HIGHTSTOWN: Literacy New Jersey tutoring program is life-changing for local woman

For Adriana Toledo, who emigrated from Ecuador four years ago, learning to speak, read and write English has been life-changing.
Ms. Toledo, of Hightstown, can now shop in the grocery store without frustration and confusion. She feels comfortable talking to her children’s teachers about their progress. And, recently, the 34-year-old mother of two received a promotion and raise at work.
“When I first came, I couldn’t speak English,” Ms. Toledo said. “It was very hard. I felt depression because I couldn’t find a good job.”
For the last two years, Ms. Toledo has received free English tutoring through Literacy New Jersey, a statewide nonprofit organization that provides instruction in reading, writing, math and speaking English for adult learners. Ms. Toledo is one of more than 5,100 adults receiving tutoring and other services through the Literacy New Jersey network.
“The need for adult literacy services in New Jersey, and across the country, can’t be underestimated,” said Literacy New Jersey CEO Elizabeth Gloeggler. “Nearly one in five New Jersey adults lacks the basic literacy skills needed for everyday tasks such as signing a form, adding numbers for a bank deposit slip, or reading instructions on how to prepare for a medical test.”
Ms. Toledo, her husband, and their two children immigrated to the United States at the encouragement of Toledo’s father-in-law, a U.S. citizen who lives in Mercer County. Her husband, Fabian Avila, works as a machine operator, and Ms. Toledo found a job unloading trucks in a toy company warehouse.
Ms. Toledo, who has an associate’s degree and worked for the government before leaving Ecuador, believed her poor English skills were holding her back. “In the warehouse, I would like to understand better what they are saying. I would like to contribute something, but I didn’t speak English well,” said Ms. Toledo. “I felt I needed to improve my job.”
She heard from a friend about Literacy New Jersey’s services in Mercer County, and the organization matched her with a volunteer who provides weekly one-to-one tutoring. Working for two hours a week with her tutor, Ken Fredericks, Ms. Toledo has improved her speaking, reading and writing skills.
“My tutor, Ken, is really committed. He always brings whatever I need,” said Ms. Toledo. “He is always helping me to overcome the obstacles to learn.”
Mr. Fredericks said he was worked with Ms. Toledo on building her vocabulary and polishing her writing, especially business communications. He’s been impressed with her hard work and how she balances her many responsibilities.
“I’ve never seen anybody who puts so much into it,” said Mr. Fredericks, a retired businessman. “She is very determined to get ahead.”
Ms. Toledo has seen dramatic results. Navigating everyday tasks, such as shopping and errands, is easier. She helps her children with their homework and practices her English with them. Last year, she placed third in the New Jersey Association of Lifelong Learning Writer’s Contest for an essay about immigration. She also was recently promoted from the warehouse job to a customer service position at her company.
“It was completely different,” said Ms. Toledo of her new job. “I have to talk to people every day who speak English.”
Her future goals include continuing to improve her English, becoming a U.S. citizen and giving back as a Literacy New Jersey volunteer tutor.
“This opportunity helped me to find multiple benefits. I would like to find a way to help people to live better. Learning a new language is going to help them – getting a better job, helping their children, enjoying more of this country,” she said.
For information about Literacy New Jersey services in Mercer County, as an adult learner or a tutor, call 609-587-6027 or visit www.literacynj.org.