English Empowerment Center (formerly Literacy Council of Northern Virginia)

I started teaching online and in-person Family Learning Program (FLP) classes at English Empowerment Center in February 2024. The program is designed for parents and caregivers to improve their English so they can become more involved in their child’s education. It is a wonderful program and is very fun to teach. I have gotten to know many kind, caring and hardworking parents, grandparents, and individuals through this program. The staff at EEC have been very supportive and attentive from the start. They work hard to ensure classes run smoothly. Volunteers who act as class aides are assigned to every class so students can get all the help they may need during the lesson. EEC truly is an exemplary nonprofit organization that really cares about the students’ progress and well-being.

The English Empowerment Center is a true outlier in our community. Few non-profit organizations are as focused in their local efforts while also being leaders on a larger stage. The Center has a long history of excellent instruction and service to the community that is being enhanced every day by its staff, volunteers and students. Literacy is the key that unlocks everything in our society and the English Empowerment Center is at the vanguard of providing that key.

I joined the English Empowerment Center board in 2016 when it was still LCNV. Since that time, I have had the honor of witnessing the organization evolve and flourish. With each change, more amazing things happen, and I am always in awe of the EEC staff and community.

The constant for EEC is its commitment to the community of learners, volunteers, and donors. Serving adult English language learners, EEC has always been thoughtful about its approach to teaching and learning. In addition to classroom based lessons, EEC introduced resources such as cell phone based lessons to help learners outside the classroom. During Covid, EEC quickly pivoted to virtual lessons to ensure learners and volunteer teachers could still connect during a challenging time. For students not familiar with online learning tools, EEC provided technology literacy support.

For volunteers, EEC created training programs to ensure everyone had the knowledge and skills to do their part. As a volunteer teacher, my husband received training on the curriculum and techniques for engaging students. He also received rigorous training to help with learner placement. As a volunteer, he learned a great deal through his experiences.

When I served as a board member, I saw firsthand how the EEC team ensured they got the most of the board’s time. The team sought the advice and experience of each board member to continuously grow and strengthen EEC. This led to new and effective fundraisers, programs, and processes. It even led to a successful rebranding effort to reflect the growth and future possibilities of the organization.

I could go on and on about how wonderful EEC is, but nothing compares to getting involved yourself. Whether you contribute financially or through service, EEC takes nothing for granted and makes every contribution count toward serving its learners.

The English Empowerment Center, serving Northern Virginia, provides instruction in English for all levels of learners. The staff is made up of professionals and volunteers. I am a volunteer tutor. I began working with EEC last summer. EEC has provided both training and abundant teaching resources to draw on. Everyone I have encountered has been very dedicated, as well as kind and gracious . I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with over 20 students, both in person and online, and they all have been enthusiastic learners.

I became involved with this group in 2020 when I was looking for volunteer work to do virtually. I was a class aid that year and have volunteered in various capacities since then. I became so impressed with the organization--its important mission, the dedication of staff and volunteers, the great use they make of funds, and most of all the difference they make in their students' lives--that I became a donor as well.

The staff is small but their passion for the work and their knowledge and competency make them very effective. I feel great about donating because I've seen firsthand the excellent and efficient use EEC makes of the funds. The students do the best job of explaining the difference learning English makes in their lives, in terms of being able to support their families, communicate with their children's schools, navigate housing and medical care, and generally succeed in this country. It's an honor to be involved with, and support, an organization that has such a vital mission and performs it so well.

The English Empowerment Center is an incredible organization, having an amazing impact in Northern Virginia and across the country through in-person and distance / virtual learning. I’ve had the enormous honor of serving on the Board of Directors for the English Empowerment Center for the past six years and have been amazed by the student, teacher, staff, and volunteer stories I’ve had the opportunity to hear. Learning English truly change lives, creating opportunities for more equitable participation in society … and that is exactly what the English Empowerment Center is all about. Teachers and staff care deeply about the mission … helping students excel so they can access employment, job advancement, and continuing education opportunities. I’m so grateful for everything the English Empowerment Center does to improve the lives of individuals and entire family systems!

I volunteer with English Empowerment - I substitute as a teachers aide, I tutor, I am a tester, and sometimes work in the office. It is one of my most fulfilling volunteer opportunities.

Lately, I have been working with women from Afghanistan. In addition to learning English, they are connecting with each other and building a support network with each other.

It makes my heart happy to contribute in a small way to assisting in their journey in the United States.

I have the privilege of being a teacher's aide at the English Empowerment Center. The work being done in the classroom is not only important for the students, but often life-changing. Students from all over the world have the opportunity to embark on English classes and learn from some incredible teachers for a very small fee that normally would cost students a lot of money. The teachers and students often develop very warm and compassionate bonds which open up worlds of opportunity for the students.

As a teacher's aide, I have been able to firsthand witness what an incredible resource the EEP is to the community, and have been inspired every time I have a chance to walk into the classroom.

The English Empowerment Center is an amazingly well-run non-profit. The staff is comprised of amiable, hard workers dedicated to helping adults learn English as a second language through current best practices. As a volunteer, I am impressed by the EEC's dedication to the students' learning. From registration through classes, tutoring, and transitioning into the workforce and higher-level education, the students always come first. The environment. is one of safety and acceptance.

