LVSF volunteer tutor Bob Sweeney received New Mexico Coalition for Literacy’s (NMCL) Volunteer Tutor of the Year Award for helping dozens of adult students improve their literacy levels and fluency in English since he began tutoring in 2004. After retiring from a career in petroleum geology and environmental science, Sweeney tutors adults because he wants to give back to the community. He currently teaches two classes of seven to 10 students three days a week and tutors four individual students. Sweeney pays for many of the instructional materials his students use, knowing that neither his students nor LVSF can afford them. Sweeney is inspired by the challenges his students' face. Most of his students are recent immigrants. Some are work several jobs in order to provide for their families. Many lack transportation. Several struggle with finding childcare while they work and go to class. His students’ level gains demonstrate his effectiveness, especially given the nature of their lives. Two of his students recently became citizens. Sweeney thinks a lot about “...the work and worry, the dreams and doubts, the frustrations and hopes that went into making that reality,” and he is proud to have played a part. Would you like to be a part, too? Please help us buy books for students and tutor training materials. Thank you for caring.