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

May 2026

Volume 14, Issue 5

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.

Our Executive Director, Cristhian Barcelos, spent time with our volunteers and tutors this month discussing the selected processes and steps taken to improve our students’ learning experience while maximizing our tutors’ time,
experience, and available resources.

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!

May invites us to pause and recognize the many people who nurture, teach, serve, and remember. We honor Mother’s Day and the mothers, and caregivers whose love and labor shape families and communities in lasting ways. We also recognize Teacher Appreciation Week and the tutors, instructors, volunteers, and mentors who help open doors. And as Memorial Day approaches, we remember those who gave their lives in service and reflect on the freedoms, responsibilities, and hopes we share.

At the same time, this May arrives during a season of uncertainty for many of our students and their families. Questions about immigration, conflict around the world, and the safety and stability of loved ones weigh heavily on many in our community. Our work is not only about language, reading, or writing. It is also about empathy, compassion, and creating spaces where people feel seen, welcomed, and supported.

In this issue, we are honored to share Cristina’s story. Originally from Peru, Cristina came to the United States with her son after her husband arrived first. Her journey with English reflects the practical hopes so many adult learners carry: to communicate more confidently, support their families, and build a fuller life in their new home.

We also introduce Holly, one of LVAEP’s dedicated tutors. Holly’s story reminds us that tutoring is a relationship built through patience, curiosity, and mutual learning. Her reflections show how powerful support can be when a tutor meets a student with kindness and consistency.

Our Featured Story, “The Science of Reading for Adults,” explores how research-based reading instruction can support adult learners and how AI, used thoughtfully, may serve as an additional coach and conversation partner. Together, these stories remind us that learning is both a skill-building process and a deeply human act.

In the News

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

"A New Era for Multilingual Leadership.” Language Magazine. https://bit.ly/3RK5YIK

“In Literacy Crisis, Novels in Verse Can Help.” School Library Journal. https://bit.ly/4nwrJrn

“Walberg bill would seal Trump’s plans to move adult education to Labor Department.” Politico. https://bit.ly/4dwHtGn

Cristina came to the U.S. in 2017 with her son, reuniting with her husband, who was already here. As they began their lives together in a new country, she understood the need to learn English to open opportunities. She celebrates having passed her citizenship test and looks forward to learning more and working with children.

Tutor Training Workshops

Online Training, by Ally Schmidt
Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ)
Tuesdays, 6 to 8 pm
May 26, & June 2, 9 & 16, 2026

Online Training, by Jo Krish
Platform: Zoom (sponsored by LNJ)
Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 to 8 pm
June 1, 3, 8, 10 and 15, 2026

Tutor Support Workshops

"Health Literacy," with Dr. Jan Adversario
Platform: Google Meet
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

"Taking the Fear out of Speaking," with Dr. Darnelle Richardson
Bloomfield Public Library, Conference Room
Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Tutor Study Circle
Facilitator: Cheryl Locastro

Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 3pm
(Themed online meeting)

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

Getting to Know Us
Cristina, LVA student
by Valeria Garrido

Cristina came to the United States from Peru in 2017. Her husband arrived first, and later Cristina came with their son. Like many immigrant families, they began building a new life one step at a time, carrying both hope and responsibility.

For Cristina, learning English was always connected to opportunity. She knew that living in this country meant needing English for everyday life, for work, for doctors’ appointments, and for conversations with the people around her. She wanted to learn so she could communicate more confidently and find a good job.

A friend first told Cristina about Literacy Volunteers of America of Essex and Passaic Counties because her niece was studying here. Cristina decided to begin classes, and over the past five years, she has seen her English improve in meaningful ways.

Today, she feels more comfortable speaking with people. She still wants to continue practicing conversation, but she can already see how much has changed. One of the biggest differences is at the hospital. In the past, she needed help translating. Now, she says, she can speak English much better and does not need translation in the same way.

That progress became especially important during a very difficult time. Last year, Cristina was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her breast. It was a serious challenge, but she did not stop attending class. Her English classes helped her feel supported and encouraged, and she continued with determination.

“It was tough, but it didn’t change my plans,” Cristina says. She faced the experience with faith, a positive attitude, and the support of God and her family.

Cristina is especially grateful to her tutors Melissa and Lynn. They helped her with grammar, dedicated their time, and showed patience and kindness. Their support also helped her prepare for one of the most memorable moments in her journey: passing her citizenship exam.

Before coming to the United States, Cristina finished school in Peru and studied business, though she was not able to complete the program. Today, she is still learning, growing, and reflecting on her purpose. She is currently reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, a book that speaks to her about the importance of life and the reason for being here.

Cristina is proud of the goals she and her family have achieved despite many complications. Her advice to other students is to keep going, even when life is difficult.

“If I can do it, you can do it,” she says.

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

Applying the Science of Reading to Adult Literacy, with AI as a Practice Partner

May 9, 2026
Written by: Valeria Garrido, LVA

The science of reading is often discussed in the context of children, but its lessons are just as important for adult learners. Reading is built through several connected abilities: recognizing sounds and letter patterns, reading words accurately, building fluency, expanding vocabulary, and understanding meaning. The National Reading Panel identified phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension as essential components of effective reading instruction. For adult learners, research similarly emphasizes the same, while noting that adults may need support in any combination of these areas.