I was a member of the Board of Directors of the English Empowerment Center (EEC) for six years, from 2017-2023. During that time, I was impressed time and again with the professionalism and commitment of EEC staff to help adult students in many ways. Programs for learning English – speaking, writing and reading –are constantly being evaluated and updated to help adults increase their economic opportunities, further engage in their children’s education and develop deeper community bonds. EEC’s website and social media outlets show the breadth and depth of its work. When Covid caused many programs to close, EEC continued to provide classes on-line. This success led EEC to now conduct classes in person and online. Other organizations aiding these adult students look to EEC for guidance and ideas. EEC staff are recognized by the State of Virginia and the Northern Virginia community for their work through awards and requests to serve on commissions and testify at State and local hearings on educational policies. For several years, I served as Chairman of the EEC Governance Committee. I can attest to the importance EEC places on making sure that all its corporate governance policies meet the standards expected of a top-tier nonprofit organization. I continue to strongly support EEC and encourage others to do the same.

Janet Barsy

I interned there for a few months, and I can say with certainty that their entire staff is comprised of great people that do great work. I helped teach classes and I saw directly how learning English affected the students positively.

Working at the EEC proved to be a profoundly transformative experience in my life. Before I was hired, it had been placed in my head that if you were not working towards becoming a dentist or a doctor any other path was regarded as inferior. Before I arrived here, I was severely lacking in the understanding of survival and true grit. In the beginning, I would drive out to translate and help members of the community fill out forms to register for classes. I would have conversations with these future students, where they come from, what they do for work, what it took to get to the actual day of registration, and a whole lot of other topics! Through these conversations, I was reminded of the grit and resilience that people possess, even in the face of adversity. "What motivates you?" I often found myself pondering this question. As students returned for subsequent semesters, recognizing the value of their classes, they would reconnect with me often with new family and friends in tow. It was during these moments of connection that I began to envision life as a voyage through various realms of existence. I was gifted the opportunity to speak with people from all over the world. Something that would likely take the average person many lifetimes to achieve. As the years passed, familiar faces started approaching me with questions, prompting me to meditate on my own goals. In short, my time at the EEC was a wonderful experience. I helped thousands of people, and every word spoken by them I took to heart.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with EEC. Everyone on their team was extremely passionate about the work they do in helping their students not only learn English but be a part of a community that makes students feel welcomed and empowered.

EEC always strives to provide best in class services that are accessible to both current and future learners. I highly recommend this organization.

I started as a volunteer with the English Empowerment Center 5 years ago. I enjoyed this so much that I then started teaching the advanced Intensive English Class about 4 years ago. This has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The Staff is knowledgeable, supportive and organized and very very clear about their mission. The curriculum is well thought out and evolving based on the needs of the current class. I am struck by the passion, involvement and the humanity of every single teacher, volunteer and staff member at the Center and I know that every life they touch if better for it

I had the incredible privilege to volunteer with EEC and was amazed by the team's passion and commitment to supporting the language learning opportunities of peers in my community. From the moment I joined, it was evident that they are truly dedicated to their mission and making everyone feel comfortable and confident in their learning capabilities. In addition to EEC's infectious drive and positive work environment, what stands out most for me is their efficiency and effectiveness in using resources. They are open to new ways of doing things and are always keeping their students' best interest in mind.

As a devoted volunteer, I enthusiastically support the English Empowerment Center (EEC) because it is a well-run, accessible non-profit organization. Having worked in the office and in the classroom, it is certainly a lifesaver for many immigrants, asylum-seekers, and refugees, in the northern Virginia area.

As a retired teacher, the staff and volunteers are impressive groups that the students rely on to help them learn English and build better lives for themselves and their families. EEC creates a welcoming and supportive space for all learners, regardless of their background or experiences. The Center offers a wide range of classes, from beginner to advanced, virtual and in-person, taught by experienced and qualified instructors, supported by volunteers as aides and tutors. The curriculum is focused on practical applications of English using a series of data-driven materials for teachers, classwork, and homework.

The students enthusiastically learn in this safe and open environment. Coming in, often timid and shy, they emerge into the learning environment filled with goodwill and helpfulness.

EEC plays an important role in helping immigrants and refugees achieve their goals and dreams. The Center deserves our highest praise for its dedication to serving its learners and making a positive impact on the community.

This writing class is very helpful for improving my English. The teacher is very nice and provides a lot of assistance. She not only helps with the class but also assists me, for example, in writing emails to my son's teacher. I strongly recommend it to anyone who needs to learn English

Over the years, I have been a volunteer in many fine non-profit organizations, and I can say with certainty that the volunteer force at the English Empowerment Center is by far the smartest, nicest, and most dedicated force I have ever encountered. The Center's professional staff is crackerjack and supports the volunteers well. The clients that the Center serves are focused, determined to learn English skills and build better lives for themselves. The results are stunning individual victories for the students (a young man earns a long-overdue promotion, a mother learns how to talk with her baby's physician) and a collective win for all those who work at the Center. The Center is a great place to get involved (I taught classes and served two terms on the board of directors) and a great place to give!

I have been on the Board of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia since 2007. Over those 15 years, the one attribute that stands out to me is the quality of leadership and commitment exhibited by the staff, volunteers, and Board members I’ve served with.

Over the last 6 or 7 years, a new program, Destination Workforce, has shown LCNV’s ability to rethink how its mission can be accomplished in more innovative ways. This program conducts literacy classes on-site at participating workplaces, such as nursing homes, hotels and restaurants, focusing on the vocabulary that the workers need to perform their jobs more effectively.

Possibly the most impressive example of the agility of this organization has been its handling of the pandemic over the last couple of years. When Covid struck for real in 2020, the staff was able to switch classes to virtual mode, and the volunteers were able to do whatever was necessary to keep the programs running.

