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Information and inspiration for our friends and partners. |
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Kathy Moran
Program Coordinator
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Welcome New Adult Learners
We would like to extend a warm welcome to James, Tommy, Carla, and Marizela, new learners who started instruction with us in December.
Group Learning Opportunities
Would your low-level ESL learner benefit from more weekly practice but you aren't able to meet more often?
We may be able to form "ad hoc" practice groups of up to 4 learners at the same level. You might think that shy learners would find being in a group intimidating; on the contrary, many like the comfort of being able to rest at certain points in the session when other learners are speaking (as long as the group stays small, at their level, and establishes some stability).
Eligible tutors will be chosen based on willingness, training, experience, and previous success in working with low-level learners. Eligible learners must be at GLE 3.9 or below, or SPL 3.9 or below. They must also have a good attendance record with us. If you think your learner is eligible and has the time in their schedule, please email kmoran@lvwcc.org.
 | Georgina Espinoza
2013 Graduate |
Congratulations to adult learners who achieved educational goals last month and officially graduated from our program.
- Georgina Espinoza (ESL and ABE)
- Krassimir Tchernookov (ESL)
- Radka Tchernookova (ESL)
- Michael Cowan (ABE)
Recent LVWCC graduate and Berwyn resident Georgina Espinoza has lived in the US for 8 years. She attended high school in Mexico, but she thought it was important to get her GED in English. In August of 2009, Georgina started meeting with her tutor, Ruth Foley.
According to Georgina's testing history, she entered our program at the beginning level in English and was reading at level 4. After studying with Ruth for 4 years, Georgina is now at the advanced level in English and reads higher than level 12. Just last month we discovered that Georgina had also been taking classes at Morton College and received her GED. Congratulations to Georgina and Ruth on a very exciting and rewarding accomplishment.
New Tutor Log Format Added 
This month we are releasing an additional way for you to report your tutoring hours. It has been challenging to find a paper-based form that is agreeable to all computers and software, so we developed a Google Form that can be accessed with any web browser. No download or paper needed.
The new design could eliminate the need to recall details from previous sessions. The form is set up to enter details for just one session at a time. After your student has left the study room, use your mobile device, your laptop, or a public access computer to enter details about your session before you leave the library. Voila! No need to remember to do it later. To access a permanent link to the online form, go to the LVWCC website, hover over Resources, then select Monthly Tutor Logs from the menu.
For your convenience, we will still accept tutor logs in a variety of ways. Help us make accurate and timely reports to our stakeholders; please submit your December tutor log by January 5th: Online, by email: kmoran@lvwcc.org, by fax: (708) 848-9564, or by postal mail: Kathy Moran/LVWCC, PO Box 4502, Oak Park, IL 60304.
LVWCC Literacy Lines E-Newsletter Archives
Looking for previous editions of our e-newsletter? Click here for the archives.
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Tutor Training Opportunities
Email kmoran@lvwcc.org for more information or to register.
- "Tutoring Technology: E-Communications and Social Media" Thursday, January 23, 5:45 pm, Chicago
- "Low-Level ESL Tutor Training" Thursdays, March 20 and 27, Chicago (more information TBA as it becomes available)
 Website of the Month EnglishforEveryone.org is a great resource for extra practice in reading or ESL. You will find information and practice sheets on grammar points, alphabetization, reading comprehension, computer fundamentals, citizenship and much more.  Barbara A. Raispis Literacy Collection
The Raispis Collection has recently been streamlined and relocated to the Berwyn Public Library. To better serve tutors of low-level ABE and ESL students, we have compiled the most essential tools and resources on teaching beginner ABE and ESL, including phonics and beginner speaking.
The Raispis Collection is not kept in the public area;
please call Esther at (708) 749-6328 or send an email to echase@berwynlibrary.org if you would like to browse. Browsing hours are by appointment only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm, and Thursdays from 1 to 9 pm.
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2013 LVWCC Holiday Tutor Gathering
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Student of the Month: Adel Almajashi
 | | Jolinda and Adel |
Written by Natasha Neal
Chicago resident, Adel Almajashi, knew very little English when he arrived in the United States from Saudi Arabia two years ago. After a year in the US, he met his LVWCC tutor, Jolinda Cappello, and it has been a great experience for both. He has made amazing strides through hard work and practice. Adel sat down with me to talk about his experience learning English, and what it takes to be successful.
Adel openly shared that learning English has not been easy, and that he finds speaking and writing to be especially difficult. He explained that when he translates his thoughts from Arabic to English, these literal translations can be hard for Americans to understand. Pronunciation is also an obstacle, he said, and this leads to communication struggles.
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Written by
Natasha Neal
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Adel credits his tutor, Jolinda, with aiding him in all areas of English instruction, but specifically, she helps him with speaking difficulties, both by asking him to read aloud and by teaching him correct pronunciation. She also assisted him in one other very important area; she guided him through the process of applying for colleges.
