Community Partner Award Presented to Fran Leddy and Debbie Voria by Literary Volunteers of Somerset County

The Community Partner Award is given to an individual or organization which provides extraordinary support in collaborating with LVSC. On June 5, 2024, the Community Partner Award was presented to Fran Leddy and Debbie Voria, both of the Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission (HCESC).

HCESC provides a wide-ranging array of educational services, including adult ESL classes in Somerset County. Fran is the Supervisor of Adult Programs & Services at HCESC. With more than 46 years in education – 25 of those at HCESC, she is a valued educator and a wealth of knowledge and experience. Debbie has 25 years experience in education and has been with HCESC for five years, currently in the role of Assistant Coordinator of Adult Programs & Services. She is compassionate, a skilled instructor, and reliable partner.

LVSC and HCESC have been working side-by-side for years, as members of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board’s Literacy Committee. But we had never worked together on programming until the wonderful opportunity arose to expand in 2023 through the First Steps Basic English pilot.

From the very start, Fran and Debbie were incredible collaborators who care deeply about meeting a need in the community. During a fall 2022 Literacy Committee meeting we agreed that there were far more beginner-level students than either of our organizations could serve. Working with Paul Grzella, Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board’s Director and Literacy Committee convener, we worked together to craft a proposal to the Somerset County Commissioners. The proposal would use American Rescue Plan funds to expand access to beginner-level instruction by 30%. HCESC and Raritan Valley Community College would offer classes, LVSC would serve as project lead and offer small group tutoring.

Success of the First Steps program has been contingent upon effective classroom instruction using defined curriculum. While LVSC has 40+ years of experience running a successful student-centered tutoring program, we have little experience in classroom instruction or using set curriculum.

Throughout the pilot period, Fran and Debbie provided invaluable advice and support. Their vast experience and insight ensured that our project was well-planned and got off the ground with a running start. Fran and Debbie generously shared their expertise on Burlington English (the online curriculum that we are using for First Steps), running effective classes, and successfully supporting students and teachers in a classroom setting.

Not only are they knowledgeable subject experts, both Fran and Debbie are incredibly organized and responsive, helping the project to run smoothly and efficiently. And if that wasn’t enough, they are both genuinely empathic and compassionate individuals which positively impacts student progress and has greatly enriched our program.

LVSC's small team is proud of the work we have done together and the impact we are having on students. Congratulations on this very well-deserved award.

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