2023-24

Volunteers' Stories 2023-24

Everyone has a story, unusual, exciting, different. Many of them are just waiting to be read by others. From the front lines in Bosnia to the front office in Manhattan, Literacy Volunteers of America tutors come to us with fascinating backgrounds. We are proud to share the highlights of these amazing individuals who bring their varied experiences to our students.

Enjoy reading about people like the former missionary who provided medical supplies to remote villages, retired business people, lawyers, healthcare providers, college students, building for the future, who generously share their wealth of newly acquired knowledge, and even mothers whose role as primary as caregiver for their children willingly juggle home life, work as well as tutoring.

Sally Rice

In the heart of Essex County, New Jersey, a dedicated leader, Sally Rice, has been championing literacy for almost four decades. Sally's journey began in the 1980s as the Supervising Librarian and Coordinator of Adult Services for the East Orange Public Library. Her passion for literacy led her to represent the library in the Essex Literacy Consortium, setting her on a path of profound impact.

Sally's commitment to literacy deepened when she joined the Board of Directors of Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA) Essex County. Her involvement continued as LVA Essex County merged with the Newark branch in 1993, and she took the helm as President from 1995 to 2006 and later resumed the role from 2009 to the present having added Passaic County to their area of support as well.

One of Sally's favorite initiatives was the annual awards ceremony, celebrating student and tutor accomplishments that brought the community together. The program demonstrated the tangible results of their hard work, from students achieving personal goals like obtaining a driver's license or U.S. citizenship to tutors finding personal fulfillment in their experiences.

When asked about a standout student or moment, Sally emphasized the diverse group tutoring approach that this LVA chapter has adopted. With students seeking assistance for various reasons, from citizenship tests to practical life skills, it's challenging to pinpoint just one memorable experience. However, Sally highlighted the inspiring work of Ruth Colvin, the founder of LVA in Syracuse, who has earned numerous awards for her contributions to literacy.

For Sally, what sets LVA apart is the flexibility it offers tutors in tailoring their teaching methods to students' unique life experiences. Whether helping someone pass a citizenship test or achieve personal goals, the program allows for creative teaching approaches.

Sally's personal commitment to literacy is rooted in her lifelong career as a librarian. She recognizes the need for literacy support not only in the context of libraries but also for those new to the country and those struggling with functional illiteracy. She's also an avid traveler who recently returned from a vacation in Cape Cod, a place that has held a special spot in her heart since the 1950s.

Reflecting on the challenges LVA faces, Sally mentioned the shifting landscape of funding sources and state requirements for grants. Despite these hurdles, she remains resolute in her dedication to the program. "The rewards outweigh the challenges," she affirms, highlighting the program's transformational impact on students and tutors.

As she contemplates passing the torch, Sally Rice's legacy as a champion for literacy in Essex County continues to illuminate the path forward. Her unwavering commitment to the cause reminds us that literacy is not just about reading and writing—it's about empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential, one word at a time.

Olga Roberts

Within the dynamic landscape of LVA of Essex & Passaic Counties, a genuine and down-to-earth figure named Olga Roberts enriches the tapestry of learning and growth.

Olga's connection with ESOL volunteering and teaching at LVA and NCC dates back to 2018. Her educational background includes a New School for Social Research certificate and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rutgers University, Newark. Olga's professional journey spans from real estate brokerage to advertising and public relations in the bustling city of New York, coupled with her experiences as a former restaurant worker.

Her story takes an international twist, reflecting her own immigrant experience from England to New York City in 1964. This transition placed her in the midst of a Ukrainian family, and her familiarity with English became a bridge between languages and cultures.

Driven by her passion for teaching, Olga's journey with LVA began with volunteering, guiding three students on their language-learning path. She has also stepped into the role of a teacher, leading a class of thirty.

One memorable student, an immigrant from Peru, stands out for his dedication despite his grueling 14-hour shifts as a cook. To support this particular student, Olga found a short book on the story of Mohammed Ali, someone the student really admired. Sitting in the downstairs area of the library working one-on-one, they got to a part of the book that shares how Cassius Clay, at fourteen years old, had never been out with a girl or introduced to women faints the moment his first date says hello. Coming from a culture where this would be unthinkable, Olga's student laughed like crazy. His commitment and Olga’s creativity in engaging him echo the resilience and determination that defines the spirit of LVA's community.

Olga's classroom is not just a space for learning but also a haven of laughter, courage, and camaraderie. She admires her students' unwavering kindness, humor, and courage, knowing the hardships they’ve experienced as immigrants and even in their journey to the U.S. Olga appreciates their upbeat outlook on life.

When asked about something that’s left an impression, Olga shared how hard everyone at LVA works and highlighted the need for increased funding to help programs like LVA continue to expand their reach. “The program needs to expand to meet the needs of incoming immigrants,” – she shared.

Beyond her role as a tutor, Olga reveals a lesser-known facet—in her days as a college student, she took on some catering gigs and found herself at an event for none other than the iconic Rolling Stones!

Olga's approach to teaching is summed up in her promise to students—a mix of hard work and a touch of fun. Her commitment to education is underpinned by her ability to foster a sense of camaraderie that enriches the lives of every student she encounters. Her journey embodies the essence of LVA's mission—a celebration of education, community, and the human spirit.

Eve Peterson

A resident of the City of Orange is making a significant impact on the lives of students through her dedication to teaching literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL). Meet Eve Peterson, a passionate advocate for education and community empowerment.

With a diverse professional background encompassing community activism, marketing, and consulting for nonprofits, Eve's love for learning and helping others led her to volunteer with Literacy Volunteers of Essex and Passaic Counties in November 2019. Drawn to the program by her previous experiences teaching English in France and her passion for languages, Eve saw it as a perfect fit.

One of Eve's most memorable experiences was with her student, Marie. Marie arrived with no previous schooling and lacked the ability to read or write. Together, they embarked on a journey that continues to transform Marie's life. The joy and triumph were palpable the day Marie read her first sentence on her own. Despite being physically apart and communicating through WhatsApp, their smiles and laughter transcended the distance, marking a monumental milestone.

However, teaching Marie English presented its challenges. Having never studied the language before, Marie struggled to comprehend and speak it, despite living in the States for a decade. Eve recognized the need to make the lessons relevant to Marie's life and culture, generating text and using materials that resonated with her experiences. From personal narratives to picture books, Eve aimed to provide Marie with a well-rounded reading experience, allowing her to immerse herself in stories and nurture a love for literature.

The journey towards literacy and English fluency as an adult in a foreign language demands patience and perseverance. As a busy adult trying to earn a living, Marie often lacked the energy and time for homework, so progress has come slowly. Eve has been employing many creative teaching methods, including videos visually reinforcing phonics and letter combinations. To bridge language barriers, Eve occasionally resorted to speaking French, Marie's native language.

Eve's dedication to teaching has transformed Marie’s life and enriched her own. Through her experience with the literacy program, Eve has gained a profound understanding of cultural humility and the struggles faced by immigrants. She has delved deep into Guinea's rich heritage (where Marie is originally from), expanding her knowledge of West African culture, food, politics, and history. Beyond academic growth, Eve has formed a genuine connection with Marie, a compassionate individual with contagious laughter and a heart of gold.

Outside the classroom, Eve harbors a lesser-known passion: dancing. Behind the steadfast tutor, Eve enjoys travel, gardening, tai chi, swimming, hiking, paddling, yoga, reading, cooking, volunteering on political campaigns, taking in theater and museums, and spending time with friends and family, including her three grandnieces.

Helping someone learn a new language from scratch, including a new alphabet and writing skills, takes a lot of effort and dedication. With her unwavering commitment, Eve is making a difference, one student at a time.