You will make a difference: Understand how by reading our learners’ stories.

“I am really happy to say that our sessions really helped me to improve my English skills and I feel more comfortable in my new society. Furthermore, I passed the ESL exams (college) with good scores, and I received the ESL scholarship to continue my education… I would like to thank my tutor for helping me. Actually, she is not only my English tutor; she is my first American friend and my counselor on every thing. Her kind and friendly attitude, her patience and her punctuality are always precious to me.”—Katayun, River Forest

“In the beginning I faced a lot of difficulties in understanding everything that I was reading. My tutor is very good and he always helps me. He became my friend as well. For five years I have been working on my reading. Thanks to LVWCC I am able to read better in English.—Ludek, Elmwood Park

“I want to thank LVWCC for giving me the chance to be a part of its family. And I want to thank my tutor for helping me to learn English.”—Enrique, Oak Park

The tutor experience: Seeing lives change forever.

“Some twenty years ago, some ladies form LVWCC made a presentation that caught my attention. This was twenty years after I emigrated from Switzerland and settled in Oak Park.

Working as a service technical all over the American continent and in many other countries around the world, I realized how many people lacked the skills to read, write, speak and understand English.

“I knew that my help was needed to improve literacy among adults.”

So, after retirement I took LVWCC’s tutor training class. Now after 9 years tutoring two couples and 8 individual students, I’m still going strong. My reward? 3 American citizens, 3 students who received better-paying jobs, and one that succeeded in securing a job.”

—Zeno Jacquat, Oak Park

“When I began working with my student, she had very little confidence in her reading skills. We tried a phonics approach, and that’s what brought her skills up. Now, she reads 100% better than when she started. She just graduated from a surgical technology program and is not qualified as a surgical technician- and that’s very fulfilling. I just love it!”

“I’ve more than enjoyed the experience. I’ve grown form the experience.”

My student has been my teacher. I feel really privileged to be working with her. It’s more about her than me.”

—Mina Riddle, Oak Park

“My student is a very had worker. He’s got a vision and a dream.

“He wants to read and to advance at work, and I want to help him.”

His reading abilities have increased. He was scared to death, but he’s not ashamed to read now. To see that progress, that’s a reward.”

—Yolanda Walton, Chicago