Have you heard the BUZZ? Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley featured on Blue Ridge PBS show Buzz 4 Good

For most people, the ability to read and write comes so naturally that we forget they are skills we had to learn as a child. But for immigrants who don’t know English, and native-born individuals who perhaps struggled in school, those letters on a page are literally a foreign language. From navigating our healthcare system and the DMV to simply wanting to read to a grandchild, a lack of literacy can be crippling. Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley provides tutoring and classes to teach adults how to read, write, do basic math, and use computers — which in turn provides people the power to lift themselves out of poverty, lower health care costs, find and keep sustainable employment, and ultimately change lives.

Thanks to an incredible opportunity from Buzz 4 Good, LVNRV was featured on Blue Ridge PBS’s monthly BUZZ episode! Sponsored by 100+ Women Who Care NRV, the short documentary captured the attention of viewers and shed light on the incredible work of our students and volunteers and the transformative impact it has on their future.

As part of the episode, local marketing firm Wordsprint provided an opportunity for rebranding, including a logo refresh and a deep dive into the language we use to identify and promote our services.

Catch the BUZZ and watch today!

Literacy Lights the Way in Spring 2023

2023 kicked off with a diverse programming roster that includes classes and groups for English for Speakers of Other Languages, family literacy programs, basic computer skills classes, and our new "Be WELL NRV" health literacy classes!

We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with organizations including Blacksburg Refugee Partnership, YMCA of Virginia Tech, and workplaces such as Virginia Tech Student Affairs, to reach and teach more local adults. We are so grateful to our local public libraries and faith-based organizations, including Christiansburg Presbyterian Church, Blacksburg Methodist Church, Lafayette Gospel Church, Pulaski's First United Methodist Church, and Blacksburg's Luther Memorial Church, who provide us with much needed space for our classes.

Thanks to the generous support of the Virginia State Office of Rural Health and the New River Health District, our new Be WELL NRV (Wellness for English Language Learners) classes have officially launched! In partnership with the YMCA at Virginia Tech, Be WELL Blacksburg began last month and includes English language instruction centered around topics such as describing symptoms to a doctor, reading and understanding medical and prescription instructions, asking questions to better understand diagnoses, and lifestyle changes for health improvement. Additional sessions will be held in Christiansburg and Pulaski later this spring.

Our Skill Up BRP program highlights our unique partnership with Blacksburg Refugee Partnership to provide group instruction for refugee families in our community. With a full schedule that includes 4 days of instruction per week, students are learning to speak, read, and better understand English to achieve their goals for communicating effectively in a new country. Instruction centers on learning everyday vocabulary and includes fun, hand-on activities - including "laundry day" to practice speaking and writing words used to describe clothing and household chores!

One-on-one and group tutoring continues as well, held in locations across the New River Valley as well as virtually. Volunteer Information Sessions are now held monthly and more than 30 new volunteers have already been trained this year! We offer experienced tutor training opportunities throughout the year, have beefed up the resources available on our website and in our resource room, and are happy to meet with tutors individually to talk about expanding your skills and resources. Contact Linda Jilk for more information.

LVNRV Volunteer Anne Larsen Featured by National Literacy Organization

Here at Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley, Anne Larsen is known as “Wonder Woman” because when there’s a need, she swoops in. Whether it is helping incarcerated individuals achieve GED success, teaching refugees English, or developing a workplace curriculum for Virginia Tech employees, Anne willingly embraces each opportunity.

In recognition of Anne’s serve to the LVNRV community, she was recently featured as an Instructor Spotlight by ProLiteracy, the largest adult literacy and basic education membership organization in the nation! ProLiteracy believes that a safer, stronger, and more sustainable society starts with an educated adult population (we couldn’t agree more!). For more than 60 years, ProLiteracy has been working across the globe to change lives and communities through the power of literacy.

Visit ProLiteracy’s website to read their wonderful spotlight on Anne and check out the rest of their resources for professional development and advocacy for adult literacy.

Join the LVNRV Team as a Temporary Part-Time ESOL Instructor!

Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley is thrilled to announce that we are expanding our team and expanding our impact with the addition of a temporary part-time ESOL Instructor!

