32 / 68
www.theconnectionsnj.com
Without functional literacy skills many
adults in our community struggle: they can-
not read a street sign, menu, or email; writ-
ing a note to a child’s teacher or a check to
pay a bill is overwhelming; speaking to a
co-worker is daunting and calling 9-1-1
may be impossible. Literacy Volunteers of
Somerset County (LVSC) can help.
Since 1981, LVSC has been training volun-
teers to become literacy tutors who work
with adult students on a one-to-one basis.
Students come to LVSC because they want
to change their lives and they know that
improving their literacy skills is the first
step. Students are matched with a tutor and
the pair meets weekly, usually at the local
library. Together tutors and students work
toward the student’s real life goals – getting
a better job, reading to a child, or becoming
a US citizen. As students’ literacy levels
improve, they become more productive
employees, parents who are engaged in
their child’s education, and active members
of the community.
When LVSC was formed 35 years ago by a
retired school teacher named Alma C. Liot-
ta, the organization’s mission was to help
American-born adults learn to read. At
inception, LVSC did not have paid staff and
served a small number of students. The
world has changed significantly since that
time, but much about LVSC has remained
the same. Today, LVSC has a small staff of
two Bridgewater women who work with
175 volunteers and manage four programs
serving 350 students each year. In addition
to the cornerstone Tutor Training program,
LVSC’s services have expanded to include
English Conversation Groups, US Citizen-
ship Preparation Classes, and English as a
Second Language classes offered in partner-
ship with Spotlight Learning. Although the
size of its program has grown, LVSC
remains a community-focused, nonprofit
organization.
To support a growing garden of literacy
programs, and to celebrate 35 years of serv-
ice, LVSC held a Garden of Literacy Brunch
and Silent Auction in April. During this fes-
tive event, Martha Davis, LVSC Board Pres-
ident, presented LVSC’s Community
Champion Award to Bridgewater Wegmans
Community Giving Team Leader, Sue
Monroe. Ms. Davis remarked, “Wegmans is
not just a supermarket. Wegmans is also
about giving back and making a difference
in every community it serves. Wegmans has
been a wonderful supporter and has taken
abundant care of our event needs. We are
always so grateful to receive a generous
response that they will help us once again.”
Students are grateful for the free assistance
provided by their tutors and have shared
sentiments such as, “my life is better now,”
“my tutor is the breath of life,” and “I am
not afraid of talking with people in English
anymore.” Tutors find the experience to be
equally transformative. One tutor recently
wrote, “After each class my students thank
me profusely… inside I am thanking
them… I have been privileged to have a
glimpse into their lives and struggles, and to
assist along the way. The richness of the
experience will carry with me always.”
Students and volunteers are encouraged to
learn more by visiting literacysomerset.org
or calling the office at (908) 725-5430.
Changing Lives Through Literacy
Bridgewater Wegmans Awarded
as a Community Champion
By: Aimee Lam, Executive Director
LVSC student Esen (l) and tutor Kathy
during a weekly tutoring session.
From L to R, Susan Engelstein (LVSC
Program & Events Manger), Aimee Lam (LVSC
Executive Director), Sue Monroe (Bridgewater
Wegmans Community Giving Team Leader),
and Martha Davis (LVSC Board President)
120 Finderne Avenue
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Willis Athletics
Training Center
Hans Willis - USGTF Golf Instructor
SUMMER CLINICS
Children & Adults
Open Enrollment
Clinics Start July 1
Raritan Golf Range
101 Orlando Drive • Raritan, NJ 08869
908-644-0842 • www.willisathletics.com
FREE 15 Minute
Introductory Golf Lesson
Exp. 8/31/16
10% OFF
All Pro Shop Merchandise
Exp. 8/31/16
New
Location
PAGE 32
Summer Programs 2016
Summer Programs 2016