SUMMER 2003

VITA newsletter                                                          

VITA Offers More ESL Group Classes

Nearly one-third of VITA’s 600 students are ESL (English as a Second Language).  Because of their limited English skills, many ESL students are confined to employment in entry level positions and are unable to participate fully in an English-speaking society.

VITA offers conversation and advanced English grammar classes on site at the Lafayette office.  VITA tutor Diane Hebert and staff member Betty Haynes teach these group sessions. 

In addition, new conversation and reading classes are now reaching ESL students in the community.  VITA tutors teaching off-site group classes include:  Jeanette Thibodeaux, Opelousas; Jackie Ware, Crowley; Etta Brew, Henderson; Hogie Siebert, Breaux Bridge; Mary Neiheisel, Stuller Settings, Lafayette; Shannon Broussard, Iglesia Alfa Omega Church, Lafayette; and Charlotte Cintron, Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Lafayette.  The Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Lafayette has been instrumental in assisting VITA in organizing several of the classes, and more group classes are planned.

Someone need not speak a foreign language to teach ESL classes.  If you or a friend has an interest in teaching ESL students, please contact VITA for more information.  If you cannot commit to a weekly class schedule, substitutes are also often needed on a temporary basis.

Student Story Booklets Available

The third printing of VITA’s chapbook, Expressions of Life and Language III, was published.  Thirty students contributed stories to the project.  Most stories focused on the students’ quests to improve their reading.  Also included were poems, short stories, folk tales and stories that stem from reading lessons with the assistance of tutors.

Copies are available at the VITA office.  Any student interested in publishing in the next chapbook should turn in his story to the VITA office.

Student Support Group Focuses on Bible Reading

VITA’s Student Support Group recently featured Bible scholar and VITA Board Member, Barbara A. Kinchen.  The topic for the meeting was “Easier Bible Reading.”  The discussion sparked great interest among the students.

An Internet site for Bible study is Bible Gateway (www.biblegateway.com).  It allows students to listen to dramatic readings of any chosen Bible chapter.  The site offers to search by keywords, search chapters in several popular Bible versions and in different languages.

VITA Welcomes New Tutors

Shannon Broussard

Carmen Farmer

Martha Harris

Kathy Hulin

Iris Mouton

Samatha Narcisse

Carolyn Pons

Jonathan Woodall

Jennifer Arabie

Rhondale-Marie Barras

Mary Beck

Chris Cretini

Kirk Crain

James Diaz

Marie Dupre

Jim Farasey

Jackie Fitzgerald

Judy Frank

Ramona McDaniel

Mala Rao

Burton Suire

Linda Suire

Valerie Way

Local Golf Tournament Benefits VITA

The 14^th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, sponsored by Lafayette District Louisiana Associated General Contractors (AGC), was held July 11 at Spanish Trail Golf Course in Cade.  This year VITA is the benefiting agency for the proceeds from the tournament.

We would like to thank AGC, VITA students and tutors who assisted with the tournament, and the many individuals and businesses that supported the event with sponsorships and door prizes.  A sincere thank you goes to:

Jeffrey Ackermann

Robert Arceneaux

Associated General Contractors

Chris Barbry

Robert Barras

Leigh Barry

Beyond Flowers

Bella Figura

Bell’s Sporting Goods

The Bluffs on Thompson Creek

Bill Bowers

Judy and Larry Broussard

Jay Caldwell

Cigar Merchant

Cedar Grocery

Classic Pecans

Georgia and Gene Cole

Richard Conway

Louis Cook

Ron Decuir

Louie Diehl

D & K Vintage Labels

Durio, McGoffin, Stagg and Ackermann

Dwyer’s Café

Edie’s Restaurant

Beth Fuselier

Nancy Greig

Ground Patti Restaurant

The Golf Academy

The Golf Connection

Golf D’Allie at the Farm

Heymann Foundation

Horace Mann Insurance

Hub City Diner

Kirk Lemoine

Phil Johns

Dianne Judice

Isaac Julian

Keller’s Bakery

The Kitchen Shop

Labor Finders

Marcello’s Wine Market

Mary Kay Cosmetics

Dr. Huey McCauley

McIlhenny Company

Natalee’s

Sheriff Mike Neustrom

Dr. Jim Odom

Pascale’s Spa

Pete’s Sports Bar

Pieces of Eight

Pinhook Auto Laundry

Red Lerille’s

Regal Theaters

Ken Sangprewj

Sam Hamilton Architect

Roger Sloane

Katherine Stanley

Teche Drugs & Gift Shoppe

Todd’s Car Wash

Valero Refining Company

Whitney National Bank

Laura Wiltz

Zeus Restaurant

VITA Training Seminar Schedule

VITA training seminars are tentatively planned for summer.  The following seminars are scheduled in the VITA Training Room on the fourth floor of Whitney Bank in Lafayette or at 128 N. Lombard Street in Opelousas.

Dates and Times                                Location

August 21, 5-7 p.m. and                       Lafayette

August 23, 9-12 a.m.

September 10, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.              Opelousas

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