We are now accepting resumes from passionate, energetic, enthusiastic adult education professionals looking to join a dynamic team as we carry out our mission of changing legacies through literacy. REVIEW DATE: November 11, 2022

Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will be responsible for providing part-time as-needed English instruction and assessments based on the learning needs of culturally diverse adult students enrolled in LVNRV’s multi-leveled ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Evening and/or weekend hours are required based on class schedule. The position will start on January 18, 2023. Anticipated hours are 10-15 per week for 12-15 weeks. More hours may be available based on experience and class schedule.

Responsibilities

The part-time ESOL instructor will identify/customize/develop curricula, create lesson plans based on the class curricula and adult student needs, evaluate students' progress, and provide effective instruction to facilitate English language learning. This position requires the ability to make management decisions related to classroom organization and structure, volunteer management, and individualization as well as routine decisions regarding the everyday operation of the classes assigned and to complete and maintain appropriate student records, including attendance and goal accomplishments, accurately and on a timely basis. LVNRV provides paid preparation time at the rate of 1 hour preparation per one hour of instruction. Class schedule for spring includes health literacy and digital literacy for English language learners. Training and class materials are provided.

About

Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (ProLiteracy member and United Way partner agency) that provides free instruction for adults in reading, writing, basic math, basic computer skills, and English for speakers of other languages. The mission of LVNRV is to foster, support, advocate for, and instruct adults in the New River Valley who seek opportunities to achieve greater independence through literacy. The organization will employ one full-time and four part-time staff, has an annual budget of approximately $180,000, works with more than 150 volunteers per year, and annually serves approximately 300 adult learners. For more information, including access to our annual report, please visit www.lvnrv.org. 

Qualifications

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and creative adult educator with ideas, strengths, and career experience to work with our volunteers, community partners, and team to grow LVNRV’s impact throughout the New River Valley.

Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 

• Develop or modify curriculum, plan and provide English instruction to adult learners at multiple proficiency levels

• Prepare and create lesson plans and implement instructional lessons based on student's proficiency level and program goals 

• Integrate and manage volunteers to provide individualization of instruction

• Administer assessments in accordance with CASAS testing guidelines

• Participate in staff development activities and staff meetings as required or assigned

• Provide ongoing feedback to learners regarding progress and areas for improvement

• Performs other related work as assigned

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities Required):

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree

• At least two years of teaching experience with adult learners preferred

• TESOL training or comparable certification is preferred for teaching ESOL classes

• Ability to relate well to groups of students of differing abilities and backgrounds

• Ability to follow instructions and receive feedback to improve performance

• Capacity to adapt and react positively to last-minute changes

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with colleagues and as a team

• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to adhere to LVNRV's mission and core values

• Ability to integrate and use technology for instructional and educational purposes

We are looking for a self-directed educator and leader with excellent follow through and time management skills; a strong collaborator who works well independently; a creative problem solver who is enthusiastic, dynamic, flexible, adaptable, organized, and passionate about helping adults achieve literacy learning goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills and proficiency in online tools and platforms. Bilingual capabilities, especially Spanish, is a plus. A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and clean background check is required.

LVNRV is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to achieving a diverse team. People of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and people with other marginalized identities are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.

To Apply: Email cover letter, resume, and sample lesson plan to jobs@lvnrv.org with subject line “PT ESL Instructor,” PDF files preferred. All applications are treated confidentially. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; first applicant review will be November 11, 2022.

Location: LVNRV is based in Christiansburg, VA with travel throughout the New River Valley. Must have own transportation. Mileage reimbursement provided.

Schedule: Our work environment is friendly, with flexibility and consideration of personal needs and circumstances. Evening and weekend work is required based on class schedule. In-person work will be required with opportunities to work remotely when applicable.

Compensation:

• Starting pay is $20 per hour, as needed (approximately 10-15 hours per week for 12-15 weeks)

• Flexibility with work location and hours

• Opportunities for professional development

2022 Welcoming Week with YMCA at Virginia Tech

The YMCA at Virginia Tech hosted their 2nd annual Welcoming Week this month with support from the Town of Blacksburg, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library, local businesses, community groups and individuals. Welcoming Week brings New River Valley neighbors of all backgrounds together to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places and LVNRV is proud to be a participating partner. Program Coordinator Anne Abbott was onsite to share information on our classes for English for Speakers of Other Languages, Citizenship exam preparation, and more. Program Coordinator and volunteer Alex Uresti represented LVNRV at the international fair to recruit learners and volunteers. We enjoyed meeting and welcoming new immigrants to our community!

