The Purpose of the PVLA

The goal of the PVLA is to offer students a safe space to obtain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the classroom and in life.

Our mission is to break down barriers and give people a chance to find success and live their dreams. We empower students to obtain their educational goals and reach for the stars by providing individuals with information about how to live in Columbus and obtain their citizenship, as well as teaching them English-speaking skills and helping them search and apply for jobs.

History

The Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA) has been proudly serving the Columbus, Nebraska, area for several decades as a United Way Agency. Our goal is to meet the educational needs of individuals in our community. We partner with the Central Community College Adult Education program to further increase educational opportunities in the area and help students gain the necessary skills to be successful in life.

The PVLA evolved from a group of volunteer tutors in the early 1980s. As the director of the Columbus Public Library, Robert Trautwein was instrumental in responding to the need for more reading tutors. Mr. Trautwein wrote many grants that initiated programs that are still flourishing today. Many passionate individuals have shaped our organization into what it is now.

In 1990, the Platte Valley Literacy Association was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit. As the years have gone by, the PVLA has adapted in order to provide valuable services that address the current needs of community members.

Current Classes

Classes currently offered by the PVLA include the following:

• Introductory English as a second language (ESL)
• Citizenship
• Conversational English
• Book Club
• Integration
• One-on-one employment skills training

How is the PVLA Funded?

Grants

The vast majority of PVLA funding comes from grants. In essence, grants are funds that are awarded to a nonprofit from some type of foundation, organization, or business. More often than not, the PVLA has to apply for these funds, and the awarding entity decides if our cause is worthy of money.

Grant funds are typically restricted, which means that they can only be used for a specific program or purpose.

For example, the PVLA offers a wide range of classes, including Book Club, Integration Class, Conversational English, Citizenship, etc. While all of these classes are amazing and help students become successful, they are not all covered by grant money.

Some organizations prefer to fund very specific programs. When a grantor restricts funds to specific programs, the PVLA can only spend the money on those specific programs.

And those are perfectly reasonable and accepted practices. Every entity has something different they are interested in and want to support, so they send funds to help with causes/classes they care about.

Grants can also come in the form of unrestricted funds. Typically, these are classified as “operating grants.” This money can be used for an array of things, including salaries, rent, supplies, or instructor salaries.

Whether a grant is restricted or unrestricted, they keep PVLA programs up and running.

Donations

In addition to grants, the PVLA also receives donations from individuals and businesses. These can include money that allows us to buy snacks for our students or donations of snack items. We have also have had Thrivent grants donated to us to be used for a specific purpose.

We have also participated in fundraisers to obtain donations for our various programs. This year, like last, Cruise & Associates hosted a bowling fundraiser. In addition, Terrace Books put on a Blind Date with a Book fundraiser that collected $310 to be used for the purchase of snacks.

An Integral Part of the Community

The PVLA has been around since the 1980s, and we don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon. We have evolved our program offerings to ensure we are providing what the community wants and needs when it comes to skills and knowledge—and we will continue to do that for as long as we can.

If you have any questions about the PVLA, 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.

A New Semester Gets Underway

August 4th marked the first day of the new semester for CCC and PVLA classes.

After a month-long break, students and instructors are ready to get back into the classroom and start learning again. New and returning students will have several months to hone their English skills with a wide range of class offerings at the Columbus Family Resource Center.

While registration for CCC ESL classes has closed, the PVLA offers a wide range of options that students can start at any time. Here’s the PVLA schedule for the new semester:

Monday

• Book Club – 5:00 to 6:00 pm
• Citizenship Class – 6:00 to 7:30 pm

Tuesday

• Introductory ESL – 9:00 to 11:00 am
• Conversational English – 5:00 to 6:00 pm
• Book Club – 5:00 to 6:00 pm

Wednesday

• Conversational English – 5:00 to 6:00 pm

Thursday

• Book Club – 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
• Introductory ESL and Integration Class – 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Friday

• Conversational English – 9:00 to 11:00 am

Saturday

• Integration Class – 10:00 to 11:00 am (class held at the Columbus Public Library)
• Citizenship Class – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (class held at the Schuyler Public Library)

For any questions or more information about PVLA and CCC classes, please call 402-562-1463, send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com (make sure to remove the spaces!), or fill out the form on the right.

