This year marks the 60th anniversary of my family’s immigration to the United States. When my parents arrived, they did not speak English. With the help of friends and neighbors, they built a life for our family and instilled in us the importance of education and perseverance. But it was hard - they needed help with every conversation with teachers and doctors. They couldn’t get a driver’s license. They had very limited job options. Their journey shaped my own commitment to giving back through volunteer work with a focus on education.

Years ago, I served on the Board of Literacy Volunteers of NJ. This year, I completed tutor training so I can continue supporting this important mission. I recently had the privilege of assisting in a class in Trenton, where I was deeply inspired by the determination of the adult learners. They came with clear goals: to improve their job opportunities, communicate more effectively with their children’s teachers, and better navigate everyday life.

Adult learners come to Literacy NJ for free ESL, GED, U.S. citizenship, digital literacy and basic literacy classes. We need your help to continue meeting the needs of our 1,800+ students and to continue training and supporting more than 400 tutors. Thousands of personal and professional goals are met by our students each year. Every donation — no matter the amount — helps Literacy NJ continue providing life-changing educational opportunities to adult learners in our communities. I hope you will consider supporting this meaningful work and help us meet our goal and continue empowering our adult learners. 

Note: 

There is an urgent need for loaner laptops to support the Digital Literacy program. Literacy NJ Mercer announced an incredible matching challenge from volunteer and Leadership Council member Julie McLaughlin and her husband Mark: The McLaughlins will donate a computer for every $500 raised by Mercer Programs — all the way up to $10,000!  Help us meet this match!

Your support can help the delivery of digital literacy and technology access for adult learners. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference and supports the match!