The importance of the work done by LCNV is made obvious every year during the Annual Recognition Ceremony. Students are encouraged to write short essays about how learning English has been important to them, or has changed their lives. Many of these essays are available on the LCNV web site. The one that has always stuck with me is the woman who listed several things that she was able to do as a result of her new language ability. One of them was to leave an abusive husband. Yes, learning English for these students can indeed be empowering.

I am extremely proud to be involved with this organization and will continue to do whatever I can to help it continue to serve those in need.

Having served on the Board of LCNV for 6+ years, I have seen first-hand how impactful learning English is for our students. The tireless staff and teaching volunteers empower adult learners to learn the English skills to obtain better employment, communicate more clearly with doctors and educators, and connect their families more closet to the communities in which they live. LCNV is improving lives everyday.

LCNV is a great resource and incredible learning center for the people who needs to overcome their language barriers. LCNV has incredible leadership and very professional team, who work above and beyond to serve their community. I had the privilege to learn English and then worked as a intern at LCNV that had a lasting impact on my professional life. Thank you LCNV!

While doing some TESOL coursework at NVCC, I did a couple site visits in an LCNV classroom. That inspired me to get more practical experience. I'm glad I did. Since fall 2019, I've tutored and co-taught with LCNV, in-person and online. It's been a positive experience all the way through. The teachers are high calibre and the staff is super-helpful. I have found a meaningful way to serve others by combining my love of language and curiosity about other cultures with my performing and teaching background. I am also very happy to say that my very first one-on-one LCNV student just became a US citizen! LCNV is a big part of my semi-retired life!

LCNV is an extraordinary organization, providing vital services to many people, in meaningful and relevant ways.

I have had the pleasure of volunteering with LCNV for over a year, and I am proud to be a member of the large group of volunteers who assist the staff of LCNV in carrying out the mission of the organization.

Why is it rewarding to be a volunteer for LCNV?

The work itself is critically important, especially as more adults come to the US and need to learn English literacy to be successful.

The students are motivated, appreciative and inspiring. Volunteers immediately know that their work is impactful, and that is rewarding.

The volunteer opportunities are extensive and varied; the time commitment does not need to be extensive and volunteers do not need to come with special skills already in hand.

However, what really sets LCNV apart, in my experience, is the staff at LCNV; they are dedicated, enthusiastic, creative and professional. The support provided to volunteers by the staff is incredible. Whatever a volunteer needs in order to be successful is available and easy to access, whether it's instruction on tasks within the LCNV office, tools and training for use in the classroom (virtual or in-person), assistance with registration of students, or anything else, the staff has thought of it, prepared it, and will help you become proficient using it. A volunteer can take on almost any task and be assured of success, given the level of staff support that is provided.

And the staff brings great flexibility, understanding and humor to their work, so the students are not the only people learning new ways of doing things, the volunteers are as well.

I have volunteered in many great organizations, and LCNV is one of the most rewarding places to volunteer that I have ever encountered. I have met many other volunteers at LCNV, who are of the same opinion.

LCNV can always use more volunteers, as more and more students request help with literacy. I would encourage people with an interest to explore LCNV and its volunteer opportunities - I am sure it will be rewarding.

I moved from California to Northern Virginia, February 2018. While preparing to move, I visited a website called www.volunteermatch.com and found LCNV. Volunteer Match notified LCNV on December 9, 2017. Correspondence between LCNV and myself began on December 11, 2017, with the application process. The cosmos aligned and I was ready to hit the ground running upon my arrival to Northern Virginia.
The assistance and enthusiasm I received from LCNV staff, is the same for their students. I am extremely grateful to LCNV for facilitating the connections made within the community through students, and their families. In my experience, the students cannot wait to signup for the next class, and they hold themselves accountable to advance to the next level. Learning does not only affect the student, but everyone in the household is connected as a support system.
I view LCNV as a pebble that causes a ripple effect of positive reinforcement. By cultivating a positive learning environment, LCNV optimizes its resources by offering them in multiple locations via online or in-person. Changing the world around us, a community at a time. Thank you LCNV for everything!

I recently rejoined LCNV as a teacher’s aide after returning to the area. I had worked with LCNV off and on for years before I left and was glad to rejoin upon my return. I find it to be a focused, compassionate, and committed organization staffed by really dedicated people. The volunteers are equally compassionate and dedicated making it a pleasure to teach there. Moreover, I think the students enjoy learning from these teachers and appreciate the help of the staff. I am constantly amazed by the high attendance levels and the sincere desire of the students to learn. They do their homework, participate in class, and often stay after to get help with something they don’t understand or guidance on things encountered in everyday life in Northern Virginia. It is as rewarding to be a teacher as it is beneficial to be a student. And throughout, in the background, the LCNV staff is a great support helping set up classes, maintaining the overall operations, and working hard to get the word out to those most in need of English fluency in the community. A successful organization, fun and rewarding to work for.

As a former Board member for LCNV, I've seen how LCNV has helped put people on the path to economic mobility and advancement, preparing them for better jobs, becoming active and engaged members of their community, and shaping their future. Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, LCNV continued to provide low-cost education to 1,500 students each year, many of whom live in poverty. LCNV works with more than 500 trained volunteers who give over 16,000 hours of service annually. They quickly adapted to delivering virtual classes, and have now been able to expand even outside of Northern Virginia. I have continued to be impressed at what an efficient and effective organization LCNV is, and the significant impact they have on their students. The staff are so good at what they do, and their passion for helping students to more fully and equitably participate in the community is evident through their thoughtful and creative programs.

