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December 2019
Student Story

“Without coming to LVGH, the things I want to accomplish in life would be impossible. The path to accomplishing my goals starts here.”
 

Growing up in the African country of Mali, Ousmane learned at an early age that success comes from hard work. Years later, when he arrived in the U.S., that mentality was no different. Though he was able to pick up basic English in no time, Ousmane realized how reliant he would still be on others as long as his reading and writing skills were limited. One year ago, he came to LVGH to change that.

You will find Ousmane at LVGH five days a week. He is enrolled in the ESOL and Basic Literacy programs, and finishes the week by attending our Friday Book Club. What makes his desire to learn even more remarkable is that he works as a truck driver for a local distributor seven nights a week. “Working at night, there is a lot of days I don’t want to get out of bed and come to class, but I have to come here. If I don’t come, I will miss something. I need these skills.”

Ousmane’s dedication has paid off. “I love that I am starting to be able to read books now. Maybe one day I will write a book. Since coming to LVGH, I realize that I want to help people like the volunteers here do. I want to help people in my situation.” When asked about his future plans, he said: “If I can read and write, the sky is the limit.” For now, Ousmane is planning a much-needed and well-deserved vacation!

2020 Tutor Training Workshops

Become a Volunteer in the New Year!

 
Have you ever been interested in becoming a volunteer with us? Now is a great time! In addition to teaching literacy classes, volunteers also have the opportunity to assist in the computer lab, in the childcare room, and at special events and fundraisers. Enrollment for our upcoming tutor training workshops is now open. We'll be accepting applications until Tuesday, December 24th. Click here for more information about volunteering, or here to begin your volunteer application. We look forward to working with you!
We're On A Podcast!
"There are as many ways to volunteer as there are people."
 
What better way to learn about volunteering at LVGH than from a volunteer herself?

We are so happy to have been featured once again on Disinvested, a podcast series by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. This time, on an episode titled "What Does it Mean to Be Part of a Community?", 10+ year volunteer Carol Loomis answers this question by sharing what led her to become a volunteer with us and the impact of her experience. 

You can listen to that episode here, and you can check out other episodes here (including Episode 3: Careers, Not Jobs featuring interviews by our Executive Director, CJ Hauss, and ESOL student, Sandra).
2019 Annual Fund
Thank You, Donors

As 2019 nears its close, we'd like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to our Annual Fund this year. Your gift makes a difference in the improvement of our students' lives and in turn, in the strength of our community. If you have not had the chance, there is still time to make a lasting impact in 2019. Thank you for your continued support! 
Donate here. 
Save the Date
Saturday, April 4th, 2020 at The Farmington Club
 
Our 11th  Annual Read.Learn.Grow. Gala will take place on Saturday, April 4th, 2020 at The Farmington Club. Join us for an evening of eating, drinking, dancing, and inspiration. Hear from two student speakers about how literacy has helped to change their lives. Sponsorships and silent auction items are now being accepted. Please contact Erin Dotson-Kelly at erin.dotsonkelly@lvgh.org for more information.
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Copyright © 2019 Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford, All rights reserved.


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