THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 16 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2025 theconnectionsnj.com communicate with her doctor without needing a translator. The ability to give her this autonomy made me feel so proud of her accomplishments in learning English.” Tutor Sau said, “I am often taken aback when a student tells me that I am the only person they speak to in English. It just reminds me of how isolating it can be for them. Being an English tutor is more than just teaching English. You are sharing culture, history, and how things work in America. I find it most rewarding when I hear how they have applied what was taught and practiced into a real-life setting, like talking to other parents at school or chit-chatting with neighbors.” LVSC’s tutors vary in age, background, and experience. Some are working and some are retired. You do not have to be a teacher to be a tutor, and you do not have to speak any language other than English. Tutors complete a four-week training course and are then matched with a student, based on availability, interests, and geography. Volunteering for LVSC gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community while doing it based entirely on your schedule. Join us today! To become a tutor, register for services at Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County, or to learn more, please visit www.literacysomerset.org or call (908) 725-5430. magine having a medical emergency and not being able to tell the doctor what you are experiencing; or getting an email from your child’s school and not understanding a word of what you are reading. These are the kind of everyday situations that motivate non-English speakers to seek services from Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County (LVSC). Founded in 1981, LVSC is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy throughout the community by providing student-centered tutoring and literacy programs for adults so they can function more effectively in their daily lives. The adults LVSC serves struggle to read, write and communicate in English. LVSC accomplishes its mission by training volunteers to provide free English literacy programs. One-to-one and small group tutoring provides adult students with personalized, goal-focused instruction. LVSC LVSC matches trained volunteer tutors with adult students. During weekly tutoring sessions, the tutor and student identify the student’s literacy goals, and lesson plans are structured to help students achieve those goals, such as being able to call 9-1-1, ordering food at a restaurant, or making a haircut appointment. Tutors provide the dual role of English instructor and cultural guide while helping students feel less isolated. With improved literacy skills, adults in our community become more engaged parents, neighbors, and employees. LVSC volunteers also host English conversation groups, which provide students with an opportunity to improve English language comprehension and usage, gain confidence in speaking English, connect with others by practicing everyday conversation, and become culturally acclimated. Demand for LVSC’ LVSC’s services is soaring, with approximately 200 volunteer tutors serving more than 500 students from 51 different countries! Therefore, the need for tutors is great, and it’s a rewarding experience! LVSC pairs tutors and students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Working together, tutor and student boost communication, foster cross-cultural understanding, and often establish long-lasting friendships. Volunteers find the tutoring experience to be very meaningful since they are directly helping someone in our community. Tutor Janet said this about her LVSC volunteer experience: “My student from Costa Rica told me that she was able to confidently COMMUNITY NEWS... Literacy Lasts a Lifetime Imagine having a medical emergen 908-658-3800 (voice) | 908-658-4659 (fax) info@fbolawfirm.com For more information, visit our website: www.fbolawfirm.com 4 Essex Avenue, PO Box 259, Bernardsville, NJ 07924 PRACTICE AREAS: Trust, Estates, Guardianships • School Law • Employment We’re Here When You Need Us Most Elizabeth C. Flanagan Managing Partner Rita F. Barone Partner Michelle M. O’Brien Partner
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