The End of the Family Learning School Year

The Family Learning school year came to a close last week, and it was an incredibly successful two semesters. For some insight into how the program went, please read the following words from Lana (Family Learning instructor) and enjoy the pictures!

"If I were to summarize our year of Family Literacy in Columbus in one word, it would be community. It takes visitors only a few moments to see a strong community within our classroom walls!

The students feel comfortable enough to ask each other questions about our school system and procedures, language learning, or life in Columbus. As the first year of our Family Literacy program in Columbus comes to a close, students are already anticipating the start of classes in the Fall!

I am too.

Highlights:

*Our strong classroom community is apparent with the amount of laughter that occurs while learning a new language. Students also ask about each other when classmates are absent. Many friendships have been forged this year, and it’s apparent that students enjoy spending time together. Recently, a student wanted to learn to make lasagna, so several students got together outside of class to learn to make lasagna and eat together.

*Some students wanted to read more to build their vocabulary. We started reading Gulliver’s Travels in class this semester and finished reading the book this week! After reading Gulliver’s Travels, students shared summaries of the story and discussed whether Gulliver should return to the sea for more adventures or stay home with his family.

One student said she enjoyed the book because Gulliver had to learn a new language just like her. The students enjoyed reading, writing, and discussing a book together in class and are driven to continue learning through reading together.

*This year, we had the opportunity to meet our Superintendent, Elementary Principals, and Classroom teachers. Our families thoroughly enjoyed meeting with the school personnel, and our conversations helped build community and connection with our school personnel. The parents grew in their ability and confidence to communicate with their child’s teachers and other staff who work with their child.

*There are countless resources available to families in Columbus, and it’s easy for many to go unused! Many students noted they would like to learn how to create healthier meals. This spring, we tapped into some of our community resources and invited a couple of dietitians to speak to our class. They discussed practical ways to create healthier meals while cooking a simple yet healthy dish for our class. Students asked lots of questions and discussed how to incorporate healthier options into their meals at home.

Other community presenters visited the class to talk about their services and organizations, and students even went on field trips to locations such as the children’s museum, public library and new Field House at the YMCA."

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.

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!

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!

August Class Attendance

The new semester of classes started at CCC and PVLA in the middle of July.  However, with a full month of school now under our belt, we thought you might be interested in knowing how many students attended classes during the month of August. 

PVLA Class Attendance 

When it comes to PVLA class attendance, the numbers break down as follows: 

• Book Club – meets on Thursdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm – averaged 8 students per class
  
  

• Citizenship – meets on Mondays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm – averaged 4 students per class
  
  

• Introductory ESL – meets on Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm – averaged 6 students per class
  
  

• Integration – meets on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am – averaged 8 students per class 
  
  

• Conversational English on Tuesdays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm – averaged 6 students per class
• Conversational English on Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 pm – averaged 7 students per class
• Conversational English on Fridays from 9:00 to 10:00 am – averaged 8 students per class

CCC Class Attendance

For CCC classes, attendance breaks down as follows:

• Morning 1/2 class – meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am – 15 students
• Evening 1/2 class – meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm – 32 students 
  
  

• Morning 3/4 class – meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am – 30 students
• Evening 3/4 class – meets on Monday and Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm – 37 students 
  
  

• Morning 5/6 class – meets on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:00 to 11:00 am – 14 students
• Evening 5/6 class – meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm – 17 students 
  
  

• Morning GED – meets Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm – 5 students
• Evening GED – meets Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm – 9 students

Good Attendance Leads to Success

We are so excited to see so many students enrolling and attending!  The more exposure an individual gets to their lesson, the greater their success—whether they are learning English or preparing for the high school equivalency exam.

CCC may not be enrolling anymore students at the moment, but the PVLA is always open.  Taking a PVLA class not only exposes individuals to the English language, but it also prepares them for future English classes.  By attending Book Club or one of the conversational English classes, students can get a head start in their studies.

For more information about PVLA and/or CCC classes, please fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog, send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!), or call 402-562-1463.

