Literacy Volunteers of America, Essex & Passaic Counties, NJ Inc.

March 2025

Volume 13, Issue 3

The Insider

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The Insider, the monthly newsletter of LVA Essex & Passaic Counties, will keep you in the loop on all the organization’s upcoming events.

We were glad to welcome Dr. Barbara Trueger once more in February to support our tutors in learning "Tips & Tricks: Basics Writing Skills II" as a continuation of the first part, to support tutors in how to expand the teaching of composition skills by not only enriching their knowledge, but also their comfort zone and self-confidence.

Literacy Volunteers of America Essex & Passaic Counties

90 Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
(973) 566-6200, ext. 217 or 225

195 Gregory Avenue, 2nd Floor, Passaic, NJ 07055
(973) 470-0039

Cristhian Barcelos        -Executive Director
                                           [email protected]
Jorge Chavez                 -Data Processing Coordinator
                                           [email protected]
Sydnay Eckerling         -Education Coordinator
                                           [email protected]
Valeria Garrido             -Social Media & Newsletter Coordinator
                                           [email protected]
Cheryl Locastro            -Tutor Support Specialist & ESOL Instructor
                                           [email protected]
Marisol Ramirez           -Student Coordinator
                                           [email protected]

Greetings LVA family!

As the days grow longer and spring draws near, we’re excited to bring you another edition of the LVAEP newsletter, packed with stories of perseverance, growth, and the impact of education.

This month, we spotlight the journey of our own Executive Director, whose story is a testament to the transformative power of literacy and lifelong learning. Having gone through the challenges of adapting to a new language, Cristhian knew from direct experience what the journey was like and how he could impact the lives of others when he joined LVA.

We also invite you to meet Jimena, a determined English learner whose inspiring progress reminds us why our mission matters. When Jimena first joined our program, she struggled to communicate in everyday situations. But through dedication, hard work, and the support of her tutors, she has gained the confidence to express herself more fluently.

In addition, we’re featuring an article on the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education. This article explains how IES works to improve educational outcomes through research, statistics, and evaluation—critical efforts that help shape policies and programs affecting learners nationwide.

And don’t forget to review the selection of articles we have curated for you to learn more about what’s in the news related to literacy and adult education.

We hope these stories inspire and encourage you as much as they do us. Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting the life-changing work of literacy education.

We are grateful to each of you for being part of the LVA community!

In the News

Copy and paste the highlighted website into an internet search bar to view the following stories.

“The Literacy Crisis in the United States is Everyone’s Problem.” The Viewpoint. https://bit.ly/3FDJWBH

“This curriculum helps immigrant students fill learning gaps." EdSource Podcast. https://bit.ly/4iZxQRw

“Raising Literacy Rates in the Digital Age.” neaToday. https://bit.ly/4hfWNXO

Jimena arrived from Ecuador only three years ago after waiting 15 years for her opportunity. She knew she needed to prioritize learning English, and she found resources at a local library in Queens, where she first lived. When she moved to New Jersey, she continued her learning journey at LVAEP.

Tutor Training Workshops

Online Training, by TBD
Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ)
Tuesdays 6 to 8 pm
Mar. 25, & Apr. 1, 2025

Online Training, by TBD
Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ)
Mondays & Wednesdays, 9:30 to 11:30 am
May 19, 21, 28, Jun. 2, & 4, 2025

Online Training, by Barb Hathaway
Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ)
Mondays & Wednesdays 9:30 to 11:30 am
Jun. 2, 4, 9, 11, & 16, 2025

Tutor Support Workshops

"LVA’s Approach to Adult Education," with Cristhian Barcelos
Bloomfield Public Library, Little Theater
Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 11 am to 12:30 pm

"ESL Listening Comprehension: The Least Understood and Most Overlooked Language Skill," with Dr. Jan Adversario
Platform: Google Meet
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Coffee Hour with Tutors
with Cheryl Locastro

Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 3pm (Themed online meeting)

http://www.lvaep.org/workshops.html

Getting to Know Us
Jimena, LVA student
by Valeria Garrido

Three years ago, Jimena arrived in the United States from Cuenca, Ecuador, after waiting 15 years for the opportunity. Her sister, a U.S. citizen, had petitioned for her entry, and when the day finally arrived, she stepped into a world full of possibilities but also daunting challenges. Chief among them was learning English.

Life in Queens, where she first lived, was overwhelming. Everything was in English, making even simple tasks difficult. Determined to adapt, she sought resources to help her learn the language. A visit to the local library introduced her to literacy programs, but she wasn’t able to enroll at the time. When she later moved to Passaic, she saw a flyer for LVA and reached out. That connection changed everything.

“I started with the alphabet, like a child,” she recalls. It was humbling, but she persisted. Over time, her grammar, reading, and speech improved. Pronunciation remained her biggest challenge, but with daily practice, she kept moving forward.