We’re looking forward to an exciting and educational semester!

Providing Snacks for Students

One of the perks of attending classes at CCC or the PVLA is that you’re provided with snacks.

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 see 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 $300.00 per month.

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

The funding for these delectable treats comes from generous donors. So far in 2024, our Snack Sponsors are the following:

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 $300, 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 PayPal donation site.

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

We also take in-kind donations. If you prefer to purchase food items and bring them to us, we’ll take those as well.

Snacks Make an Impact

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).

Rainy Day Activities

April showers bring May flowers—and we should be seeing a lot of blooms here soon.

We’ve been getting a lot of rain here in Columbus, and while it’s needed, it can also leave you feeling bored and unsure of what to do. If you find yourself stuck inside on a gray day, here are some ways to stay busy.

Spend Some Time on Burlington English

If you happen to have the Burlington English app, spending some time on it while it’s raining can be incredibly beneficial.

Instead of scrolling through social media, open the BE app and do a quick lesson. Is there a commercial break during your favorite show? Perfect time to do get on your phone and engage in an English lesson!

Listen to Audiobooks

There are a variety of apps that you can download onto your phone that give you access to a wide range of stories, so you’re sure to find something that you enjoy.

The best part about audiobooks is that you can listen while doing other things. If you’re trying to get some rainy day cleaning done, you can pop in your headphones and listen to a book at the same time.

If you’re looking to relax, curl up on your couch with a blanket and an audiobook and get lost in another world.

Read with Your Kids

If you need to keep yourself and your kids busy on a rainy day, consider reading to your kids. It doesn’t matter what types of stories or books you choose. You can even have them read to you. Reading is a great way to forget that the weather outside is less than ideal.

Bake a Delicious Treat

While engaging in learning activities on a rainy day can be beneficial, you can also do something enjoyable—like baking your favorite treat. Not only will the warmth from the oven fill you with joy, but the smells in your house will make you forget all about the dreary weather outside.

The rain may be needed, but it can still make the day feel long and boring. Thankfully, there are things you can do to pass the time.

Appreciating Community Presenters

One of the things that the PVLA takes pride in is being able to connect students to the Columbus community and vice versa.

One way that is accomplished is by having community presenters come to different classes and talk about what their organizations have to offer. Classes that have been visited include the Integration class that meets on Saturday, the Introductory ESL class that meets on Tuesday morning, the Integration and Introductory ESL class that meets on Thursday evening, and Family Learning.

Some of the community members that have presented include the Platte County Sherriff’s Department, East Central Health District/Good Neighbor Health, nutritionists from the hospital, directors of the Columbus Field House, immigration consultants from Centro Hispano, and others.

Having an integrated and informed community is essential to social wellbeing. We deeply appreciate those organizations and individuals who have spoken to our classes, and we look forward to working with others to ensure these connections continue.

Staying Busy During Spring Break

Photo by Perfecto Capucine on Pexels

Spring Break starts this week, which means most students (adults and kids alike) won’t be in school.

Don’t worry! Even if you aren’t in class, there are still some things you can do to ensure you’re staying busy during Spring Break.

1. Read with Your Kids

Probably the easiest way to ensure you continue to learn English during this week is to read to your kids. It doesn’t matter what types of stories or books you choose, just make sure they’re in English. Whether it’s right before bed or in the middle of the day, reading with your kids can be incredibly enjoyable.

If you aren’t confident in your reading abilities, consider checking out Unite for Literacy. Not only are there a ton of books on this site your kids will enjoy, but the computer will read them out loud for you! This is a great way to learn new vocabulary words and spend some quality time with the kiddos.