We have been selected as a 2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee!

Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley is thrilled to announce we have been selected to receive a 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant. We are one of only 260 grantees selected from across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

With this quick-action grant we will creating a Mobile Literacy Lab! The success of our Bridge to Digital Learning initiative identified a greater need throughout the community, especially with older adults, for improved digital literacy. The Mobile Literacy Lab will allow our staff and volunteers to be more agile, responsive, and meet our students where they are with the tools they need to reach their digital literacy goals.

Several types of programs will be offered: basic computer skills, basic internet searching, basic Windows, word processing, and resume assistance and job searching, if needed. Students will learn everything from how to use a mouse to how to participate in interactive virtual meetings to stay connected with family and friends. With the Mobile Literacy Lab, LVNRV will offer a variety of convenient, accessible, and community-based digital literacy instruction programming options. . Having basic computer knowledge increases the comfort level of seniors, helping them get accustomed to incorporating technology into their daily lives. It also offers them a way to stay connected with their family and community members and empowers them to maneuver and navigate through our new digital world.

In addition to addressing the needs of seniors in our community, the Mobile Literacy Lab will create all-inclusive opportunities for families from tech-deprived homes to access wireless and physical technology. Families will use its resources for vital tasks, including conducting job searches, applying for jobs online, and updating their resumes.

“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley for this investment,” stated Ginny Ayers, Executive Director. “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable for all residents and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area.”

About the Community Challenge

The Community Challenge funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as transportation, public spaces, housing, diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, coronavirus recovery and more. 

This is all part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all. AARP believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life. 

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge across the nation – including all 260 granted projects this year, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all Community Challenge projects and AARP’s livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.

Here we grow again!

Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley is thrilled to announce that we are expanding our team and expanding our impact with the addition of a part-time Adult Basic Education Program Coordinator!

We are now accepting resumes from passionate, energetic, enthusiastic adult education professionals looking to join a dynamic team as we carry out our mission of changing legacies through literacy. REVIEW DATE: June 24, 2022

Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will be responsible for the launch of a Foundational Skills Training Program in partnership with New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board (NRMRWDB) to help local adults achieve career goals, as well as supporting adult basic education programs throughout the New River Valley, in accordance with LVNRV’s mission.

The position will start at 20 hours per week with the potential to expand those hours as needed. We offer a flexible work schedule, opportunities to work remotely, and paid holidays.

Responsibilities

The Adult Basic Education Program Coordinator will be responsible for overall program management related to workforce development programs with a focus in the Radford/Pulaski area as described in the job description.

About

Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (ProLiteracy member and United Way partner agency) that provides free instruction for adults in reading, writing, basic math, basic computer skills, and English for speakers of other languages. The mission of LVNRV is to foster, support, advocate for, and instruct adults in the New River Valley who seek opportunities to achieve greater independence through literacy. The organization will employ one full-time and four part-time staff, has an annual budget of approximately $150,000, works with more than 150 volunteers per year, and annually serves approximately 275 adult learners. For more information, including access to our annual report, please visit www.lvnrv.org. 

Qualifications

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and creative adult educator with ideas, strengths, and career experience to work with our volunteers, community partners, and team to grow LVNRV’s impact throughout the New River Valley.

The ideal candidate will have a commitment to our mission and a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the field of education, including many of these areas:

• Developing/assessing/delivering curriculum for adult education programs

• Strategic and organizational planning

• Volunteer management and development

• Program management and development

• Demonstrated understanding of Adult Basic Education concepts/strategies, learners served, and the needs of adult educators

We are looking for a self-directed educator and leader with excellent follow through and time management skills; a strong collaborator who works well independently; a creative problem solver who is enthusiastic, dynamic, flexible, adaptable, organized, and passionate about helping adults achieve literacy learning goals. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills and proficiency in online tools and platforms. Bilingual capabilities, especially Spanish, is a plus. A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and clean background check is required.

LVNRV is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to achieving a diverse team. People of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, and people with other marginalized identities are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.

