Blue Ridge Literacy

✨Building Digital Skills Together✨

A few photos from our three-day collaborative Digital Literacy workshop with Commonwealth Catholic Charities, led by Jeanne Lewis from Virginia Western Community College.

What a great opportunity to see current and former learners working side by side to strengthen their digital literacy skills and build confidence using technology in everyday life. We look forward to the third session of this class next week!

✨Practicing English through meaningful connections!✨

On Thursday, June 25th, 2026, Blue Ridge Literacy learners enrolled in our Advanced and Post-Advanced level ESOL classes had the exciting opportunity to meet Roanoke College President Frank Shushok, share their aspirations and goals, and learn more about Roanoke College.

It was a meaningful visit filled with thoughtful conversations, connection, and inspiration as learners shared their educational and professional journeys.

Our Advanced-level learners also took the opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of our Roanoke College intern, Kevin, who has become an integral part of their learning journey.

This visit is part of Blue Ridge Literacy’s involvement in the EPIIC Initiative and represents a wonderful opportunity to explore potential areas of collaboration moving forward.

Thank you to President Shushok and the Roanoke College team for spending time with our learners and learning more about their journeys and the impact of Blue Ridge Literacy's programs and services.💙

🏥 Health Careers Fair at Blue Ridge Literacy!

On June 2, learners enrolled in Blue Ridge Literacy's Intermediate, Advanced, and Post-Advanced ESOL classes had the opportunity to learn about healthcare workforce certificates and degree programs available through Virginia Western Community College 💙

Our learners from Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Colombia, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Jordan, Mexico, Palestine, South Sudan, Thailand, Venezuela, and Vietnam, explored career pathways ranging from CNA, Medical Assistant, and Phlebotomy certifications to Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and other healthcare programs.

Thank you to Brittany Boltinghouse for leading this informative and interactive session and helping our learners learn more about local education and career opportunities.

A HUGE THANK YOU to our HandsOn HealthCare partners at Radford University Carilion for another successful event 💙

This event is part of Blue Ridge Literacy's English and Health Literacy Program, supported by the generosity of Carilion Clinic Community Grants and Junior League of Roanoke Valley.

We are excited to participate in and present at the 2026 Mini Conference held by our friends and partners at Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle.

Visit https://literacyforall.org/ for registration and more information.

Join Literacy Volunteers for our annual mini-conference on Saturday, June 13 at PVCC's Bolick Center!

Spend a day with presentations, connections, and workshops for adult educators with presenters from adult education experts and community partners from
* ProLiteracy
* Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
* Blue Ridge Literacy
* Virginia Career Works Charlottesville Center

LVCA tutors just $32; public $52

Visit literacyforall.org for more info!

📣Dont miss out on this wonderful opportunity:

Throughout July, our friends and partners at Immigrant Connection-Blue Ridge will offer FREE immigration screenings.

Do you, or someone you know, have questions about:
✅Green Cards
✅ Citizenship/Naturalization
✅ Family Petitions
✅ Work Authorization
✅ Humanitarian Relief
✅ Asylum
✅ U Visas / VAWA
✅ Other immigration options

Call Immigrant Connection-Blue Ridge to schedule your free screening. appointment.

On Friday, May 8, 2026, learners enrolled in Blue Ridge Literacy’s leveled ESOL and Citizenship preparation classes attended Southwest Virginia Ballet’s 35th Anniversary spring concert, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Our group represented Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal, Mexico, and South Korea. This was a wonderful opportunity for our learners and their family members to build community, practice English skills, and become familiar with Roanoke’s arts and cultural events.

After the performance, learners shared how much they enjoyed the experience:
🌟"Amazing ballet. Me and my wife had a really great day!"
🌟"That was really great we love it"
🌟"It was a wonderful experience for me, especially as it was my first time, and I had the opportunity to enjoy it with my two granddaughters!"
🌟"It was an amazing experience for us. My kid, and my friend, loved the performance."

This program is part of Blue Ridge Literacy's Beyond the Classroom Walls Project, supported by Art in Roanoke