As a proud Board member for the past 6 years, I have seen how LCNV can have a positive impact on people's lives. I can't speak highly enough about this organization!

My husband and I have served as class aides for three LCNV classes since 2020. It has been rewarding to help immigrants who are eager to grasp one of the tools they need to expand their contributions to the U.S. economy and society. Many of them come to class full of energy and motivation and with inspiring stories about their immigrant experiences. In turn, our lives have been enriched by our students and the insights they provide about the challenges they face putting down roots in a new land. While we still have much to learn about teaching English as a second language, we have felt fulfillment and thanks for the support provided by the LCNV staff. We intend to continue as volunteers.

I served in LCNV as an associate director. I enjoyed working with adults from around the world, who knew zero English. I saw them develop their understanding of US culture day to day by learning English, which helped them improve their language to be able to work, communicate and mingle in the U.S society. All this was achieved by learning English at LCNV. When I was part of LCNV, seeing changed lives of those adults brought me great satisfaction knowing that LCNV has a hand in helping the adults along with their language and professional journeys to achieve significate milestones in their lives. I would recommend LCNV to anyone who needs to learn English or even enhance their language and reading skills.

I first learned of LCNV from a volunteer who spoke so highly and passionately about the impact the organization had on the people it serves. I was new to town and wanted to get involved right away. In my time as a volunteer, I saw how LCNV lived and breathes its core values- particularly being learner- focused.
Because of this and its insatiable appetite to be and do better for its students, I soon joined the organization as a staff member. In my time on staff, I further witnessed that innovative drive to deliver the best service to adult learners across the region. I saw this commitment to student progress reflected in the organization's lifelong learning culture and emphasis on staff development and community engagement. Collaborative to no end, LCNV engages across the spectrum of government, private, and public sector entities on topics related to its learners' lives and experiences, including education, workforce, diversity and inclusion, civic and social engagement, immigration, human services, and beyond. In this way, LCNV advances its mission both through its high quality direct service as well as advocacy, informing and shaping strategies and innovative partnerships that collectively contribute to building a community empowered by the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. This is a wonderful organization that truly sets the standard in its field and region. I am so proud to have been an intimate part of LCNV's journey over the last 10 years and will continue to be a supporter for years to come.

As I enter into my third year of volunteer service with LCNV, I continue to experience both rewards and challenges that keep me increasingly committed to and growing from my involvement! My history: starting off as a one-day-a-week teacher assistant paired with an experienced, dedicated teacher enabled me to "learn the ropes" and to encounter some fascinating students from around the world! When the pandemic hit, I increased to a couple days assisting each week - this increased interaction made a big difference for me and I eagerly applied myself to contribute more to the class. In January of 2021 I took over as teacher with an incredible assistant teacher under my wing, and that is where I serve now.
The individuals on staff at LCNV are so positive, supportive and knowledgeable! Opportunities for training and professional growth abound and are encouraged. Whether my concern is a student who shows signs of depression or a request for activities to increase listening comprehension - all inquiries are responded to with professionalism, patience, and sincere interest. I particularly gain a lot from the weekly Instructor Chats, where we interact with other teachers as well as staff members to explore how to make our classes even better. I never feel alone or adrift with LCNV!
But the most deep seated experience for me is the opportunity to connect with the students - this amazing group of men and women from around the world who are working so hard to make their lives better! It is wonderful to see them progress in their language skills! But more than that, they open a door into their world for us to look into; a world that is so unlike ours - and yet so similar in many ways! So much to learn from each other!
I would highly recommend the LCNV to anyone in search of growth and outreach!

I started out as a tutor with the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, but when an opening came up to be a class aide during the winter of 2020, I was glad to be back in the classroom after a retiring from a long career as a French teacher.

After only a few classes at the community center, the coronavirus pandemic shut classrooms down, the teacher of my class left, and suddenly not only did I become the teacher of the class, I had to learn how to teach it virtually! It turned out to be a wonderful experience: it was challenging and stimulating to learn about Zoom, Google slides and all the online resources available for teaching ESL. But the best part was the connections that developed between members of the virtual class: as we all were shut in our homes with few interactions beyond our immediate family, the group became an important source of social connection and support. It has been so gratifying to see learners progress in their mastery of English, to accomplish goals such as becoming a U.S. citizen or obtaining a suitable job, but also create meaningful relationships with other class members.

Throughout the past two years, I have been really impressed with the knowledge, dedication and support of the LCNV staff. They provided stellar introductory training for instructors, and when all classes went online, they made sure we had the technical and instructional support we needed to make the transition. Xavier Muñoz, Associate Director of Teaching and Learning, did an outstanding job informing us of webinars and other professional development opportunities and posted many helpful links to resources and information on the instructor website. Xavier was also available to give individual training on demand, and he instituted weekly instructor chats that were really helpful, allowing instructors to get to know each other and share ideas, resources, and strategies.

The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia provides a vital service to our community and does it in a professional and caring way. I am very thankful to have the opportunity to work with them.

I am very grateful for having chosen the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, I have learned a lot as an adult student, it has been very satisfying to acquire basic English comprehension skills from teachers with excellent instruction and motivation in their classes, so They can access employment and educational opportunities and more full and more fully and equitably participate in the community. I have had the privilege of working as an administrative volunteer in the office and I can say that they are excellent professionals. I am incredibly impressed by the good organization centered on its mission, experts leadership and dedicated staff the classes are well organized. Thank you all for my personal growth.

