Kristen Lapenta

After many years of struggling with dead-end jobs and feeling lost, Myesha was looking for a better life. She wanted to develop a career and improve her reading skills. She found LVGH through her aunt and signed up for classes. As a child, Myesha never liked school. She struggled to keep up and fell behind with her reading. “As a child, I was always called dumb, and that has stuck with me my wholelife.” Once she began classes at LVGH, Myesha gained the confidence she always desired to become a better version of herself. 

Ismael and Lucia began their life together more than 50 years ago. While both grew up in Puerto Rico, they met in Connecticut one night while out dancing. They have been inseparable ever since. Both always struggled with English, but in different ways. Ismael was a strong speaker, but was unable to read and write due to his lack of education in Puerto Rico. Lucia, on the other hand, was a strong reader and writer, but needed the confidence for speaking. Together, they made the decision to enroll in English classes. For over 8 years, they have attended classes together at LVGH. What an inspiration, to see their support for one another as they continue their educational journeys.

After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 13 years ago, Dan’s life changed. He lost his ability to read, write, and use his dominant hand, as well as other skills. For the past year, Dan has been attending Basic Literacy classes at LVGH to regain the literacy and math skills he learned long ago. Since starting with LVGH, Dan’s confidence has grown with each class; he has advanced to level 2 and is now a much stronger writer with his left hand. Dan says that LVGH has “worked wonders” for him and wants to keep working hard to get back to where he once was. In addition to his educational goals, Dan is an avid music fan and was once in a band. He hopes to one day be able to pick up his bass and start playing again.

“Growing up I was raised by my grandparents after my father died. Neither of them knew how to read, so when I started struggling with reading in school there was no one I could turn to for help. Little did I know I had dyslexia but back then no one knew what that was. Even though I was falling behind in my reading I still was completing each grade until high school when I fell very far behind and dropped out.  I liked how welcoming and encouraging the tutors were. They were able to help me with my dyslexia and push me to reaching my goals. I always had a passion for learning and when I came to LVGH I met even more people like me and I felt like I was home.”