Giving Thanks

Photo by Kelly

It’s that time of year when people count their blessings. They take a look at their life and give thanks for the events and people who have had a big impact.

Here that the PVLA, we have so much to be thankful for.

Individuals Who Make it Happen

One of the biggest things we are thankful for here at the PVLA are the donors who give their time or resources to help students. From Snack Sponsors to volunteer tutors to volunteer instructors, individuals giving what they can makes a huge impact on the lives of students.

The opportunity for students to have a cup of coffee or grab a small treat means the world to them. They are working hard to improve their lives (and the lives of their families), so being able to take a break and refuel is essential, and being able to offer snacks wouldn’t be possible without Snack Sponsors. They include the following:

• Angie Biester – donation through Thrivent
• Richard and Mary Lou Stamm
• Walmart – donation of a grant
• Columbus Bank & Trust Co.
• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Snack donations from Columbus Bank & Trust

Having volunteer instructors and tutors who freely give their time to make sure students understand a particular topic or have information to learn a new one is life-changing—literally. The topics they are learning in a class or one-on-one lessons could be exactly what they need to pass a test or apply for a better job. Without individuals willing to help out, students wouldn’t be filled with the knowledge they need to improve their lives.

Bill Podraza (volunteer instructor) with his Conversational English class.

The PVLA wouldn’t be where it is today without the dedication and guidance of its board of directors. These individuals make decisions that empower students to reach their educational goals and ensure that the PVLA continues to be an integral part of the Columbus community.

Partnerships with the Community

Individuals play a huge role in supporting students, but we couldn’t do much without the community. Our partnership with CCC Adult Education provides the technology and classroom space that keep our students learning.

The Columbus Area United Way allocates a large percentage of funding that ensures we can pay our high-quality instructors and obtain up-to-date materials and equipment for the classrooms.

There are also many other foundations and organizations that believe in the mission of the PVLA and have provided funds to help students reach their educational goals. They include:

• Tyson Foods
• The Nebraska Presbyterian Foundation
• Dollar General
• The Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program

Our partnership with Columbus Public Schools and CCC to offer Family Learning has expanded this year and allows us to reach a whole new set of students and provide them with language skills that will help them and their families be successful in life.

Further connections with the community are made when individuals and businesses are invited to speak directly to students in Family Learning and the Integration Class about their services. There are so many amazing people who have volunteered their time to talk about what they have to offer so that our students know more about the Columbus community.

There are also the partnerships with manufacturers here in town. These companies go out of their way to schedule Outreach Classes to ensure their employees have the skills that allow them be successful at work and beyond. Whether they are learning English or conversational Spanish, these businesses are breaking down barriers and making all of their employees feel valued inside the company walls and in the larger community.

Students, instructors, and supervisors from the Vishay Outreach ESL class.

Let’s not forget that Cruise & Associates also took the time and effort to put together a bowling fundraiser that raised $1,000 for the PVLA. It gives us a warm, fuzzy feeling to know we are part of such a generous, kind, and caring community.

Cruise & Associates employees who participated in the bowling fundraiser.

More to Come

This year has been incredibly busy with the development of new classes and partnerships, as well as the maintenance of classes that have been in existence for a long time. The PVLA has been around since the 1980s, and we continue to thrive and survive because of the support of foundations, individuals, and members of the community.

We are so thankful for our donors, whether they give their time or money. This year may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean we’re done. There are still so many ways for you to support the PVLA and its mission, and there’s a whole new year to get involved and see what we have planned for our students.

Thank You!