Literacy NJ - which provides free adult literacy programs and U.S. citizenship classes in eight New Jersey counties - will be honoring Anita Alvarado of Linden at this year’s Literacy NJ conference for her efforts to advance adult literacy.
The award will be presented on April 27th at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.
Officials say the event brings together 200 students, tutors, adult educators and board members from across the state for a day of professional development.
Anita came to Literacy NJ in March 2015 to improve her English so she could help her children with their homework, talk with their teachers, and read notes from the school. After quickly improving her English skills, she offered to volunteer in the office making phone calls and helping out with assorted tasks. It quickly became clear that Anita was organized, dedicated, had a wonderful phone manner, and generally enjoyed being able to give back for the help she had received as a student.
Organizers say in September 2017, Anita joined the staff of Literacy NJ as an Administrative Assistant. In this role, Anita exceled, providing students with comprehensive information about the program as well as developing ideas for improving and enhancing office practices. Having been through the program as a student, she brings a different perspective to the student intake process. On the practical side, she has used her organizational and technical skills to streamline the process and increase the number of students served. On the personal side, she understands students’ concerns and fears about the process and finds ways to welcome and reassure them each step of the way. When it comes to dealing with delicate or uncomfortable issues with students, she is the consummate diplomat.
Other honorees at the conference include: the 2019 Volunteer Excellence Award, which will be given to Elidema Mireles of LVA Cape Atlantic; Outstanding Affiliate, awarded to Literacy Volunteers of Pascack Valley, and the 2019 Student Excellence Award, given to Gloria Orjuela of LVA Essex & Passaic.
The Literacy for Life Conference features 22 workshops, including such topics as Fake News: Helping Students Find Credible News Sources, Using Free Technology to Increase Student Engagement, Making Math Second Nature, and presentations from Beyond Diversity, USCIS, and Taft Communications.
The event is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration costs $60 for tutors, trainers, staff and board members of Literacy NJ-affiliated programs; $100 for nonmembers; and $30 for students.
To register, visit http//literacynj.org/literacy-life-conference-2019 or call 732-906-5456.