FSW
475 Clinton Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06605
Tel: 203-368-4291
Fax: 203-368-1239
Literacy Volunteers of
Southeastern Fairfield County (LVSFC)
Learner Services
LVSFC learners come
from a wide range of educational, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Some
learners dropped out of school before graduation, others hold high school
diplomas that they cannot read. A number of learners hold high-level degrees
from colleges in their native countries; yet struggle with learning the
English language. Their low skill levels embarrass almost all of the learners
that come to LVSFC. Self-esteem is low, self-confidence is lacking. They
don’t think that they cam learn.
Learners
like Tyrell.
I always knew I had a reading problem—I never paid it any attention or mind. I started out as a dishwasher and elevated to line cook then chef. I memorized the recipes. I would just leave the book open at the restaurant so if someone came by and quizzed me I would be able to call out the ingredients. One day my general manager asked me to help him out with inventory. He asked which I preferred—whether he read to me or I read to him, I said, “Why don’t you read off to me and I’ll tell you how many we have.” At some point he finally realized I was telling a wrong count—he caught me. When he learned about me not being able to read he couldn’t believe it because I was making $45,000 a year as a head chef. I supervised dishwashers, line cooks, waiters, waitresses, I also traveled to our other restaurants to troubleshoot and go over recipes with other head chefs. When times came up for me to read I used to do anything to get around it. I have my high school diploma, but I needed professional help. It was then that my wife heard about Literacy Volunteers of America. I was too chicken to call so I had my wife call. She said she’d call but I’d have to go down there. I don’t like taking tests, I get nervous. But I went and now I have a tutor. My tutor Ruth is wonderful. I have more confidence in myself and with my co-workers. If we have to read off the menu I’m not afraid of reading out loud. I was always comfortable at speaking because once again, I knew I couldn’t read so I would enhance my vocabulary, so that way I wouldn’t have to read. But even then, you still, you need to do it it’s something that needs to be done. I call it “No Faking Moves” you can’t fake it, you got to know!
My hardest problem was not coming to Literacy Volunteers—it was not to be in denial. If you say to yourself, “I have a problem” then you need to go out and do something about it.
Our organization exists to meet the learners’ needs.
Learner centered, confidential and individualized tutoring is what we
offer our students free of charge. We are committed to the personal growth
of our learners. Students put their faith in us to identify their strengths
and weaknesses and to tailor an educational program just for them.
New learner registrations are accepted on the last Tuesday
of every month. At that time the learner will call to schedule an appointment
for an interview/assessment. After the assessment the learner information
is forwarded to a literacy coordinator who will notify the learner of
the next opportunity. Depending on the availability of the learner, placement
can be as early as within a few weeks or up to six months.
Description of Student Services: It is the recommendation of LVSFC to accept as priority students, adults who have the greatest barriers to literacy and/or communication and who meet the following criteria:
Basic Literacy (BL)
- function under the fifth grade reading level
- need tutorial, one-to-one or small group instruction
- need or desire to improve job, life or leisure reading skills
- have difficulty in attending adult basic education classes
BL Eligibility and Expectations
All potential Basic Literacy students must:
- be able to state their name, address, telephone number and date of birth or age, independent from outside coaching
- be able to coherently describe their educational history
- be a minimum of 16 years of age and not be in a secondary level school
- be able to speak and understand English
- if foreign born, must score 2.10 or higher on the ESLOA and have difficulty reading and writing
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- function at a low level of conversational English (Score 3.08 or below on the ESLOA)
- need tutorial, one-to-one or small group instruction
- need or desire to improve job, life or leisure communication skills
- have difficulty in attending adult basic education
classes
ESOL Eligibility and Expectations
All potential ESOL students must:
- be able to respond to questions during interview or bring translator
- have made or intend to make their permanent residence in the USA
For more information or to schedule an appointment call 579.2208 in the Bridgeport area or 853.7437 in the Norwalk area.
Literacy Volunteers of Southeastern Fairfield County
is an affiliate of Proliteracy Worldwide
For more information call 1.800.345.7323