Why Aren’t Conversational Spanish Classes Free?

 

Photo by Pixabay

If you know anything about the PVLA, it may be that the classes we offer are free. Which means it may come as a surprise to see that there is a fee associated with the conversational Spanish classes.

Keep reading to find out why we charge for this particular class.

Languages Spoken in the U.S.

English is the most prominent language spoken in the U.S. In an article from the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2019, 241 million people spoke English, while 67.8 million spoke another language.

Spanish is the second-most spoken language in America, with an estimated 42 million people speaking this language.

Other languages spoken in the U.S. include Chinese (3+ million), Tagalog (2 million), Vietnamese (2 million), and Arabic (1+ million). There are, of course, other languages spoken, but these are the most prominent—although they are not as widely spoken as English or Spanish.

Learning Another Language is a Luxury

There may be other languages spoken in the U.S., but there is an expectation that once someone moves here, they will integrate and learn how to speak English.

Immigrants are expected to adapt to the established ways of life in this country, so learning how to speak the most populous language becomes survival. That’s why we offer ESL classes for free—we want to ensure New Americans have the skills and knowledge they need to thrive and survive in their new home.

Of course, knowing how to speak another language is incredibly beneficial. Having Spanish-speaking (or other language) skills can be super helpful when dealing with all members of the community, but it’s not a necessity.

As harsh as it sounds, it’s a luxury to learn another language. Being bilingual is a superpower, but knowing English is a requirement. That’s why we charge for our conversational Spanish classes.

Where Does the Money Go?

In addition to wondering why the conversational Spanish classes cost, you may be curious where the money goes. The fee that is charged for tutoring sessions is used to pay the tutor. 

Here at the PVLA, we feel that not only is your time valuable, but so is our Spanish tutors’. We want to make sure they are being compensated for passing on their knowledge and skills to members of the community.

The PVLA does not make any profit from what it charges for the conversational Spanish sessions. All of the money goes directly to the instructors.

Learn Spanish on Your Schedule

Making the decision to learn another language is advantageous, and it ensures that you’ll be able to communicate with a wide range of community members in the Columbus area. Whether you’re a business owner or just really like people, there is something to be gained from working with a PVLA Spanish tutor.

If you’re ready to sign up for classes or have more questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

How We Spent the Funds from Cruise & Associates

 

You may recall that back in August, Cruise & Associates held a bowling fundraiser for the PVLA. They were able to raise $1,000, and that money was used to buy books, CDs, and CD players for our students.

Why Buy Books and CDs?

Having access to both CDs and print books can be incredibly beneficial to language learners because it will enhance their language acquisition.

While listening to the text and following along in the book, a student will be exposed to intonation, native speech patterns, and correct pronunciation. In addition, listening and reading can help them understand nuances of the English language, as well as expand their vocabulary and comprehension.

However, the skills go beyond language learning.

Listening to the audio version of the text and reading along in a print book boost reading comprehension, which can be incredibly beneficial for those studying for GED exams. 

Reading and listening simultaneously engages multiple parts of the brain, and the multisensory experience can reinforce an individual’s understanding of the material, making it easier for them to comprehend intricate plotlines or complex concepts.

Why Not Make Audiobooks Available?

While access to audiobooks is beneficial, the monthly fee in addition to the cost of purchasing the book can be out of reach for many of our students, as well as the PVLA. 

Instead, by offering them CDs and CD players, they’ll have access to our library of books, giving them the ability to listen and read at their leisure without having to download apps, worry about fees, or stress about draining their phone battery.

What Kinds of Books Did the PVLA Buy?

Since every student has different preferences when it comes to reading materials, we are offering a variety of book options. From fiction (including horror, literary, and classics) to nonfiction (memoirs and historical), students will be able to find something they’ll enjoy listening to.

Not only will they be able to improve their language skills and reading comprehension, but they’ll also learn about the world in which they live through the perspective of a wide range of authors and characters.

Why Did the PVLA Buy Those Particular Books?

While classroom learning is beneficial in helping non-native speakers learn English, it can get boring. To keep individuals interested and engaged, giving them access to stories is essential. Sometimes, when it doesn’t feel like a lesson, that’s when people absorb the most information. If a student can be entertained, they may be more inclined to keep learning.

Learning a new language is challenging—especially if you’re attempting this feat as an adult. While not impossible, there are many obstacles that need to be overcome. When it comes to learning English, one of the best ways to get a grasp on the language is to be able to see the words on the page and hear them being spoken.

Being exposed to and immersed in a new language is imperative, but once a person leaves the classroom, they may not find themselves around English speakers, which can make it even harder to learn the language. A solution to this problem would be for individuals to be able to check out a CD player and book that they can take anywhere and everywhere.

Without the generosity of Cruise & Associates, we wouldn’t be able to offer these resources to our students. Not only do we hope they learn something by reading the books we have to offer, but—most importantly—we hope they enjoy the experience.

Meet The T-Shirt Design Winner

Tammi Gotschall (CCC ESL instructor and PVLA board member) presents Alexei

with his check for winning the PVLA T-shirt design contest.

The winner of the T-shirt design contest was Alexei Mendez Silva. Alexei is originally from Cuba, and he decided to design a T-shirt because he wanted to be involved in this institution (the PVLA) and to represent the New Americans.

He picked this particular design because he feels that it represents the education and dedication that the PVLA offers.

His hopes and dreams for the future are to join healthcare. 

In his own words: "I am thankful for everything PVLA has done for me, not only in my educational goals but my personal growth as well."

Support Alexei and Other Students

If you'd like to support Alexei and the other students who attend CCC and PVLA classes, please consider buying a T-shirt. They can be found online at Custom Ink.

A New Semester of ESL Classes Is About to Begin

Summer is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean that learning stops! After a 2-week break, CCC ESL classes are getting ready to start up again, as are the PVLA’s Conversational English classes and our Introductory ESL class.

The new semester starts on July 16th, and we are so excited to have students back in the building! 

While CCC’s ESL classes are currently full, there are several PVLA classes that can be attended. From citizenship to Conversational English to Introductory ESL, and others, the PVLA has a variety of classes to help students reach their educational goals.

Here’s a calendar of upcoming classes:

Have questions about any of our class offerings? Fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog, or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!) or call 402-562-1463.

We hope you have an amazing semester!

The First Session of the Introductory ESL Class Comes to a Close

 

It started with a $4,000 grant from Tyson Foods.

Then, on March 21, 2024, the first Introductory ESL was held, and 10 students signed up.

As the 12 weeks progressed, 8 students attended on a regular basis, and 6 of them will be transitioning into the English classes offered by CCC.

Overall, the class was an incredible success.

The Expectations

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to language learning is that success is not measured by leaps and bounds. Learning a new language is incredibly difficult, especially as an adult, but it’s not impossible. Here at the PVLA, when we look at success, even small advancements are a reason to celebrate.

When it comes to the Introductory ESL class, success is measured by the student’s ability to spell their name using the English alphabet and fill out forms in English. It may not seem like much, but it’s a huge step in the learning process—and these first students reached their goals and more.

The other purpose of the Introductory ESL class is to give students an idea of what to expect in the classroom. It’s possible that many of these adults haven’t been in a classroom for a long time (if ever). Knowing how to learn is beneficial and ensures current and future success. It also prepares students for the next step, which may be more classes.

The Final Day

On the final day of class, the Introductory ESL instructor tried to make it educational yet entertaining—and she was successful in her endeavors. Not only did the students get to show off how much they had learned about the alphabet, but they also got to enjoy some delicious food.

Here are some pictures from that final day.

If you’re wondering what they are doing, they are coming up with words based on the last letter of the word before it. For example, if the instructor gave them the letter D to start, the first student had to think of an animal that started with D. So, if the student wrote down D-O-G, the next student would need to come up with a word that started with G.

The purpose of the exercise is to get them thinking about the alphabet and using vocabulary skills. They had a lot of fun in the process.

