Monday, October 28, 2024

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.

Monday, October 21, 2024

Getting Registered for CCC ESL Classes


It’s hard to believe that 2024 is coming to an end, but soon, the new year will be here. With that comes a new semester of CCC ESL classes. Registration for these classes will be starting soon, and knowing what to expect during the process can be incredibly beneficial, so this post will walk you through the steps.

Step 1: The Phone Call


The first step in the CCC ESL registration process is receiving a phone call. The purpose of this call is to set up a time for you to come to the Family Resource Center so that you can fill out paperwork and test.

Step 2: The Online Assessment


Once you have a day and time scheduled, you will come to the Family Resource Center at 3020 18th St, Suite 4, and check in at the front desk. There will be up to 10 other students who are registering with you, so Alicia will direct you to the testing room and place you in front of a computer.

She will then walk you through the steps of what needs to be filled out on a form. Once that is completed, you will take your assessment.

The purpose of this assessment is to determine what level you are at. Knowing your level ensures you are placed in the correct classroom to receive the best instruction to improve your English-speaking skills.

Sections of the Assessment


There are two sections in the assessment: Reading and Listening

How long it takes you to complete your assessment will depend. On average, most students are finished in about 2 hours.

While it may sound scary and stressful to take an “assessment,” don’t worry! Again, the reason for the assessment is to make sure you’re placed in the right classroom to receive the best instruction.

Step 3: Your Class Schedule


Once the assessment has been completed, you will then be informed of which class to attend. Both morning and evening options are offered, so you will be placed in a class that best suits your schedule.

The next semester of classes begins in January 2025. After you have received your class schedule, you will show up on the first day to start your ESL educational journey.

More Class Offerings


In addition to CCC ESL classes, the PVLA will continue to offer classes throughout the end of the year and during the new year as well. Click on the tabs above for the various class offerings, and stay tuned to this blog for new classes that may crop up in 2025.

Got questions about CCC or PVLA ESL classes? Fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog or call 402-562-1463. Both the PVLA and CCC are looking forward to seeing you in class!

Monday, October 14, 2024

The Second Session of Introductory ESL


Thanks to a grant from Tyson, the PVLA was able to offer an Introductory ESL class. The first 12-week session was held from March 21st to June 20th, and the second session just ended on October 2nd.

On average, 5 students attended each class, with the largest class having 8 students total. Most of these students were attendees from the first session, which means they enjoyed the lessons so much, they were willing to come back for more! Attendance consistency is so important when it comes to learning a new language, and these individuals were committed to their studies.

Some of the things students learned included telling time and the calendar. Students were also exposed to numbers. They also practiced previous lessons they had learned, such as getting to know one another and conversing in English.

What the Future Holds


From now until the end of the year, there will be no more Introductory ESL classes. However, we plan on getting them started again in 2025. The hope is to be able to offer an evening class as well as the afternoon class to ensure we reach as many students as possible.

Overall, this class has been incredibly successful. The students have been excited to attend, and they learned a lot. By securing more funding, we’ll be able to expand the program and make a bigger impact.

We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings!

Monday, October 7, 2024

The Season of Giving

Photo by Liza Summer

During the holiday season, more and more people and organizations need some help to get through.

While you may have the desire and good intentions to help others, you may also be wary of handing out your hard-earned cash because you don’t want to be inundated with asks or feel like you’re being taken advantage of.

Thankfully, there are ways to get through the “fundraising season” with your sanity intact, in addition to supporting some worthy causes and keeping some money in your account. Here’s how:

Support Programs that Are Important to You


There may be a lot of places asking for money, but you don’t have to give to them all. If you won the lottery and you need some tax write-offs, then give out as much as you can. However, since the chances of you being a lottery winner are fairly low, then you’ll want to consider supporting the programs that are most important to you.

Love animals? Support a local animal shelter.

Want to see young adults become future leaders? Support a mentor program.

Enjoy youth sports? Volunteer to be a coach or send money to help pay for new uniforms.

The list of places you can support is endless, so find something that really appeals to you.

Give Within Your Means


When supporting your favorite organization, you may want to do as much as you can to ensure they have enough funds. While this is noble, you also need to live your life and have money for the things you enjoy. Giving within your means will lower your stress levels, while also boosting your good feels.

Trust us: any amount that you donate to your program of choice will have an impact—and it will be appreciated. Sure, donors who give large amounts of money get a lot of recognition, and you can certainly donate a large amount if you want, but people who give smaller amounts are just as valuable.

Encourage Others to Support


Telling your friends and family about your favorite organization(s) and encouraging them to support is a great way to increase the number of donations that are received. Remember, a large group of individuals giving smaller donations can still have a huge impact. Spread the word and get others as excited about specific programs as you are.

Being a generous person is commendable, but this time of year can be tough. It seems like no matter where you turn, someone wants some money from you. You can be selectively supportive of your favorite programs and impact people in need. No matter what you give, it’s enough.

Is it Too Late to Register for ESL Classes?

The newest semester of ESL classes started last week on January 6th, and CCC’s ESL classes are full! Since the semester has started, you m...