In Ecuador, Jimena had trained as an accounting assistant and began studying to become a math teacher before family responsibilities shifted her focus. As a single mother, she prioritized her children’s education, putting her own dreams on hold. “My biggest accomplishment is my children—they have studied and progressed. I feel proud of supporting them.”

Now, in the U.S., she was determined to create new opportunities. Learning English was not just about communication—it was about independence and growth. She balanced her studies with work, initially taking weekend shifts to support herself. Eventually, she stepped back from weekend work to take computer classes, recognizing education as a steppingstone to a better future. Her journey has been filled with challenges. While working for UberEats, she faced a setback when her parked car was hit, and insurance only covered part of the loss. But she refused to be discouraged. “Sometimes I struggle to remember things, but I keep going,” she says.

Through LVA, she found more than just language skills—she found confidence. “I was afraid to speak, but my tutors gave me the confidence to try.” She set her computer to English, practiced every day, and sought help when needed.

Jimena dreams of bringing her children to the U.S., gaining citizenship, and building a stable future. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings her closer. She has learned that progress isn’t about speed but persistence, and with every new word, she moves closer to the life she envisions.

Literacy opens a wide door to life. Help us keep that door open with your donation!

Thanks in large part to you, we can aid hundreds of students each year. Please continue your efforts to improve the lives of others by giving the gift of literacy.

http://www.lvaep.org/donate.html

What is IES and what does it do?

Story by USAFacts Team, February 20, 2025

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is the nonpartisan research, evaluation, and statistics office of the Department of Education. Its main functions are funding research to test new approaches to education, evaluating federal programs for educational effectiveness, and reporting data on how well the nation is educating its students.

IES is the smallest component of the Education Department. The department requested $283.8 billion of its fiscal year 2025 budget; the institute accounted for 0.29% of that. In 2024, the Department of Education was the sixth highest-funded federal agency.

IES accounts for less than 1% of the Education Department’s budget.

A bar chart illustrating the U.S. Department of Education's budget request by program area, fiscal year 2025. The Institute of Education Sciences accounts for 0.14% of the Department of Education's total budget; student financial assistance is 65% of the budget.

Institute of Education Sciences

IES has centers to support its primary objectives:
·       The National Center for Education Research supports research on effective education practices
·       The National Center for Special Education Research supports research on effective education practices for children with disabilities, from infancy through postsecondary education
·       The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) collects and analyzes education data
·       The National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance evaluates education programs and supports schools with training and coaching to help districts and states meet improvement goals

How does IES use its funding?

The largest portion of the budget request (37.9%) is for research. This includes $245 million for studying and sharing evidence-based educational practices with parents, policymakers, and educators.

For the full study please copy and paste this link on your browser: https://bit.ly/4c4iF7p

Student Resources

Learning a new culture is more than studying a language. Tutoring is more than learning techniques. Our “Resources” webpage covers everything from legal matters, health care, & scholarships for immigrants, to professional development for tutors. Give us a look @: http://www.lvaep.org/students.html

Team Spotlight (Cont.)
Cristhian Barcelos, Executive Director
by Valeria Garrido

Cristhian Barcelos didn’t set out to become the executive director of Literacy Volunteers of America (LVA), Essex & Passaic Counties—his journey began as an ESL student and then in 2002 as a student at Essex County College (ECC).
Taking classes opened his eyes to the power of education, and before long, he was volunteering, supporting the director, and helping improve programs. What started as a small role soon turned into a career. By 2014, he had become LVA’s executive director, leading the organization into a new era.

One of his most significant initiatives was shifting LVA’s traditional one-on-one tutoring model into small group instruction. This change allowed students to learn from each other, helped tutors manage their time, and created a stronger sense of community. It also enabled LVA to serve more students effectively. Cristhian expanded LVA’s offerings by incorporating structured classes with certified teachers, giving students more instructional hours and a formal curriculum.

For Cristhian, the impact of his work is most evident in the success stories of LVA’s students. Former learners like Maritza Chang, now working at the Bloomfield Library, and Mariela Andrade, employed by Catholic Charities and serving on LVA’s board, are testaments to how literacy can change lives. Seeing students return years later to share their personal and professional achievements keeps him motivated. “That’s what drives me,” he says.

Running an organization like LVA is not without challenges. Cristhian must balance organizational goals, student and tutor needs, and grant requirements, all while addressing complex issues. “Yet the rewards outweigh the challenges: “Having a team willing to do what needs to be done for the students is what makes this work meaningful.”

Beyond LVA, Cristhian has a creative side that many may not know about—he has been woodcarving birds for 15 years, a hobby he picked up from an LVA tutor named Doug. He’s also a photography enthusiast, but his greatest passion remains helping people.

For more than two decades, Cristhian Barcelos has led LVA with vision and dedication. His leadership has helped countless students gain the confidence and skills to transform their lives. Thanks to his efforts, LVA continues to grow, proving that literacy is more than just learning to read—it’s about opportunity, empowerment, and community.