Merrick

Merrick grew up in Jamaica. He lived in Kingston, worked as a bartender, and loved his job and his community. About thirty years ago, a regular at his job suggested he apply for a work visa and emigrate to the U.S., saying that he could make better money. He helped Merrick complete the application and soon after, Merrick moved to New York City.

Several bartending jobs and years later, Merrick decided to move to Hartford where his mother and some other family members were living. He worked as a bartender and a cook and volunteered with the AIDS community. He even rented a kitchen at the West Indian Club to sell his food, but his money management and reading skills weren’t strong and he could not keep the business afloat. That’s when a friend suggested he try LVGH.

“Reading used to frustrate me a lot. My friend told me this school would help me with that. He told me it’s more than a school, it’s a community.”

“I used to drive or walk around and wonder what all the signs said. Now I know. I can read signs and navigate more easily. I know where I need to go because I can read.”

This year, his tutor taught his class how to use a computer. “I had no idea how to look things up, write an email, or a story. Our tutor taught us how to use the computer, and how to write our story online. It’s like a whole new world has opened up for me. I am very appreciative of my teacher for helping me get to this point.”

“A friend heard me talking about class last week and asked what it was like. I told him just what my friend told me all those years ago. It’s more than a school, it’s a community. The teachers and staff- they really care about you. They go out of their way to help you. It’s not just the reading, which is great, but our discussions, too. We learn things from one another. I always leave class feeling good and glad that I came.”

Merrick said his ultimate goal would be to volunteer at LVGH someday. He’d like to do for others what the staff and volunteers have done for him and his classmates.