The Next Session

If you ask us, the first session of the Introductory ESL class was a huge success, and we can’t wait for the next session to begin.

And we are having a next session!

It begins on July 18, 2024. Once again, it will be on Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Columbus Family Resource Center (3020 18^th St, Suite 4).

For anyone who’s interested in signing up or has questions, please send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!) or call 402-562-1463.

A Good Start to Introductory ESL

Thanks to a $4,000 grant from Tyson Foods, the PVLA has been able to offer an Introductory ESL class to students. The first class was held on March 21, and as of April 25, six weeks of classes have been offered.

We are at the halfway mark for this 12-week course.

And let me tell you: we can’t be happier with how things are shaping up!

Welcoming New Students

The first class welcomed 7 students, and many of them continue to attend to this day. Every week, there has also been at least one new student joining in on the fun. Currently, 9 students are attending regularly.

The lessons that students are learning include filling out forms, numbers, and the alphabet, among others.

The instructor, Alicia, has already seen progress in her students. She says that when the students first started, they weren’t able to understand the command “Read the directions” when spoken in English.

However, now when she asks them to do that task (in English), they are able to comply—and do so promptly. They also know what it means to fill their names into forms and the difference between “reading” and “spelling” when it comes to assignments.

Measuring Success

When it comes to ESL success, progress isn’t measured in leaps and bounds; it’s measured in small increments. The progress the students have made in the Introductory ESL class is incredibly exciting and encouraging. We can’t wait to see what the next 6 weeks bring!

Introductory ESL classes are held on Thursdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at the Family Resource Center (3020 18th St, Suite 4) in Columbus, Nebraska. Anyone can join at any time.

For more information about this class, please fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog, send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!), or call 402-562-1463.

One Dollar Can Make a Huge Difference

If you read this blog with any regularity, then you may have noticed that I talk about snacks a lot.

If you are responsible for buying groceries in your household, then you’ve probably noticed that the cost of food has gone up.

Both of those are intertwined.

It may not seem like a huge thing to offer snacks to students. In some cases, it may seem frivolous or “extra,” especially with increasing food prices, but our students appreciate the gesture so much.

When a person is hungry, this increases fatigue and irritation. Hunger also has an impact on the amount of information the brain can retain. Fueling the brain and body is essential, which is why having snacks available for our students is incredibly important.

The Cost of Providing Snacks

In a typical week, the PVLA and CCC Adult Education sees approximately 200 students attending classes. Not all of these students eat a snack every week, but having them available is beneficial.

The cost of providing snacks, including granola bars, fruit snacks, chips, and water, among others, averages about $265.00 per month.

When the numbers are broken down, it becomes apparent that providing snacks for students each month is only about $1 per student—and that’s incredibly affordable.

The funding for these delectable treats comes from generous donors. In 2023, our Snack Sponsors included the following:

Tammi Gotschall

Larry and Vicky Barcell

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Richard and Mary Lou Stamm

Dee Condon

Duane Matson

Sylvia Coffey

So far for 2024, our Snack Sponsors are the following:

Angie Biester

Richard and Mary Lou Stamm

In addition to our Snack Sponsors, our students also contribute to the Snack Fund. We have a jar in the snack corner, and students will contribute what they can. It all ensures that there are snacks to keep our students strong while studying.

$1 Truly Can Make a Difference

$1 may not seem like a lot, but it can provide one student with a snack—and that’s a pretty big deal. As the amount of the donation increases, the number of students that are impacted also goes up.

To become a Snack Sponsor, we ask that you make a minimum donation of $260, but if that amount seems out of range, anything you donate will ensure that students have the fuel they need to keep learning.

If this sounds like an opportunity you’re interested in pursuing, there are a variety of ways you can donate funds. You can head to our online donation site and choose an amount that fits into your budget.

We also have a PayPal donation site where you can become a Snack Sponsor.

