Blue Ridge Literacy has been chosen as a partner in the PEACE Citizenship program, which is designed to assist Cuban-Americans in their efforts to improve their English skills and to achieve U.S. citizenship.  PEACE operates as a part of the state’s Department of Social Services through the “Welcome Newcomers” program. This program is in its 3rd year of reaching out to Cuban immigrants throughout the Commonwealth.  Currently, we have 30 learners and meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Test your knowledge by taking a practice Citizenship test!  If you would like to help lead a class of immigrants or other international learners, help an adult to learn to read or improve their existing English skills or prepare for the Citizenship test, contact Russ Merrrit at 265-9339.

The 7th Annual Scrabble Tournament to benefit Blue Ridge Literacy was a big success, with over $10,000 netted to support our programs and services.  Thanks to our many sponsors, donors, volunteers and players who helped make this event possible.  Area restaurants donated platters of food and our wonderful tutors supplied oodles of home-made goodies. Between the daytime and evening events, we had about 250 folks.  The “Scrabble Rousers” from the Roanoke Scrabble Club placed 1st with 842 points and the “Scrabbleheads” came in 2nd with 681 points. Our youngest player was 9 years old and we attracted players from as far away as Martinsville, Lynchburg, Wytheville and Rocky Mount to name a few.  Best team names included “Real Housewives of Chaparral“, “Spellbound“, “Our Few Tile Endeavor“and the “Dewey Decimators” from the library.

Blue Ridge Literacy Board Members Debbie Melnik and Molly Bell are interviewed on Cox Channel 9 show about Blue Ridge Literacy and the upcoming Scrabble Tournament on March 22, 2012.  For the first time, there will be an afternoon event and an evening event at the Jefferson Center.  For more information call 540-265-9339.

Author David Baldacci spoke at the Virginia Literacy conference in February.  Blue Ridge Literacy attended this conference in Richmond and enjoyed Mr. Baldacci’s presentation about his support of literacy efforts.  David supports literacy throughout the United States through his Wish You Well Foundation.  Blue Ridge Literacy receives funds from this foundation for its adult literacy programs.  Hear Baldacci tell anecdotes and speak about his passion for literacy.  Thanks for your support David!

Spring Tutor training begins on April 10th at 5:30 p.m. with a 1 hour information session.  Come find out if tutoring an adult is for you!  For more information about training click here!

Representatives from Blue Ridge Literacy appeared on the WDBJ7 morning news show on January 5th to announce our name change and to talk with host Bob Grebe about the organization’s mission and work in the region.  Check it out!

As of January 1 2012 we are officially Blue Ridge Literacy, helping adults in the Blue Ridge Valley learn to read for over 26 years!

More information about our new brand.

Full story, including quotes from BRL’s Russ Merritt and Betsy Hale.