Spending Time in the Community

Last week was Halloween, and the PVLA was privileged to participate in TWO trunk or treat events. The first one was hosted by the Vrly Foundation, and the second was hosted by Columbus Public Schools.

We had fun at both.

The PVLA’s Trunk Theme

The theme for the PVLA’s trunk was “Zombie Response Team”—mainly because the executive director has that on the side of her vehicle all the time. She also wanted to highlight that the PLVA provides more than just language services to the community.

They don’t provide the services directly, but as a Columbus Area United Way Partner Agency, we can refer students and community members to the organizations that do provide other services that would be beneficial.

The focus of the PVLA’s classes is to ensure that students have the English skills they need to be successful in life. At the same time, we also offer citizenship classes, integration classes, and one-on-one employability skills.

Having these skills allows a person to improve their lives and the lives of their families on so many levels. Literacy isn’t only about speaking, reading, and writing (although those are big parts), it’s also about understanding the world in which a person lives.

Once they have the basics, then they can strive for higher goals.

As a Zombie Response Team member, our job would be to destroy any undead in the area, and then provide the human survivors with what they need to thrive, including food, warmth (you can’t see the blanket, but it’s there), and knowledge (the books).

Much the same, the PVLA’s role is to destroy any illiteracy and ensure members of the community have what they need to thrive. We do this by providing knowledge, which can then be applied to find warmth and food.

Pictures from the Events

There weren’t a ton of pictures taken at the events, mainly because we were so busy handing out candy. There were literally hundreds of kids at both—and it was amazing to see the costumes and participate in community events.

Here are the few pictures that were taken. Enjoy!

Terri Hotovy, a PVLA board member, helped hand out candy at the Vrly Trunk or Treat.

Jessica Wiig, PVLA executive director, kept participants safe and stocked with candy.

Jessica's sons helped hand out candy at the Columbus Public School's Trunk or Treat.

The Positives of One-on-One Employability Skills

Did you know that the PVLA can help you find a job? We can! Here’s how:

The PVLA offers employment skills training to anyone in the community who needs some assistance when applying for a job; whether it’s their first or a better opportunity than the one they currently have.

Some of the areas of focus include:

• Filling out an application 
• Putting together a resume
• Preparing for the interview

The one-on-one training is based on the client’s needs. They let the instructor know what information is necessary to ensure their success, and the instructor works with them to meet the specific goals.

Appointments are scheduled in 1-hour blocks, but a person can schedule as many appointments as they need to gain the confidence and knowledge necessary to find and apply for the job of their dreams.

Employment Skills Training is available by appointment only. Please call 402-562-1463 or fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog.