to everyone. https://www.lvaep.org/

When Daniela came to the United States from Colombia in 2022, she arrived with hope and the dream of beginning a new life.
 
Learning English became an important part of that dream. She wanted to communicate better, help her daughter, and create more opportunities for the future.
 
After a few months of studying with LVA, Daniela can see her progress. Her pronunciation has improved, she understands more of the conversation, and she is working on speaking with confidence.
 
One moment she will never forget was the first time she spoke English in a store without fear. It may have seemed small, but for Daniela, it was a sign of how far she had come. 🌟
 
She balances work, motherhood, and classes, and she keeps going with the support of her family, teachers, and tutors.
 
Her advice to other students: “Don’t give up. Practice every day, even if it is only a little.” 📚✨

For a full version of this success story and others visit us @ https://goo.gl/SbZM9S

Learning English? Some of the best learning happens during everyday activities. Look around and choose five new words you see while shopping, commuting, or running errands.

Write the words down, say them aloud, and try using them in a sentence.

Small daily habits can build confidence and strengthen your English skills over time.

What new English word did you learn recently?

Did you know that nearly 28% of U.S. adults scored at the lowest levels of literacy in the latest national assessment? Literacy affects much more than reading books. It impacts access to jobs, healthcare, financial decisions, and everyday opportunities.

At LVAEP, we believe every adult deserves the chance to build the skills and confidence needed to reach their goals.

Whether you're looking to learn, volunteer, or support our mission, you can help create stronger communities through literacy.

EnglishIdioms literacymatters

Holly has worn many hats: midwife, lactation consultant, former NJ public school teacher, homeschooling mom, science educator, and, happily for LVAEP, tutor.
 
She first began teaching with LVAEP in 2014, shortly after returning to Montclair with her family. Her birth work later made it difficult to continue, but she always hoped to come back. About a year ago, she did.
 
For Holly, tutoring is personal. Her own family came to the United States as immigrants fleeing Eastern Europe, and she sees this work as one way to honor their courage by supporting today’s newcomers. She also knows what it feels like to learn a new language in another country.
 
Her student Salif stands out for his warmth, consistency, and determination. He dreams of growing a business, and he sees English as part of that future.
 
For Holly, class feels like a little family: full of laughter, trust, and encouragement. 📚✨🌍

For a full version of this success story and others visit us @ https://goo.gl/SbZM9S