“We are going to be reaching immigrants who are struggling to read, write, and communicate in English,” said Aimee Lam, Executive Director of LVSC, in thanking the Somerset County Commissioners for the grant. As they progress, participants in the new initiative can be connected to these more advanced classes and other services. These new classes are slated to begin in September and will be in addition to the existing ESL literacy classes led by the two organizations. The program also includes funding for targeted ESL programs provided by the Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission (HCESC) and Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC). Partners see this position as integral to the initiative’s success. The Literacy Volunteers of Somerset County (LVSC) will be the lead agency managing the grant and employing a new county Literacy Navigator, who will be responsible for connecting adults in immigrant communities with English instruction, job skills and placement services, and other supportive community resources. The new funding will increase the capacity for literacy education by 140, or 30%. It is also important for supporting the hiring needs of local employers.”Īccording to GRWDB Director Paul Grzella, funding constraints have led to a waiting list for free, accessible beginner-level English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for the most vulnerable in the community. “English literacy is essential to helping vulnerable families rebuild and recover from the extended pandemic as well as Hurricane Ida in 2021. “Adult literacy can change everything-poverty, health, equality, and equity,” said Somerset County Deputy Director Doug Singleterry, who is the Somerset County Commissioner liaison to the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board. At a recent meeting, the Board approved a grant of $260,000 requested by the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB), which serves Somerset and Hunterdon Counties. SOMERVILLE, NJ – The Somerset County Board of Commissioners is utilizing American Rescue Plan funds to significantly increase English literacy education and expand workforce readiness in the county. Literacy volunteer Barbara Lawler of LVSC with an ESL client at a local library.
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