2. Listen to Audiobooks

In addition to reading with your kids, another option you have is to listen to audiobooks. There are a variety of apps that you can download onto your phone that give you access to a wide range of stories, so you’re sure to find something that you enjoy.

The best part about audiobooks is that you can listen while doing other things. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving, working, doing chores, or just hanging out, you can have a book playing in the background.

Audiobooks are ideal if you’re traveling. Whether you’re in the car or getting onto a plane, pop your headphones in, be transported to another world, and immerse yourself in some English!

3. Spend Some Time on Burlington English

If you happen to have the Burlington English app, spending some time on it during Spring Break can be incredibly beneficial—even if it’s only 5 minutes a day.

At night, right before you go to bed, instead of scrolling through social media, open the BE app and do a quick lesson. Sitting in a waiting room? This can be a great time to do some English lessons on your phone!

It Doesn’t Take Much

Spring Break is only a week long, and it can be hard to find time to study, but by finding ways to include the kids or engage in activities while on the go, you can still study over the week and improve your English skills.

Enjoy your time off!

A Reminder of What the PVLA Does

We are a couple of months into 2025, so now is a good time to remind everyone what the PVLA does.

The Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA) has been proudly serving the Columbus, Nebraska, area for several decades as a United Way Agency. Our goal is to meet the educational needs of individuals in our community. We partner with the Central Community College Adult Education program to further increase educational opportunities in the area and help students gain the necessary skills to be successful in life.

The PVLA evolved from a group of volunteer tutors in the early 1980s. As the director of the Columbus Public Library, Robert Trautwein was instrumental in responding to the need for more reading tutors. Mr. Trautwein wrote many grants that initiated programs that are still flourishing today. Many passionate individuals have shaped our organization into what it is now.

In 1990, the Platte Valley Literacy Association was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit. As the years have gone by, the PVLA has adapted in order to provide valuable services that address the current needs of community members.

Classes currently offered by the PVLA include the following:

• Introductory ESL
• Citizenship
• Conversational English
• Book Club
• Integration
• Introductory ESL and Integration  
• One-on-one employment skills training

2024 Annual Report

The PVLA is excited to announce that the 2024 Annual Report is ready to be viewed! If you'd like to see what the PVLA was up to last year, browse through the report below.

Volunteering for the PVLA

For many, the thought of being a volunteer sounds like a huge commitment. Not only do you have to invest your time, but also effort. If you already work a full-time job and have a family, adding one more thing to your plate might seem impossible.

However, there are benefits to being a volunteer.

Yes, you will have to make a commitment, but what you get out of your time and effort can pay off in the long run. Here are some of the benefits that come with becoming a volunteer:

1. The Ability to Make a Difference

If you’ve ever wanted to make an impact, then becoming a volunteer for a nonprofit organization should be on your list. You’ll have the opportunity to impact individuals and the larger community. You’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that you made a positive impact on others.

2. Improve Your Professional Skills

Whether you’re looking to advance your professional career or just want to be the best in your current position, being a volunteer can improve your skillset. As a volunteer for the PVLA, you'll learn how to communicate and interact with individuals from different countries and help them gain skills and knowledge that will make them successful in the classroom and in life. 

You'll also learn how to convey information to others in a way that's easy to understand. This can increase your knowledge in a variety of subjects and help you learn new things.

3. Gain Insight and Exposure

Serving as a volunteer gives you insight into the operations of an organization, as well as exposes you to other industries, markets, and business strategies. Having this information can help you think about your own business differently or help you transition to another company or industry.

4. Find Inspiration and Motivation

If you feel like your life or career has hit a dead end or you’re stuck in a rut, then serving as a volunteer can be inspirational and motivating. Becoming a mentor or knowing that the decisions you’re making are having an impact on the lives of individuals and the community can be incredibly gratifying. You’ll feel like you have a purpose and can support a cause that you are truly passionate about.