This matters because adult literacy students often bring rich life experience, strong oral language, work skills, and motivation, but may have uneven reading foundations. A learner may understand complex ideas when spoken aloud yet struggle to decode printed words. Another may read words accurately but slowly, making comprehension difficult. Science-based instruction helps tutors and teachers identify the specific barrier and respond with targeted practice rather than assuming all reading challenges are the same.

Artificial intelligence can support this work when used carefully and humanely. AI should not replace tutors, teachers, or the trust that develops in a literacy program. But it can serve as an additional coach or conversation partner. For English language learners, chatbot-based conversation practice can simulate real-world dialogue and provide repeated opportunities to build confidence. A 2024 study of 160 English learners explored the use of large language model chatbots as conversation practice tools, including how interactive sessions may affect real-world conversation performance. (ACL Anthology)

The strongest use of AI is not as an answer machine, but as a low-pressure practice space. It can offer repetition, immediate feedback, and personalized examples. The U.S. Department of Education has noted that AI in education brings opportunities as well as risks, including the need for human oversight, attention to bias, and thoughtful governance. UNESCO similarly recommends a human-centered approach to generative AI in education.

For adult literacy, the promise is practical: evidence-based reading instruction guided by caring teachers and tutors, strengthened by AI tools give learners more chances to practice, ask questions, and use language in daily life.

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.)
Holly Graff, Tutor
by Valeria Garrido

When Holly moved back to Montclair in 2014, she brought a life full of stories with her. She had lived in New York City, Paris, and the Catskill Mountains. She had worked as a New Jersey public school teacher, built a hands-on science program for homeschoolers and later became a licensed midwife and lactation consultant supporting families across northern New Jersey.

Holly first began tutoring with Literacy Volunteers of America in 2014, soon after returning to New Jersey. A year later, her birth work schedule made a regular weekly commitment impossible. But she missed the program, and about a year ago, when her professional life shifted, she came back. “I love meeting new people and hearing their stories,” she says.

The work connects to her own family history. Holly’s family came to the United States as immigrants fleeing the devastations of Eastern Europe. Tutoring is one way she honors their courage by supporting a new generation of newcomers as they build their lives here.

She also knows what it is like to live in another country and learn a new language. What helped her most was patient conversation with native speakers who were willing to slow down, listen carefully, and offer support while she gained confidence. Now, she offers that same kind of encouragement to her students.

Holly currently works with two students who have been with her for about a year. One of them, Salif, has especially stood out. Salif arrives on time, rarely misses class, and brings warmth, curiosity, and determination. He is an entrepreneur at heart, with dreams of running a successful retail clothing business and maybe one day a restaurant. Because he sees English as essential to those goals, he studies outside of class, practices conversation, and comes prepared with grammar questions and practice sentences.

Holly says what impresses her most about LVAEP is the feeling students create together. There is laughter, trust, mutual encouragement, and respect. Even when students come from very different backgrounds, the class becomes a safe place to learn. At times, she says, it feels like a little family.

The challenge is finding enough time to plan creative lessons while working and homeschooling. The reward is watching students gain confidence, including small but meaningful victories, like making a phone call in English and being complimented on it.

For Holly, seeing her students in class is one of the highlights of her week.

Literacy New Jersey
2026 Literacy for Life

Harry Van Houten Award for Lifetime Achievement

Louis D’Onofrio has been a dedicated Literacy Volunteers of America tutor for over 30 years. He began tutoring with LVA Suffolk County on Long Island in 1995 and joined LVA, Essex and Passaic Counties in 2022, after relocating to New Jersey to be closer to family. His long-standing commitment reflects a deep belief in the power of literacy to transform lives and create opportunity.

Louis serves as both a volunteer tutor and a member of the Board of Directors for LVA, Essex & Passaic Counties. As a tutor, he currently works with five adult learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. He prepares thoughtful weekly lesson plans that reflect each student’s individual goals, abilities, and learning styles. Louis enjoys learning about his students’ cultures and experiences, building strong relationships that foster trust and motivation.

He actively participates in professional development opportunities, including monthly tutor support workshops and literacy conferences, and regularly collaborates with fellow tutors to share best practices. He also connects students with community resources and encourages them to participate in enrichment opportunities such as writing contests and other learning experiences that build confidence and skills.

As a Board member, Louis is a strong advocate for adult literacy and for the needs of our learners. He works to amplify the organization’s mission by engaging with community leaders and elected officials, including contacting members of Congress to raise awareness about adult literacy. His leadership experience from his professional career brings valuable perspective to the organization.

Louis tailors instruction to students’ personal and professional goals, supporting them as they work toward improved English skills and greater independence in the community. He celebrates their successes and encourages persistence. He has supported his students seeking employment, obtaining citizenship, and applying for college.

Louis has had a profound impact on both his students and the organization. His students benefit from his dedication, thoughtful instruction, and genuine interest in their success. He finds the most fulfilling moments when students share that something discussed in class has made a meaningful difference in their lives. His encouragement and belief in their potential help build confidence and motivation.

Louis’ journey as a literacy volunteer is truly inspiring. He approaches tutoring with empathy, curiosity, and respect, valuing the opportunity to learn about his students’ cultures and experiences while helping them achieve their goals.

His dedication extends beyond his own tutoring. Louis’ leadership, advocacy, and genuine care for learners exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and the mission of LVA. His enthusiasm and commitment help foster a strong sense of community within the program. He is a valued and respected member of the organization whose contributions continue to inspire students, tutors, and staff alike.

We are proud to recognize Louis with the Harry Van Houten Award for Lifetime Achievement.