Greetings! I have been a LCNV teacher for the past six years. I came to LCNV with no English teaching experience and found that it was the perfect place for me. I started as a class aide and soon moved up to teaching my own class. Now, I'm hooked!

The English teaching experience has been immensely rewarding for me. If teaching is too much of a commitment for you, then working as a teacher’s aid is a great way to get involved with a much more manageable time commitment.

The LCNV staff has been tremendous. Also, I have worked with a great group of aides over the years. But it's the students that make this job so special. LNCV has adult students from all over the world - each with their own story - but all sharing the same desire to learn English.

So, if you are retired or retiring, a college student or recent graduate, or anywhere in between, and are interested in teaching English with a top-notch organization; you should definitely consider LCNV. You will find it to be immensely rewarding for yourself and your students!

I have been involved as a volunteer "Class Aide" for the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia for nearly five years, and I am incredibly impressed by the organization's focused mission, expert leadership and dedicated staff. The classes are well-organized, relevant and strongly supported by their professional staff. LCNV's adult students are highly motivated to learn English and LCNV provides the critical English language learning that they need to become successful. If you are looking to support a dynamic, highly effective local nonprofit, LCNV fits the bill!

I have been a volunteer tutor for 14 years and was a member of the Board for 6 years. LCNV has been blessed with brilliant, leadership for years and with a staff that is passionately committed to adult literacy, an area of education often overlooked by state and local governments. It is a small organization whose reach extends throughout Fairfax County through adult and family literacy programs. I have been most impressed with the organization's ability to envision the future, adapt to the changes in the world of education but always with a focus on our learners. The Board has become increasingly diverse andeveryone that I have worked with has a keen interest in literacy and expects the highest ethical standards. As a tutor I have met many students from all over the world who are all trying to make their way in a complex society. I was always struck by how grateful they were to the teachers and staff and for the opportunity to learn English in a safe, warm and kind environment. It has always been an honor for me to be involved with LCNV.

I served on the Board of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia from 2014 until leaving the Washington, DC area in 2018. This was an exciting time for the Literacy Council as it underwent a significant change in its model of instruction, transitioned to new leadership, and solidified its donor base through a structured program of outreach to its supporters.
About a decade ago, after successfully utilizing the "each one teach one" system of pairing volunteers to adult literacy learners for over fifty years, LCNV began to recognize that changes in the economy and demography of the region called for a new approach to adult literacy instruction. The increasing population of immigrants needing to learn English provided an opportunity for LCNV to contribute to workforce development by offering instruction in a classroom setting to a highly motivated population of learners, many of whom possessed job skills and experience whose value could be unlocked through mastery of English speech and literacy. LCNV began also to partner with employers in hospitality, health care, landscaping, and other sectors to provide literacy skills that would directly increase the ability of this learning community to contribute to the regional economy.
The transition to this new model was pioneered by long time Executive Director Patti Donnelly whose experience and connections to the national adult literacy community allowed her to lead a re-invention of literacy instruction that had nationwide implications. Her vision and effort was supported by a staff that was dedicated to excellence and a Board that provided access to expertise and resources from a variety of corporate, academic, and government institutions. When Patti decided to retire in 2017, the amazing work she had initiated to transform LCNV was continued without interruption by her successor Roopal Saran, whose hard work and commitment to the mission of adult literacy immediately won the confidence of LCNV stakeholders and advanced the progress and momentum she inherited from Patti.
The community partnerships forged by these two leaders provided a vision and framework that harnessed technology, research, and best practices to create a new model of adult literacy instruction robust enough to adapt to the changing regional economy, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the challenges inherent in the transformation of the Literacy Council was maintaining strong relationships with individual and institutional supporters as new structures and protocols replaced traditional methods of instruction. LCNV addressed this challenge by conducting a year-long outreach to its supporters in order to explain the changes to the organization's mission, seek input during the transition, and reaffirm the support of donors and volunteers. By conducting over a hundred in-depth interviews and follow-up conversations, the Board was able to maintain and enhance the commitment of LCNV's traditional supporters while also attracting new sources of support as its mission expanded to a new community of adult learners.
I was proud to play a small role in the transformation of LCNV. I consider myself a lifetime supporter of the important work the organization does in the region and the leadership it provides to adult literacy efforts nationwide.

We are a host site for LCNV's Intensive English and Workforce Readiness Class, and have witnessed first-hand the high-quality and professionalism of their leadership, volunteers and programming, from the beginning assessments and registration, and throughout the classes, breakout tutoring, workforce skills training and more. The teachers are dedicated to the success of every student, and the leadership and administrative team are great collaborators. We value our partnership with such an extraordinary organization, and we are grateful for the positive impact they make in the lives of our clients.

As a volunteer and Board Member for many years, I have seen first hand the incredible contribution LCNV makes to people in our community. It literally (get the pun?) makes the difference for many between isolation and not being able to function in our community AND having the opportunity to be a success and a contributor. This is largely through the dedication and skill of the tutors and teachers, of course, but also depends mightily upon the leadership, organizational skills, dedication, and professionalism of LCNV itself. LCNV can and does serve as a model for other literacy councils and non profit organizations.