Should you prefer the “old fashioned” method of sending a check, you can mail it to:

PVLA

3020 18th St, Box 3, Suite 4
Columbus, NE 68601

Snacks Make an Impact

It’s been said before, and I’m going to say it again: Food is a love language.

Despite the rising cost of groceries, it doesn’t take much to make a student’s day. For just $1, you can ensure they have a snack that will keep them focused while they are learning.

Got questions? Fill out the form on the right-hand side of this blog or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces).

March Madness Reading Contest

In March, the PVLA challenged students to a reading contest. The rules were simple:

 Any student in any PVLA or CCC class was allowed to participate in the competition. They were asked to turn in reading logs every week, and if they did, they won a prize.

These prizes were small incentives, such as notebooks, pens, and scented candles. The “big” prizes were at the end of the contest, and these included gift cards to Walmart in increments of $20, $10, and $5.

The prizes were donated to the PVLA by an anonymous donor.

We are super happy with how the first reading contest turned out, and we thank the students for participating. The winners are as follows:

First place winner ($20 gift card): Naomi

Second place winner ($10 gift card): Tere

Third place winner ($5 gift card): Jesica

Fourth place winner: Teresa

Another Chance to Win

The PVLA will be hosting another reading contest in May, so any student that wants a chance to win a weekly prize or a “grand” prize will have an opportunity. The rules will be the same. We’re excited to see how the next one turns out.

Want to Become a Sponsor?

Making the reading contest fun doesn’t take much. If you’d like to become a sponsor, the cost is $50, or you’re more than welcome to donate in-kind items. These can include the weekly prizes or the “grand” prizes (gift cards) that are handed out at the end of the contest.

For more information, please contact the PVLA executive director through the form on the side of this blog or at pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (don’t forget to remove the spaces!).

The Road to Success is Paved with Snacks

Adults come to the PVLA to learn English as a second language, to become U.S. citizens, to obtain their GED, or to get one-on-one skills training to find a better job.

The majority of our students have families to care for, as well as work full-time jobs. Many either attend class and then go directly to their job or come directly from work to class.

When a person is hungry, this increases fatigue and irritation. Hunger also has an impact on the amount of information the brain can retain. Fueling the brain and body is essential, which is why having snacks available for our students is incredibly important.

You can help an adult student achieve success by becoming a Snack Sponsor. Whether you want to donate money or products, you can make a student’s day brighter and better, and you can ensure they stay strong while studying.

As a Snack Sponsor, you will receive recognition in the Snack Corner with a sign announcing your generous donation. If you have flyers or business cards you want to share, we will display those as well. We will also post your name on our Facebook page and forever be grateful for your support.

Sponsorships are for one month at a time, with a minimum donation of $260, and will provide our students with chips, granola bars, water, Gatorade, and any other treat the budget will allow for. While donating the entire amount is always appreciated, it’s not necessary. Any amount you can give is beneficial.

The path to success starts with snacks—and knowledge. Help an adult learner achieve their dreams by becoming a Snack Sponsor today! 

You have the option of making your payment online or sending a check or money order to:

Platte Valley Literacy Association
3020 18th St, Box 3
Columbus, NE 68601

If you prefer to donate products but don’t know what to get, you can check out PVLA’s Spark Good Registry on Walmart.com. Pick some items from the list, pay for them, and they will be shipped directly to us. After making your purchase, make sure to send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com so that we can give you the recognition you deserve.

Who Are You Giving to?

What is Giving Tuesday?

Giving Tuesday is a worldwide phenomenon that encourages individuals to donate to their favorite causes. It started in 2012 in response to the commercialism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and encourages people to do something good. In the past decade, Giving Tuesday has developed into a global movement that has inspired and encouraged hundreds of millions of people to donate and celebrate generosity.

When is Giving Tuesday?

November 28th, 2023

Why Should You Donate to Platte Valley Literacy?

Columbus, Nebraska, is special. Within the state of Nebraska, Columbus is the most highly industrial city per capita—which means that there are lot of jobs and a lot of opportunities. People come here to work hard and grab their slice of the American dream. From the Congo to Mexico to Cuba and everywhere in between, our community is incredibly diverse. Everyone here is looking for the best life they can find for themselves and their families, and there are many different ways to achieve those goals.