Increase Your Visibility and Do Something Good

Making the decision to become a volunteer shouldn’t be taken lightly. It does involve time and effort, and you have to be willing to dedicate both. However, you aren’t just giving without getting in return. There are many benefits to being a volunteer.

If service to others is something you’ve been thinking about, and you’re passionate about literacy and adult education, then you might want to consider volunteering for the PVLA.

Volunteer Opportunities at the PVLA

Conversational English

These volunteers will work one-on-one with students to help them with their conversational English skills. This might include helping them introduce themselves or have a conversation about the weather. Students may request to speak about certain subjects, but if they are open to anything, the tutor may use “conversation starters” or other materials to encourage students to converse in English. Curriculum is available at the PVLA.

Computer/Digital Literacy

Having computer experience is necessary to ensure that students are learning the skills they need to navigate the digital world. Sessions may include one-on-one or small group lessons. The tutor may need to begin with the basics, including showing students how to turn on and log in to a computer. 

Then, lessons may expand from there and include creating an email address and learning how to navigate the internet. Students will direct the tutor in the skills and knowledge they need to become computer literate.

Laptops are available at PVLA for student and tutor use. Some curriculum is also available at PVLA, but tutors will need to be aware of current trends and technological information.

Outreach Classroom Assistant

Outreach classroom assistants will accompany instructors to businesses in the city of Columbus and help with lessons. An outreach class session lasts for 12 weeks and can be anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours long per day (typically, tutors are not needed more than 2 days per week). The Outreach instructor will provide instructions and details as to what type of help they will need in the classroom each week.

Citizenship

USCIS materials are incredibly beneficial in ensuring that students have the knowledge they need to pass the naturalization interview and test; however, there are other resources available as well. Non-USCIS materials may be used if they have been reviewed and approved by the PVLA executive director. 

Some students will be looking to practice for the citizenship interview, so knowing what questions are asked about the N-400 is beneficial. Students will direct tutors as to what they want and need to focus on to be ready for their testing appointment. Citizenship materials are available at the PVLA and online.

Want to know more about the process? Fill out the contact form on the right-hand side of the blog or send an email to pvlacolumbusne @ yahoo.com.

Staying Focused on Your Studies Over the Summer

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Last week marked the end of the school year for Columbus Public Schools. There’s no doubt in our minds that the kids are extremely happy for the break, but having them home during the day can create some challenges for parents.

Between work and classes and taking care of your kids, it may feel like you don’t get much of a summer.

OR maybe you are planning a vacation during the warmer months. This is the best time to rest and relax, but it doesn’t leave much time for working on your English skills.

Don’t worry! Even if you aren’t in class, there are still some things you can do to ensure you’re staying focused over the summer.

1. Read with Your Kids

Probably the easiest way to ensure you continue to learn English over the summer is to read to your kids. It doesn’t matter what types of stories or books you choose, just make sure they’re in English. Whether it’s right before bed or in the middle of the day, reading with your kids can be incredibly enjoyable.

2. Listen to Audiobooks

In addition to reading with your kids, another option you have is to listen to audiobooks. There are a variety of apps that you can download onto your phone that give you access to a wide range of stories, so you’re sure to find something that you enjoy.

The best part about audiobooks is that you can listen while doing other things. It doesn’t matter if you’re driving, working, doing chores, or just hanging out, you can have a book playing in the background.

Audiobooks are ideal if you’re traveling. Whether you’re in the car or getting onto a plane, pop your headphones in, be transported to another world, and immerse yourself in some English!

3. Spend Some Time on Burlington English

If you happen to have the Burlington English app, spending some time on it during the summer can be incredibly beneficial—even if it’s only 5 minutes a day.

At night, right before you go to bed, instead of scrolling through social media, open the BE app and do a quick lesson. Sitting in a waiting room? This can be a great time to do some English lessons on your phone!