I have been volunteering for the past 5 years as an instructional assistant, assessment provider, and child care teacher. In every capacity, I have been so impressed by all the staff and volunteers who energetically help all those in need of gaining or improving their English communication. Above all, I have been inspired by the students who manage their lives to incorporate their English language education. Their stories and enthusiasm are a true gift to all of us who work with them. Their determination in gaining reading and writing skills and motivation to continue their learning through family, work, and caretaking responsibilities is awe inspiring. I am grateful to be part of an organization so devoted to lifting up our fellow man and woman!

in 2019, as the Human Resources Manager for Jose Andres' Think Food Group Restaurant company in Washington, DC, I was excited about the possibility of offering language classes to all of our employees. When I met two of the NVLC leaders, Ruba and Roopal for the first time in person, I knew that TFG's decision to move forward just had to happen. Their care, empathy and drive to help people on all levels of language skills was the first thing I recognized. The partnership that came about and the commitment from the NVLC team was above and beyond. We worked to develop a company (TFG) specific, hospitality/restaurant driven language course that fit the needs of our employees with much preparation and devotion to the mission of providing language skills to better their future.They worked within our timeline and budget and made it happen! We had over 12 people graduate from two different classes who are now using the language skills they learned each day in their personal and professional life.
If you are are a restaurant or hospitality company and want to offer your staff- real world, technical, hospitality specific, hands on language skills supported by a team of amazing people- I highly recommend the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia. (Love them!)

J. Michaels
I've been a volunteer for four years with the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, first as an aide and then an instructor. The adults we teach are so appreciative of the opportunity to improve their English and very grateful for volunteers' time and commitment. I've seen students blossom as they become more comfortable speaking, reading and writing. My favorite part about teaching is hearing students talk with each other and compare notes on how things are done in different parts of the world. And for volunteers, LCNV is an outstanding organization offering many opportunities for training and support. I knew nothing about Zoom and breakout rooms before March and the pandemic. But after a number of online sessions for instructors, now I'm feeling confident talking students through the process how to connect and how to continue learning. And it's been great to develop a real sense of community with our students and see how acquiring new language skills changes their lives.

I believe our adult students reflect the best of what’s going on these days at LCNV.
In the Before Covid Times, I worked as a teaching aide with service industry employed Latinx adults who consistently rose to the task of learning English with a resiliency and a can-do spirit that can best be described as the classic American way. Expectations for the course had been set before them clearly with a great deal of encouragement on the part of the LCNV staff and lead teachers. And for two hours on two days each week, their job was learning to speak better English in the workplace. And so the dedicated students simply kept showing up… to do their jobs.
Now, if I had to choose any single word in our ever-growing vocabulary list to describe this group of committed students, that word would be Professionalism. First we defined it, next we role-played it, and then we demanded it from each other, as we demonstrated how and when to use it in the workplace, in our communities, and even in our private lives as caring family members. We all learned from each other the deeper meanings behind words such as Empathy, Accountability, Promptness, Integrity, Politeness, Reliability, and Teamwork. I came across several lifelong learners in these classes. A student in his mid-50s once told me that everything --every concept, every new word he learned in this class-- he took home to teach his son. And these adult students saw learning English as a two-way street, teaching me how to listen closely for the spelling differences in our two languages, and to recognize and clarify the crucial differences in something as simple as the vowel sounds so we could all communicate better. With each class I witnessed a mutual respect between these adult students and their teachers that spoke to the better part of humanity from either side of the desk.
Flexibility is also a strong suit of LCNV’s curriculum. Once Covid sent us online into ZOOM classes, LCNV gathered its teaching staff and in short order provided us with the workshops needed to harness this new teaching style for various populations and cultures in the Northern Virginia area.
I am now a teaching aide for Afghan women refugees. These are
primarily women from a war-torn country who are utterly committed to achieving better outcomes for their children and communities. Their educational backgrounds range from professional secondary degrees to first-time classroom experiences. Yet all are focused on the same goal: to learn to read, write, speak and understand English to improve their lives and the lives of those they love.
I have seen it firsthand that LCNV is profoundly committed to helping make these dreams a reality.

I am so glad that a friend suggested LCNV to me when I was looking to do some volunteer work. I have been a teaching aide for 3 years. Helping immigrants who are working hard to integrate into their communities and country is very rewarding. The hard working students and their stories are inspiring and humbling. My interactions with the students are a good reminder to me of the many things I take for granted every day. I've also enjoyed working with the terrific teachers and other aides. Finally, the staff makes volunteering very easy and works hard to accommodate the volunteers' schedules. I highly recommend volunteering with this impressive organization!

I began volunteering with LCNV as an assistant teacher two years ago, and it has proven to be one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself. LCNV is a warm and inviting place to work with students from all over the world who have a thirst to learn how to communicate in the English language. I'm not sure who I'm more fond of - the teachers or the students! I've worked with the same teacher so far and have so enjoyed the enthusiastic learning environment she creates in her classroom. It's also been a great joy to witness the energy and motivation of the students. They are so appreciative of all that LCNV offers them. It's more than a school; it's a haven where students can improve their English language skills in an environment that respects and appreciates their cultures and their traditions. I've been amazed at the progress these students make in a short period of time. I attribute that swift progress to a combination of things: proper class placement, skillful teaching, and student commitment. It's a winning combination! I'm very grateful to LCNV for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such a rewarding endeavor. I hope to continue volunteering for many years to come - Inshallah!

I’m going to tell you the story about two parents. I’m one of them. I have two children that are now home from school. I get emails from their teachers, we Facetime with them, print out worksheets, and plan activities all to help my two kids learn and grow. My goal isn’t unique. We all try to do the best for our family. Many of us who have children want what’s best for them.

Inequity, however, is real and it impacts those around us. Imagine the struggle of those parents that aren’t able to communicate with their kids’ school, or they can’t understand or answer questions about their kids online homework. 50% of elementary school students in our area live in a home where English is not the main language spoken.