But there are also challenges that stand in people’s way.

Here at Platte Valley Literacy, our mission is to break down those barriers.

Whether a person is looking to improve their English-speaking skills, earn their citizenship, or increase their employability skills, we are here to help.

But we can’t do it alone.

The vast majority of our classes are offered at no charge to students, but we still have to pay instructors and ensure they have classrooms to teach in. Technology also assists in student instruction, and we need to be able to keep equipment and other educational materials up to date.

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of others to provide the invaluable services that people need.

We empower individuals to reach their educational goals, and your donation on Giving Tuesday ensures that we have what we need to provide students with high-quality instructors and up-to-date materials and technology.

Here are a few ways to participate in Giving Tuesday:

1. Make a donation

To make it as easy as possible, we offer a variety of ways to make a donation to the PVLA. You can head over to our online donation site or send a check or money order to:

Platte Valley Literacy
3020 18th St, Box 3, Suite 4
Columbus, NE 68601

2. Spread the Word

Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about our services. Chances are, you know someone who could benefit from what we have to offer. The more you share, the more individuals we can help.

3. Become a Volunteer

Giving Tuesday isn’t just about sending your favorite organization money, it’s also about volunteering your time to causes you truly care about. If you want to help adult learners succeed, then contact the PVLA to see how you can volunteer.

The PVLA has been a part of the Columbus community since the 1980s, and it makes us so proud to know that we have helped—and will continue to help—individuals fulfill their goals and dreams for a better life. By working together, we can make Columbus a welcoming place for all and ensure that everyone feels like a valued member of the community.

 

Stories from Students Who Have Benefitted from PVLA Services

For many, being able to live in the U.S. is the ultimate dream. There are a variety of things that make this country appealing, including the freedom and the employment and educational opportunities. As an immigrant, the benefits that come with obtaining a U.S. citizenship include the ability to vote, bring family members to the U.S., travel with a U.S. passport (and get help from the U.S. government while abroad), protection from deportation, and being eligible for federal jobs, among others.

A recent citizenship student from Afghanistan was thrilled to be in our evening citizenship class and unashamedly spoke of his gratefulness. He had no formal education past elementary school but learned English on his own after coming to the United States to live. He explained that because he had left Afghanistan to come to the United States, he could never go back, or he would be killed. This student was overjoyed after earning his U.S. citizenship and plans to work tirelessly to petition for his family so that they too can enjoy the freedom and safety of the United States.

To become a citizen, there is a process that must be followed, which involves being able to pass a test. Many immigrants do not possess the knowledge needed to pass the exam, but the information can be learned—and that’s where the Platte Valley Literacy Association comes into play.

Javier is from Guanajuato, Mexico, and he came to the U.S. with his father to work when he was 14 years old. Six months later, his father returned to Mexico, leaving Javier behind. Speaking no English and working to survive, Javier did not have the chance to finish school. He struggled but worked hard to get to where he is now. His story is very touching because he never took life for granted. Fast forward many years later... he now has a beautiful family, which consists of his wife and two kids.

Javier started with ESL (English as a Second Language) and transitioned to GED. It took him 3 years to complete his GED (it could have been less, but COVID impacted a lot). When he started GED classes, he was having a tough time learning with others, as every student had different subjects to focus on. He decided to work directly with a tutor. Janet, his tutor, focused on one subject at a time until he passed all subjects.

His two goals when starting the program were to become a leader at his job and obtain his GED. He has met both goals. Javier is a robot programmer at Columbus Hydraulics and earned a certificate. He has been working there for 8 years and is involved in big projects. He plans to focus on his projects and programming. Always striving to be better, his message to others is: “If I worked 10.5 hours every day, had parent commitments, and I still found time for education, you all can do it too!” He always went by a quote when challenges presented themselves: “Let’s try it.” Whether he failed or stumbled, he learned something and got better.