To Apply: Email cover letter and resume to jobs@lvnrv.org with subject line “Adult Basic Education Program Coordinator,” PDF files preferred. All applications are treated confidentially. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled; first applicant review will be June 24, 2022.

Location: LVNRV is based in Christiansburg, VA with travel throughout the New River Valley with a focus in the Radford/Pulaski region (must have own transportation. Mileage reimbursement provided).

Schedule: Our work environment is friendly, with flexibility and consideration of personal needs and circumstances. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. In-person work will be required with opportunities to work remotely when applicable.

Compensation:

Starting pay is $20 per hour, 20 hours per week ($20,800 annually)

• Paid holidays, sick and annual leave

• Employer contribution to retirement account (3%)

• Flexibility with work location and hours

• Opportunities for professional development

Literacy Volunteers of the NRV names new executive director

Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley welcomed Ginny Ritenour Ayers as its new executive director Jan. 10, 2022.

“Ginny brings a remarkable blend of impactful fund development and volunteer engagement experience together with a strong history of leadership,” said Board Chair Karim Khan. “We are so excited about the skills, passion and enthusiasm she will bring to our mission to change lives through literacy.” 

In her previous position as Director of Alumni Chapter Programs at Virginia Tech, Ayers led alumni volunteer management and fundraising programs for 14 years  She has extensive experience leading a team to meet their strategic goals through engagement programs. Prior to her employment at Virginia Tech, Ayers was employed for 14 years with New River Foundry in various roles. Ayers earned a Masters in Education from Virginia Tech in 2014 and has lived in the New River Valley for more than 30 years. 

“I'm ready to leverage my leadership strengths, organizational skills, and love for the New River Valley to better benefit our diverse community members right here at home,” said Ayers. “Having worked both in the manufacturing sector and higher education in the NRV, I've had front row exposure to the needs of our neighbors and the lack of resources available for adult literacy skills development. I have a personal affinity for the work of LVNRV, and I look forward to supporting and expanding our variety of educational opportunities to help our students achieve their goals.”

The organization’s previous executive director, Linda Jilk, will continue to be employed with LVNRV in a part-time role focused on promoting student literacy learning. 

Student Success Story: Tim!

Tim always struggled with reading when he was a child. Because of his difficulties with reading, he was dissuaded from going to college -- but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his dream career in the media. He worked extra hard to climb the ladder in jobs in radio and now broadcast journalism. Tim is driven to succeed and works with an LVNRV tutor on literacy skills so he can understand news releases and write copy for the TV reporters. He also joined his tutor, Vicki Brackett, as a volunteer speaker to talk with families to provide advice on dealing with dyslexia. “I can attack words better. Reading better makes my job easier and I have more confidence in myself!” said Tim. “As someone who's been struggling with reading and writing his whole life and works in a business that’s mostly reading and writing, I’m so thankful. This program has been nothing but a success for me!” Congratulations on your hard work and progress, Tim, and thank you for helping others!

WE ARE GROWING!

Literacy Volunteers of the NRV is growing its impact and growing its staff! We are hiring a full-time executive director. Linda Jilk, our current executive director, will continue working with LVNRV in a part-time role.

If you or someone you know is interested in leading a small non-profit making a big and powerful impact, please check out our job posting linked here! Looking forward to growing our life-changing work!

PLEASE JOIN IN THE EFFORT TO SHARE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COLLEAGUES WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED AND QUALIFIED FOR THE POSITION. HELP US POWER OUR GROWTH AND FIND THE BEST PERSON TO LEAD THE LVNRV TEAM!

Student Success Story: Gris!

Please join us in congratulating Gris, who just got a job at Radford University! Gris has been working with an LVNRV tutor for 2 years to improve her English speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. She also participated in our Family READS (Reading and English to Achieve Dreams and Success) program to learn skills to help her children succeed in school. When the pandemic hit, she learned new digital skills to participate in Zoom English class and to help and support her children with online school. Despite the stresses of the pandemic, she never stopped learning and studying English, and in August of 2021, she excitedly reported that she achieved her goal of employment! Gris is pictured below with a bouquet delivered by her tutor Nancy Shappell to celebrate her new job. We are so inspired by Gris’ dedication to learning in order to create a bright future for her family! Way to go, Gris!