But what makes me optimistic is recognizing the work that LCNV has been doing for the last 58 years and how it is impactful today. The other parent in my story is Norma. She and 100s of other parents have participated in the Family Learning Program at LCNV which emphasizes the needs of parents with children in school to help develop their English to reinforce what their children are being taught, communicate with their teachers, and help with learning in the home. 90% of those that attend the Family Learning Program reported an increased involvement in their children's education. Which is more important now than ever. And I’m proud to say that given these times, we’ve given those parents hope and we’ve given those children opportunity.

Whether it be participating in their children’s education, or achieving outcomes like getting a driver’s license, or learning the vocabulary specific to their industry to help advance their career, I’m proud to say that we’ve helped over 50,000 learners through our mission to help drive equity in the community. I encourage you to learn more and help support our vision of a community empowered by the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

I have been in touch with the LCNV for the past 3 years, and I have learnt here a lot in English. I took the ESL classes here, and for the past one year I have been volunteering as Class Aid. My teachers, as well as the staff at the LCNV are very supportive. I highly recommend their ESL programs for new immigrants and refugees. I also recommend this place for volunteers who really want to do something for the diaspora communities in the Northern Virginia. Thanks LCNV for all the support that you provide me.

After I retired, I sought a meaningful volunteer opportunity serving our immigrant community and found it at the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia. LCNV’s volunteer coordinator worked with me to find a suitable placement that enables me to use my skills, experience, and training provided by LCNV in a productive way. I have volunteered as a teaching assistant for approximately two years, primarily with beginning English students, from all parts of the world. During that time, I have been incredibly impressed with the caliber, dedication, and humanity of the teachers that I have worked with and of my fellow teaching assistants. The students work hard and persevere in even the most difficult circumstances. As a result of the high quality of LCNV’s literacy program and the students’ own commitment, they are able to make significant progress in a relatively short period of time. And they are exceedingly grateful for this opportunity. The teachers and students that I have encountered have also broadened my understanding of other cultures and of the immigrant experience. In sum, my volunteer work with LCNV has been immensely enriching and rewarding.

For the last two years I have supported the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) as a class aide and occasional outreach representative. My Council expereince has exposed me to the broad and worthwhile work the LCNV undertakes to meet its mission. That mission is to provide basic English instruction to those recently arrived in their Northern Virginia communities so they may better assimilate economically and socially into their new communities. The administration is excellent. providing helpful refresher instruction on TESOL (Teaching English to Speaker of Other Languages), and access to an incredible array of teaching resources. The teachers themselves reflect the diversity of the communities of which are a part and which they support. The administration and teachers have imaginatively adapted internet-based techniques to continue their instruction in these pandemic circumstances. And the students - the most ennobling and rewarding part of the program - continue to learn remotely. The LCNV team members provide invaluable support for helping assimilate new citizens into their communities, and they do it selflessly and exceptionally well.

I had the pleasure of working as a volunteer teacher at the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia and I can say it was an amazing experience. I learned alot from my adults students and, most important, it was highly satisfactory to know that adults learned the basic skills of understanding English, so they can access employment and educational opportunities and more fully and equitably participate in the community.

As a volunteer teacher at LCNV, I have seen a wide range of adult students eagerly and successfully engaged in learning English and workforce readiness skills. The range of programming and depth of curriculum are particular strengths of LCNV. For example, extra support is offered for learners, including free supplementary tutoring and additional free opportunities for conversation groups. LCNV's leadership is highly professional, knowledgeable about adult education, and responsive to the needs of individual students and volunteer teachers. The staff members offer training and resources to prepare and develop their volunteers. When I retired from teaching in the county schools and became a volunteer with LCNV, I discovered that LCNV blends talented staff with dedicated volunteers to provide the highest quality programming in support of adult education for English language learners.

For the past six years, I have had the privilege of working in the same building as the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia's administrative office, which is also one of their class sites. The staff and volunteers are very professional, welcoming and they truly care about its mission. As a retired teacher, it brings pleasure to my heart to see the excited faces of the students as they come to class!

I’m very glad I chose the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia to learn English. This organization provides useful courses to immigrants thanks to qualified teachers.
Courses are taught in an atmosphere that guarantees a better understanding. The staff is always creating a great learning environment that makes students look forward to coming to class.
The LCNV helps immigrants learn English and achieve their dreams in United States of America. For instance, many students like me, are able to speak English with confidence, attend job fairs, apply for jobs, interact with neighbors, etc.
Thanks to the LCNV, I was able to write and read my essay during the Annual Recognition Ceremony on June 21th at the James Lee Community theater. It was a very solemn moment that I’II never forget.
I think this organization deserves to be supported for all the help it provides to immigrants.
B.DIA

I have been a volunteer teacher with the LCNV since 2009. Over the years I have watched the organization expand its services to immigrants in need of English as well as life skills. This growth has been well-paced and well-organized. Personally, I have received terrific support from the staff, which has provided excellent training in teaching ESL as well as the day-to-day mundane needs such as teaching materials and a well-equipped classroom. I continue to be amazed at the variety of students we serve. In addition to the students from all the South and Central American countries as well as the bigger Asian and African ones, we often see students from places like Nepal, Mongolia, and the Uyghur region in China. The LCNV not only helps this diverse population learn English, but also brings people together.

