LVGW Quarterly Newsletter

June 2025

Provides social and economic empowerment through culturally compassionate English language education.

Dear LVGW Community:

It has been a true privilege to lead this incredible organization over the past two years. During this time, together with my staff and volunteers, we have accomplished the goals I set when I first stepped into this role. For the continued growth of LVGW, I believe this is the right time to pass the torch to new leadership.

I am deeply grateful for the support, guidance, and collaboration you have extended to both LVGW and to me personally. Your unwavering commitment to making Worcester a welcoming and better place for everyone has inspired me every day.

Although I am stepping down from the Executive Director position, I am not stepping away. I remain deeply committed to LVGW’s mission and future success. To support a smooth leadership transition, I will assist with hiring and onboarding the next Executive Director. I will also continue as an advocate, volunteer staff member, and tutor—working alongside you to provide all new Americans with the English language education they need to thrive and to help LVGW continue making a lasting, positive impact in our community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Ping

Pingsheng Chen

Executive Director

pchen@lvgw.org

Farewell, Welcome & Congratulations!

Enjoy retirement, Ping!

Pingshen Chen joined LVGW the day after she retired from a 30-year career with the Worcester Public Library. She has spent the last two years fully devoted to our mission and programming, and has strengthened our organization with her many contributions. As of July 1, Ping will retire...again! We're grateful she plans to remain a volunteer and friend of LVGW.

Welcome our new Board member, staff and a returning ESOL teacher!

We’re excited to welcome Attorney Madeleine Moreno to the Board of Directors at LVGW! With over 20 years of experience in immigration law and a deep passion for community service, Madeleine brings incredible energy and expertise to our mission. We’re lucky to have her on our team!

LVGW is thrilled to welcome back our teacher and friend Robert Peters. Students who have had Robert as a teacher agree he is unforgettable. This summer, many more students will get to experience the joy of learning English with him.

It's official! WELCOME, KARINA!

After nearly two years serving LVGW as a dedicated volunteer, we're proud to announce Karina Melendez Martinez has formally joined our administrative team. Originally from Mexico, Karina is a student of QCC with a background in law and public administration.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Our very own Iris Delgado was one of the extraordinary Latinas selected as an ELLA Poderosa Leader for her remarkable leadership, resilience, and impact in her community.

"Our honoree stands as a pillar of leadership, continuously uplifting and supporting fellow Latinas. ELLA dedication to empowerment within our community has not only paved the way for others but has also created a lasting positive change. ELLA efforts exemplify the true essence of leadership."

BRAVO, SIENNA!

Congratulations to LVGW ESOL teacher Sienna Ablorh, who recently earned her MBA from Babson College!

We are all very proud of you!

LVGW Summer Trip

Museum of Worcester

Saturday, June 14, 2025

12:00pm-2:00pm

Students, teachers, tutors, and volunteers are invited to tour the Museum of Worcester with us! Bring your family or a friend to explore and learn about our city and its history.

English & Community Resources

Burlington English is here!

Tutors, you now have FREE access to Burlington English when you log in here using your email address and the password LVGWtutor.

This comprehensive online platform features a variety of lessons and activities for adult language learners. Courses include 6 levels of basic English, English for work (as well a specific career pathways, Digital Literacy and Civics/Citizenship.

Once you have explored Burlington English on your own, contact us to set up a free acount for your student!

With LVGW's password (180594) you can log in to News For You, a website offering easy-to-read news stories that can help English learners learn to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Free Immigration Legal Help

In partnership with local legal aid organizations and private attorneys, WPL hosts a Free Immigration Legal Help Clinic the second Wednesday of the month from 3 to 7 pm at the Main Library.

Appointments are required and spaces fill up fast. Contact the New Americans Librarian with any questions or to register, or call the library's main line at 508-799-1655, option 3. Check the online calendar for upcoming dates.

Library staff are not accredited to answer immigration-related legal questions or prepare naturalization applications or other immigration forms. Please see our listing of Immigration and Legal Help Resources for detailed assistance and the USCIS website for information.

Student Experience

Annual Assessment

Group Tutoring

1x1 Tutoring

Welcome to LVGW’s 2025 Summer ESOL Program!

We’ve just wrapped up an exciting 10-day in-person registration period for our Summer ESOL classes!

We’re offering Survival, Beginner, and Intermediate level courses—each taught by our experienced and dedicated ESOL instructors. To meet the diverse needs of our learners, classes are available both in-person and online, providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities for everyone.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our incredible office volunteers! Your support helped make the registration process smooth, welcoming, and efficient. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.

Due to high demand, all of our classes are now at full capacity. We’re thrilled to welcome 187 students from 35 different countries starting June 2nd. Here’s to a vibrant and productive 10-week summer of learning and growth!