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GIVELOCALNRV RAISES FUNDS AND AWARENESS TO SHARE THE LIGHT OF LITERACY

Thank you so much to the many incredible donors who helped us surpass our fundraising goal and raise a total of $14,000 on June 23, 2021, GiveLocalNRV, a community day of giving coordinated by the Community Foundation of the NRV! Special thanks go out to our anonymous donor who provided a match to help us reach our goal and therefore develop our capacity to meet the need for literacy services during this challenging time. We are so grateful for the many gifts from our amazing community to help us share the light of literacy and shine the way to a whole new world of possibilities for our adult learners.   

A special shout out to the friends of literacy who joined us for our GiveLocalNRV Open House! What a glorious day of reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones! With literacy, the future’s so bright, we’ve got to wear shades!

Give Local and Share the Light and Power of Literacy

We’re walking on sunshine -- because of YOU, our valued literacy luminaries! We are so very grateful for the many incredible rays of hope, of neighbors joining together despite the crises of the year to create growth and bright futures with literacy!

#GiveLocalNRV, a day of community giving coordinated by the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, is Wednesday, June 23. And we’re so excited to announce a SUN-sational opportunity to double the impact of your gift to give local adults the power of literacy! Thanks to an anonymous awesome SUNbody in our community who wants to see our impact grow -- all GiveLocalNRV donations up to $5,500 will be doubled! AND, after we reach $11,000 total ($5500 from the community and $5500 from the matching donor), donations will be matched $2 for $1 up to $10,000! Wow!

Check out this video showing the impact of your financial support!

TOGETHER, we can create a community where every adult has the literacy skills they need and deserve! Thank you so much for lighting the way to bright futures with literacy!

Your GiveLocalNRV gift of literacy will shine the way to employment, empowerment, self-sufficiency, joy, and HOPE! Thank you so much for your awe-SUN support of adult literacy! Your donation will be gratefully accepted at this secure online giving site:https://www.givelocalnrv.org/organization/Literacy-Volunteers-Of-The-New-River-Valley

Mom Learns English and Helps Children Learn to Read and to Succeed!

Shout out to super mom, Aurora Mondragon, whose outstanding dedication to learning is making a difference in her own life AND in the lives of her children! Three years ago, Aurora participated in our family literacy program to improve English skills to read with her children, and she had continued learning English through our community-based classes. Now, her children are GREAT readers and students, and, this week, when the family stopped by, we were so thrilled to see 6-year old Megan's excitement to read aloud to her mom, baby sister Sara, and brother Luis! What a great example of how parents are their children's first and most important teacher, and how critical adult literacy is to creating a next generation of readers! These photos (this week and 3 years ago) make us so happy, and we are so inspired by parents like Aurora who work hard to learn new skills to help their children!

GREAT FOOD FOR GREAT CAUSE April 20

We're getting hungry already! Raise funds to help local adults learn to read by joining us on April 20 at Texas Roadhouse for their famous Hand-Cut Steaks, Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs, Made-From-Scratch Sides, Ice-Cold Beer and irresistible Fresh-Baked Bread! TAKE OUT OR DINE IN! ALCOHOL INCLUDED! Have fun and raise funds for adult literacy! YOU MUST SHOW A PHOTO OF THIS FLYER FOR LVNRV TO RECEIVE A 10% DONATION FROM YOUR BILL. Thank you so much, Texas Roadhouse!

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Building Digital and Literacy Skills to Build Families and Our Community

Our Bridge to Digital Learning initiative provides adult literacy students and tutors with access to technology, internet and training/support/resources to make digital learning possible. There are 3 legs to the Bridge “stool” -- a) partnering with organizations that can safely provide technology, internet and support for digital tutoring; b) training and support for tutors and development of resources and strategies for effective digital teaching; c) provision of used technology and support/instruction to access internet for remote instruction (includes used device drive). 

Recent studies performed internationally regarding adult competencies found that six out of ten adults in the US, of ages 18-65, perform at or below the lowest proficiency levels with solving problems in tech-rich environments. That’s about 118 million people. This includes competencies like acquiring and evaluating information, using technology to communicate with others effectively, and performing practical tasks. These studies showcase the need for increased tech integration in adult literacy education.