Adel's perseverance in learning English was rewarded with admission to Northeastern Illinois University, where he just completed his first semester. I asked Adel to share some advice for others who are learning English. He suggested practicing English frequently, specifically with other Americans to observe their words and mannerisms. In parting, Adel expressed gratitude for all of Jolinda's assistance. He continues to work with her and practices his English on a regular basis.
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We are proud to release our annual report for FY13, prepared by board member Jolinda Cappello. We have experienced many positive changes this past year. Change is never easy, but we hope it is plain to see it has been worth it and that it has been an investment in the development of our organization.
Over the last year we made many improvements in the content of our website, found new ways to communicate program activities, and made strides to recognize tutors and learners for their dedication and hard work. There were additional behind-the-scenes transitions that have improved virtual office communications and access, like purchasing monthly subscriptions to Google for Business and RingCentral.
In the year to come, we will continue to streamline our operating costs so we can invest maximum resources into the adult volunteer literacy program. By the end of 2014 we will have a viable strategic plan developed, and not too far into the horizon, the board will begin discussing and laying plans for new programs that fit within our mission and vision for LVWCC.
As always, thank you for partnering with us to promote, develop, and sustain adult literacy in western Cook County.
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We would like to take the opportunity to thank those who made donations this fiscal year:
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Monthly Plan
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One-time Gifts
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In Kind Labor
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Esther Chase, $10
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Adele Cannell, $100
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Esther Chase, $20,800
| | | Jolinda Cappello, $50 | | | | Laura Jane & Myron Colber, $50 | | | |
Anonymous, $12
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Esther Chase, $50
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Sarah Connelly & Arden Realty, $1,096
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Katie Frankle, $50
| | | | Dina Guirini-Gordon & Greg Gordon, $100 | | |
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Greg Gordon, $100
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HuaYi He, $100
| | | | Mario K. Medina, $125 | | | | Claudio Antonio de Oliveira, $50 | | | |
Cristen Vincent, $42
| | | | Jeriann Walsh, $50 | | | | Michael Warnock, $30 | |
LVWCC Board of Directors
| Name | Resident of
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Since
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Current Role
|  | Esther Chase | Oak Park
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2010
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Board VP
|  | Tanya Sobosan | Riverside | 2008 | Board Member |  | Mario K. Medina | Berwyn
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2011
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Board Member
|  | Ron Harper | Oak Park
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2012
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Board Member
|  | Adele Cannell | Elmwood Park
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2013
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Board Member
|  | Jolinda Cappello | Elmwood Park
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2013
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Board Member
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| Katie Frankle | Oak Park
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2013
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Board Member
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Would you like to serve on our board of directors? Board members must:
- live in our service area, and
- attend 6 board meetings per year, and
- have at least 2 years of volunteer tutor experience with us, or
- be a current student with professional experience we need, or
- have extensive non-profit directorship experience.
Please send an email to boardvicepresident@lvwcc.org for more information.
Board Meetings
Board meetings are held every other month. Our next board meeting will be held on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 7:30 pm. We invite you to share your concerns about the organization and ask questions during our open session. If you would like to join us, please send an email to boardvicepresident@lvwcc.org for the location details.
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 LVWCC has been developing literacy skills with adults in the near-west suburbs of Chicago since 1987. We provide free customized tutoring to adult learners through a network of trained volunteer tutors.
Our unique service area includes disadvantaged communities where 25% of residents have not completed high school. Fortunately, we also have well-educated communities in our service area where 99% of residents have completed high school. Together, we are literally changing lives. Learn more.
Our program is made possible by a grant from the Illinois State Library, a division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds designated for literacy. We are thankful that the State of Illinois continues to invest in our program. Find out more about how public libraries play a key role in the provision of literacy services.
Additional support for the work of LVWCC is made possible through an annual competitive grant from the Donley Foundation, which helps us achieve our organizational mission in western Cook County. We appreciate the legacy established by Edward and Inez Donley and we are proud that the Foundation considers us a partner in their effort to help adults advance in life and contribute to society.
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Donate
Would you consider a monthly donation to our program? Small dependable gifts from friends like you help sustain our program each year while the state of Illinois works to release annual competitive funding. If you have already sent us a donation, thank you. Your support helps us train more tutors and reach more learners who need us.
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Volunteer
Helping an adult improve literacy skills can be a rewarding process for both you and your adult learner; the effects can last a lifetime and impact generations. More than reading, writing, or mathematics, improved literacy leads to greater self-confidence, engaged parenting, increased employability, and a desire for lifelong learning.
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Literacy Volunteers of Western Cook County (LVWCC)
Mailing Address: PO Box 4502, Oak Park, IL 60304
Office Location: 1010 W. Lake St. Suite 603, Oak Park, IL 60301
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