LVGW Quarterly Newsletter

March 2026

Dear Community Members,

We’re halfway through our spring ESOL semester and I'll highlight that we successfully registered 184 students in just two weeks for these classes!

While classes filled, we’ve saw smaller daily turnouts compared to the fall—something echoed by other ESOL partners across Worcester, possibly due to heightened fear in the community. At the same time we’re grateful for referral partnerships with OpenSky Community Services, Ascentria Care Alliance, and Hector Reyes House, who have helped connect many adult learners to our program. A special thank you to LUCE Immigrant Justice Network for their ongoing efforts to support and protect our community.

While we operate on a semester schedule for our ESOL classes our 1:1 tutoring program is offered year-round and applications are always welcome.

Sienna

Sienna Ablorh

Executive Director

sablorh@lvgw.org

"Round Up for Literacy" Fundraiser

156 Shrewsbury Street

Worcester, MA

Campaign with Root & Press

In February, we partnered with Root and Press for a round up fundraiser and we’re excited to announce that this has been extended into March!

By rounding up purchases in-store or online, you will support our mission of empowering adults through culturally compassionate English language education—building confidence, opportunity, and community across Greater Worcester. Thank you in advance for supporting us and local business!

Field Trip to ArtsWorcester

March 27th from 11am - 1pm

*Lunch will be provided after the tour.

Meet Our Spring Interns

Christena Mena

istena Mena

Christena Mena is completing an internship as part of her course requirements at Worcester State University. Christena is a senior majoring in Educational Studies with a minor in Art. Christena was born and raised in Egypt and is passionate about teaching, creativity, and building meaningful connections through education.

Christena reflected on her experience thus far: "This opportunity has shown me how powerful education can be in building confidence and connection. I’ve learned how to adapt lessons to each student’s needs and goals, and every session teaches me something new as well."

Kai Moore

Kai Moore is a Public History Intern as apart of the Academic Internship Program at Clark University.

Kai is a senior at double majoring in History and Spanish. He is currently working on his Honors thesis on the changing legacy of Colorado Union soldiers through the lens of state history textbooks. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Kai enjoys hiking, reading, and playing video games in his free time.

Community Connections

Thanks to the Worcester Railers HC Community Corner Program presented by The Hanover Insurance Group, our LVGW staff, volunteers, and students were able to enjoy an afternoon of hockey!

Holy Cross Non- Profit Careers Conference

We're proud to be featured as a 2026 case study partner for the College of the Holy Cross Non-Profit Careers Conference (NPCC), a week-long immersive program designed to help students explore nonprofit leadership, community partnership, and public service through real-world organizational challenges and equity-centered analysis.

Amy, Yuanshou, and Bodhi did an excellent job proposing thoughtful, actionable outcomes to support our work and services at LVGW.

Tutor Highlight

Joseph (“Joe”) Myerson of Bolton, MA is a retired journalist and editor and a graduate of Harvard College. With a lifelong love of traveling, history, and politics, Joe brings curiosity and global perspective to his tutoring.

Joe believes in the power of language to connect people. “I try to acquire a simple vocabulary before visiting a foreign country,” he shares — a practice that reflects both respect for other cultures and his passion for language learning. In addition to English, Joe speaks Spanish, French, and Russian. As an ESOL tutor, Joe is motivated by a heartfelt desire to help new immigrants integrate into American society. Through patience, conversation, and shared learning, he supports his students as they build confidence and create new opportunities for themselves. Joe currently tutors two students: Asmelda and Hophny.