LCNV provides essential services to help immigrants better assimilate into their new communities. By learning English, they are able to converse with their neighbors, understand/communicate with their children's teachers, and interact with others in their community during the normal day-to-day activities that the rest of us tend to take for granted. LCNV students express their gratitude often for the opportunity to take English classes through LCNV classroom programs. Keep up the good work LCNV! You are appreciated!

My wife and I are extremely proud to be involved with the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV). We teach dedicated adult learners who want to improve their mastery of English, thus helping them to become more effective employees, to be better able to help their children with schoolwork, and to be more engaged residents in their community. It is an honor to work with our students every week and to see their progress over time. We have been volunteering for LCNV for five years and could not ask for a more supportive and effective set of professionals who constitute the support staff. Come join us - you will both feel good and do good at the same time!

I love working with this group of folks. I learned about them in 2009 after I retired from a career of teaching. I started volunteering as a class aide in one of their Beginning English classes. But since then, I have found other roles that I also enjoy. I became certified to administer the Best Plus test to students to determine the students’ appropriate language level when entering the classroom program or the Family Learning Program. I love volunteering at the registrations and meeting the incoming students. I helped students practice their interviewing skills in the Destination Workforce program. I know the Literacy Council has designed a new curriculum and now works with Jose Andres’ Think Food Group, but I haven’t volunteered for that yet. Before the Facebook group called Learner Network was started, I even spent an evening brainstorming with staff and students about how alumni could stay in touch. But my biggest role, and strongest love, is to teach the level one class at the James Lee Community Center. The students have such motivation to learn to speak a new language. The office staff of LCNV offers a tremendous amount of support. I have a SmartBoard in my classroom, I use mobile hotspots each night, and have an assortment of teaching supplies, including iPads, at my disposal. The curriculum, the texts, and the supplemental tutoring program combines to offer beginning language students a very affordable, well organized, instructional program. I have come to rely on the staff of LCNV for their technology expertise, their knowledge of the field of ELL, and their friendly camaraderie every time I stop in the office. LCNV is a great place to spend my retirement!

I am so honored to have been associated with this organization as a volunteer for the past 4 years. I've served as a teacher's aide, a teacher, a tutor, a tester, and now a booster to let others know how much i believe in LCNV and the work that it is doing. I rarely (if ever) have given a "far exceeds expectations" to an organization, but there are at many reasons LCNV deserves this one. When i retired and joined LCNV 4 years ago, I expected to feel good about joining any organization who's mission was to help the newest (and often neediest) of our non-English speaking communities to participate more fully everyday by learning, speaking, reading and writing English. Who wouldn't want to help? But I didn't expect to be incredibly impressed by the other volunteers who were so warm, welcoming, and dedicated to the LCNV mission; it was so obvious they were making a real difference in the lives of their students and enjoying every minute of it. And i really didn't expect to be impressed with the various and diverse programs LCNV is delivering across a variety of levels from very early learners to more advanced workforce development programs. So those things exceeded my expectations. But the LCNV staff and the LCNV vision have blown me away and far exceeded my expectations with their dedication and vision, demonstrating incredible respect for all learners of all difference cultures and needs. WELL DONE!! I'm in the process of relocating across country so sadly will not be able to volunteer with LCNV in the future. But I want everyone to know I believe in this organization so much I am making small monthly contributions so that LCNV may continue to fund scholarships for the very neediest students.
P.S. Of course I've read other reviews on this site. I can't imagine where the negastive comment originated......a very different LCNV than the one i have known since 2015.

I am a retired employee of 35 years with several national and local public service nonprofits. I have been an unpaid volunteer with LCNV for 6 years. I have never seen a more highly qualified, dedicated, and hard-working collection of under-paid staff anywhere. Just being around them makes me work harder and better! I just wish I had found this organization sooner! As well as my time, I have donated money to this organization with the confidence that it will be used wisely and effectively. (I cannot believe the negative comment about this organization. My experience spanned at least two extensive financial audits whose reports were blemish-free! The staff wears pencils down to the nubs!) I can attest that the satisfaction that radiates in the faces of its students and graduates (see their website at LCNV.ORG) is real and beautiful.

As a volunteer for the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, I can attest to the outstanding work they do for our community. LCNV staff is passionate about providing non-English speaking adults opportunities to learn how to read, write, speak and understand English enabling them to better engage in their community. With the support of a team of dedicated volunteers, LCNV serves 1,500 English learners in 14 locations throughout Northern Virginia. LCNV staff works tirelessly to ensure volunteer teachers are well trained and the class curriculums meet the highest standards for learning. The impact LCNV has on the lives of their students is unmeasurable. As students begin to master the English language, not only does their confidence soar, they feel more empowered to navigate in society. I look forward to continuing to support this amazing organization - the staff, volunteers and students who are associated with LCNV are truly inspiring.

I have volunteered at LCNV for the past 5 years. The staff and volunteers are dedicated and work together to enable adults to learn English. The staff effectively uses partnerships with businesses to further the mission and fully supports the volunteers. I have enjoyed being able to use my professional skills to be a part of LCNV.

This wonderful organization serves the people who keep our economy going, but are invisible. Next time you are in a restaurant or an office building think about who is cooking and cleaning for you. LCNV provides effective and high quality English language instruction to the lowest levels of adult learners. After participating in English classes at LCNV these folks can read to their children, read prescription labels, and get better jobs. Our community is safer and healthier and the economy more sound when everyone can read English.

Never Suport this organization. They are misusing the fund received from donors. Their accounting is a mess. The EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR is so incapable that ALL good employees are leaving the organization. The work environment is very bad. The Director of Academic and Student Affairs is creating the toxic work environment. The board should clean this up.