Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

Mayor Fiorentini and United Way Bring Back Learning Program

Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini and the United Way of Merrimack Valley announced earlier this week their partnership to return to the Haverhill Public Library the Greater Haverhill Adult Learning Program. The program is designed to provide one on one tutoring for individuals, primarily adults, wishing to learn or improve their English speaking skills; it also assists native-English speakers wishing to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. The program also helps individuals preparing for the GED. The City of Haverhill anticipates that the program, which will be coordinated by Haverhill Public Library employee Anne Powell, will begin in May and will service roughly fifty students from the area.

The United Way of Merrimack Valley, a non-profit organization, raises funds to be distributed to health and human service programs of communities located in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. United Way works closely with local communities and partner agencies to determine a community's particular needs and where assistance will be most effective.

Mayor Fiorentini commented "this is a perfect example of how city government can work with local agencies to deliver much needed services to our community. We are thrilled by the willingness and enthusiasm that the UWMV has brought to this project and I am pleased that Haverhill residents will once again be able to join this program."

United Way of Merrimack Valley president Tim Schiavoni commented that their investment in the Adult Learning Program would leverage Community Block Grant funds and target a community priority issue: "The United Way's mission is to create sustained, positive change within the community. Literacy is a basic competency that enables individuals to lead productive and satisfying lives. It should be a community-wide goal for all residents of Haverhill and the Merrimack Valley."

Haverhill Public Library Director Nancy Rea commented "I am thrilled with this partnership and that together we are getting back this program for the community."