Thanks to the Bridge initiative, students are also learning valuable digital and literacy literacy skills for independence in this new virtual world — to do online job search, to help their children with online schoolwork, to register online for a doctor’s appointment, and to complete online applications for financial assistance. When adults are equipped with the basic skills and training to acquire good jobs, they have the power to lift themselves up and bring about positive change for their families and our communities.

This initiative is being supported by the invaluable in-kind contributions of a team of Information Technology volunteers, in-kind gifts of used devices from community members and businesses, and generous funding from the Cares Act, Community Foundation of the NRV, and Corning Incorporated Foundation.

Our community needs free adult literacy services now more than ever. Literacy was a challenge before but it has been exacerbated by the pandemic. New data released in April 2020 revealed that 24,000 New River Valley adults struggle with basic reading and 38,000 adults cannot perform basic math calculations.

We sure do miss face-to-face tutoring but this initiative is helping our community bridge the digital divide and helping adults increase digital skills, confidence and ability to navigate our new virtual world.

Student Success Story: Florina!

We are so inspired by Florina, who lives in Blacksburg with her 2 young sons, and was our first graduate of the COVID-safe Home-Delivery Version of Family READS (Reading and English to Achieve Dreams and Success). She received a loaner tablet to connect digitally with her tutor, and she received front-door delivery of a bag of books and fun educational activities as well as ongoing tutor support and instruction, so she could read with her sons and help them to learn. She reported an increase in her ability to read with her children and to communicate with her children's school. This is her first time using technology such as a tablet, so she said she also learned valuable digital skills to participate in our new virtual world! After graduation from our 6-week family literacy program, she opted to continue learning English communication and literacy through our one-to-one adult tutoring program! She and her tutor have been studying health vocabulary (symptoms and body parts) and doing role playing to practice communicating with the doctor when her children are sick. Way to keep learning on behalf of your children, Florina! Thank you to Blacksburg Public Library for providing the children’s books and learning activities! And thank you so much to the generous donors and volunteers whose support is making digital learning a reality for our NRV neighbors!

Celebrating Ruby Meade

We celebrate the life of Ruby Meade of Radford, who lived an inspirational life dedicated to education and passed away March 3, 2021. We honor Ruby as one of the founding volunteers and leaders of Literacy Volunteers of the NRV, which was established in 1979 by Pearisburg Public Library and was quickly embraced by all the public libraries throughout the NRV. Pictured here is Ruby as a tutor trainer for LVNRV in the mid 1980's. Thank you so very much to Ruby Meade for making a lasting impact on our community through all her hard work to help change lives through education! Her legacy lives on in our continued work and all the individuals who have been able to achieve independence through literacy !https://www.mullinsfuneralhome.com/obituary/ruby-meade

Student Success Story: Zohour!

So excited and grateful for Zohour, a Blacksburg resident originally from Syria, who presented in March about the refugee experience at a VT university webinar on the refugee crisis! "I want to give hope to every refugee so they don't stop at the word refugee," said Zohour. "I want every refugee to look forward to a better life." Zohour is an inspirational example of her words. She works hard with 2 LVNRV tutors (1 to help her prepare for the citizenship exam and 1 to help her learn English) to achieve her dreams for a future: "My plan is to get a GED, get a better job, and help my family." Keep up the great work, Zohour, and congratulations on all that you have accomplished!

LVNRV Launches Front-Door Delivery of Technology and Resources for FAMILY Learning

Front-door delivery of technology and resources to support virtual family learning is underway! We are so inspired by Maria, who lives in Blacksburg with her 2 young children and is participating in our Home-Delivery Version of Family READS (Reading and English to Achieve Dreams and Success). We provided her with a loaner tablet, which we connected to wifi; books to support her English language learning; and children's books and educational activities so she can engage with her children's learning! Each week, she receives a new bag of books to read with her sons and she connects digitally with a volunteer tutor on the tablet to help learn how to read the children's books and improve her English! She is now on her way to achieving her learning goals! Hurray!! Thank you to Blacksburg Public Library for providing the children’s books and learning activities! And thank you so much to the generous donors whose financial support is making digital learning a reality for our NRV neighbors! Llama, Llama, what an awesome mama! Way to keep learning on behalf of your children, Maria!