Literacy Program Director Honored

The director of a Dale City-based adult literacy program has been recognized with a statewide honor.

Kim Sells, executive director for , Inc., was recently awarded the Nancy Jiranek Award by the Virginia Literacy Foundation.

The award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of executive directors of community-based literacy organizations in Virginia.  Recipients are chosen by members of the Virginia Literacy Foundation Board of Directors and staff, as well as members of Jiranek’s family.

"Award recipients exemplify the best in non-profit management by continually contributing to the profession and field through their own programs, collaboration with other organizations, and the strong impact of their work on their clients a within the community," states the Virginia Literacy Foundation.

Sells has served as LVA-PW’s Executive Director for nine years.  During this time she has seen the program grow in number of students served, volunteers recruited and trained, and funds raised for the organization. 

During the last six years, student numbers have increased 330 percent, and active volunteers and tutors have risen exponentially.  Under Sells' guidance, LVA-PW has developed partnerships with several community organizations, including Northern Virginia Community College, the Virginia Employment Commission, and the Cooperative Council of Ministries.  LVA-PW partners with to provide classes for adults wanting to pass the required COMPASS writing exam. LVA-PW also offers improvement classes in beginning and intermediate reading to improve employability skills at the VEC’s Workforce Center in Woodbridge, and provides GED instruction at the Cooperative Council of Ministries drop-in center.

During the last year, LVA-PW was recognized as a “Friday’s Hero” by Channel 9 News in Washington, D.C., and was invited to participate in a 30-minute broadcast of “Communicating Today” on Fairfax Public Access television.

LVA-PW offers a variety of classes for adult learners, including GED and pre-GED, ESL, writing, conversation, citizenship, and one-on-one tutoring.  If you are interested in volunteering for Literacy volunteers of America-Prince William, or would like to become a student, please contact the organization at 703-670-5702 or email lvapw@aol.com to learn more.