4. Go to Events and Talk to People

During the summer, there are tons of events to go to, and this can be a great time to practice your conversational English skills. Sure, it can be a bit intimidating to talk to others, but it’s also a great way to hone your skills and stay focused on your studies over the summer.

Plus, you’ll get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and have some fun!

It Doesn’t Take Much

Summer can be an incredibly busy time of year, and it can be hard to find time to study. However, by finding ways to include the kids or engage in activities while on the go, you can still study over the summer and improve your English skills.

We also hope to see you in class.

PVLA's Integration Class

Columbus, Nebraska, is an incredibly unique community.

We are located approximately 1.5 hours west of Omaha and approximately 1.5 hours north of Lincoln, almost smack-dab in the middle of nowhere. Yet, we are the most highly industrial city per capita in the state of Nebraska. There are a lot of opportunities available in Columbus, and people come to the area to see if they can obtain their piece of the American pie.

However, for some, there are obstacles that stand in the way. Whether that encumbrance is not speaking English, not knowing how to find jobs, or not having the right status to apply for a specific job, the PVLA is here to help.

Our mission is to break down barriers and give people a chance to find success and live their dreams. We empower students to obtain their educational goals and reach for the stars by providing individuals with information about how to live in Columbus, filling them with knowledge to obtain their citizenship, and teaching them English-speaking skills.

Welcoming Individuals to the Community

One of the classes that we have available at the PVLA is the Integration Class, which was developed specifically with newcomers in mind. The goal of the Integration Class is to help transition individuals into their new community.

The 1-hour weekly classes are centered around 12 lessons that are taught on a continuous loop. In addition to teaching students about the services that are available in Columbus, an ESL component is also included.

The topics that are covered in class include the following:

• Alphabet
• Numbers
• Colors
• Sight Words
• How to Introduce Yourself
• How to Be a Good Neighbor
• Managing Money
• Different Types of Doctors
• Healthy vs Unhealthy
• Time Concepts in the U.S.
• Places in the Community
• Navigating the Town

Another component of the Integration Class is having community members speak to the students. Since August, we have had visitors from the Sheriff’s Department, the Columbus Police Department, DHHS, Active Family Chiropractic, and a 911 dispatcher.

 

The information the community members share is invaluable when it comes to students feeling like they are part of the community and knowing what services are available to them.

Class Schedule

Currently, we offer two Integration Class sessions. One is held on Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at the Family Resource Center (3020 18th St, Suite 4). The other is held on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Columbus Public Library in the FNBO Conference Room.

Students can attend either class and can join at any time. These classes are offered year-round, and students can stop coming after the 12 weeks or continue to come for as long as they want.

Living in the U.S. can be advantageous, but there can also be culture shock when an individual first moves into a new community. Integration classes can help reduce fears and anxieties and put a person on the path to success. With a stable foundation and the right information, newcomers will have what they need to live the life they’ve been dreaming of.

How to Become a Snack Sponsor for the PVLA

 

It’s a New Year, and we’re looking for supporters! One way to help adult students achieve success is by becoming a Snack Sponsor.

Food is a love language. Whether you’re cooking your family a meal or asking a friend to meet you for dessert, food is a way to let others know how much you care.

When you were a kid, more than likely, one of the highlights of your school day was snack time. There was something satisfying about taking a break from learning and indulging in a delicious treat.

Things do not change all that much once you become an adult learner. Snack time is still a time of enjoyment and indulgence. 

Here at the PVLA, adults come to us to learn English as a second language for better employment opportunities, to help their child with homework, to communicate with their children’s teachers, and to be able to talk to those of us that only speak English. 

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

Being able to take a break to recharge body and mind is beneficial, and 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. 

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.

Sponsorships are for one month at a time, with a donation of $260, and will provide our students with granola bars, water, Gatorade, and any other treat the budget will allow for. You can pay for your sponsorship online or send a check 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.



*Donation receipts are available upon request.