Loudoun Literacy Council

Press Releases

Literacy News

November 2007

Corporate Spelling Bee a Success

If the laughter, intensity and cheering are any indication, a good time was had by all as Lightfoot Restaurant hosted the Second Annual Corporate Spelling Bee to benefit the Loudoun Literacy Council on Monday evening, November 12th. The Council, through generous contributions of the contestants raised nearly $15,000 to help low-literate adults and children who live at or below the poverty line, improve their literacy skills. Seven corporations sent a team of their best spellers to compete against other teams representing a variety of industries. The competition was fierce but friendly as the teams tried to out spell each other and win the Champion Spellers Cup which the winning corporation gets to display in their office for one year. The winner? Verizon! Six other corporate teams competed: AllTransPack Inc., Alston & Bird, Argon ST, Loudoun-Times Mirror, Rolls Royce North America, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Loudoun County, sponsored by EIT, Inc. and IDI Group Companies.

Celebrity judges, Sue Ann Gleason, 2007 Loudoun County Teacher of the Year, State Senator Mark Herring and NASA astronaut Bill Readdy were on hand to officiate the event.

The Spelling Bee winners: Verizon!

October 2007

Meyer Foundation Awards Grants to Loudoun Interfaith Relief & Loudoun Literary Council

Leesburg, VA—October 15, 2007--Two Loudoun County nonprofits were awarded grants from the prestigious Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation of Washington, D.C. This was the second year that Loudoun Interfaith Relief received funding from the foundation and the first for the Loudoun Literacy Council. A $10,000 grant will help Loudoun Interfaith Relief fund their emergency food program which provides nutritious food supplies to needy residents living in Loudoun County. The Loudoun Literacy Council received $25,000 for its Adult Literacy ESOL Classroom Program which offers English classes taught by trained volunteers, to immigrants throughout the county in churches and community centers.

For more information about the Meyer Foundation, visit www.meyerfoundation.org. For more information about Loudoun Interfaith Relief and Loudoun Literacy Council, visit www.interfaithrelief.org and www.loudounliteracy.org.

August 2007

Loudoun Literacy Council Elects New Board Members

Leesburg, Virginia—August 1, 2007. The Loudoun Literacy Council, Inc., announces that it has elected four (4) new members to its board of directors. They are: Amy Denicore, Community Volunteer and Retired Legislative Counsel; Elizabeth J. Hale, Director, Banking Services, CC Pace Consulting; Tom Jewell, President of Carter Braxton Real Estate; and James W. Shelton, Executive Vice President & Chief Lending Officer, Founders Corporation of Loudoun, Inc. The Loudoun Literacy Council is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to providing low-literate adults, and children from disadvantaged families, English literacy and language education. For more information about the Loudoun Literacy Council or to volunteer as a teacher or tutor, visit www.loudounliteracy.org.

June 2007

Madeleine Albright Attends Lawyers for Literacy Event

Barbara Notar, (703) 777-2205, bnotar@loudounliteracy.org

Leesburg, Virginia—June 8, 2007. Former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright was the guest of honor at a "Lawyers for Literacy" cocktail party hosted by the law firm of Burnett & Williams on Loudoun Street in Leesburg, on Friday, June 8, 2007. Attorney Peter Burnett kicked off the Lawyers for Literacy Campaign with a $1,000 donation to support the Council’s programs. Approximately 60 people attended the event to hear Secretary Albright speak about the importance of literacy in Loudoun County and purchase copies of her newest book, The Mighty and the Almighty. The event raised over $7,000 for the charitable organization.

The Loudoun Literacy Council helps low literate adults and children from disadvantaged families learn to speak, read, write, and understand English. For adults, their trained volunteers provide confidential, individualized tutoring and year-round classes in either basic reading or English for Speakers of Other Languages. For children, they provide early literacy enrichment programs for at-risk preschool children, parent education, and reading programs for children residing in the county’s homeless shelters.

Piedmont Community Foundation Awards Grant for Literacy

Barbara Notar, (703) 777-2205, bnotar@loudounliteracy.org

The Piedmont Community Foundation named the Loudoun Literacy Council as the first recipient of a Culture and Arts Program Grant from the Community Fund Endowment. The grant of $500 was awarded to support the newly formed Literacy Symposium which will help local English as a Second Language providers better serve the immigrant population in Loudoun County. The Loudoun Literacy Council is a community-based, nonprofit organization that offers ESL classes and individualized tutoring services to immigrants as well as low-literate native speakers. All of its teachers and tutors are volunteers trained by the organization. It has a Family Literacy Program that serves at-risk children in the Head Start preschool program, in the homeless shelters in Loudoun County and with the help of senior citizens at Sunrise Assisted Living in Leesburg. The Piedmont Community Foundation builds and manages a collection of charitable funds in partnership and established by local individuals, families, corporations and nonprofit organizations. Funds are pooled and invested for distribution to charities operating in Loudoun and Fauquier counties. For more information about the Loudoun Literacy Council, call (703) 777-2205. For more information about the Piedmont Community Foundation, call Karen Krei, Executive Director, at (540) 687-5223.

May 2007

Madeleine Albright Will Attend Lawyers for Literacy Event

Barbara Notar, (703) 777-2205, bnotar@loudounliteracy.org

Leesburg, Virginia—May 23, 2007. Former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright will be the guest of honor at a “Lawyers for Literacy” cocktail party hosted by the law firm of Burnett & Williams on Loudoun Street in Leesburg, on Friday, June 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Attorney Peter Burnett has kicked off the Lawyers for Literacy Campaign by donating $1,000 to support the Council’s programs. The Loudoun Literacy Council helps low literate adults and children from disadvantaged families learn to speak, read, write, and understand English. For adults, their trained volunteers provide confidential, individualized tutoring and year-round classes in either basic reading or English for Speakers of Other Languages. For children, they provide early literacy enrichment programs for at-risk preschool children, parent education, and reading programs for children residing in the county’s homeless shelters.

Tickets are $100 per person. Please call Barbara Notar at (703) 777-2205 to purchase tickets to the event. Space is limited.

April 2007

Dulles International Rotary Club Raises Funds for Literacy

Barbara Notar, (703) 777-2205, bnotar@loudounliteracy.org

Leesburg, Virginia—April 10, 2007. The Dulles International Rotary Club made a large donation to the Loudoun Literacy Council to support English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction for adults residing or working in Loudoun County. One of Rotary International’s goals is the improvement of literacy worldwide. The service club donated $3,000 from its annual golf tournament, and is encouraging other Rotary clubs to contribute. The Leesburg Rotary designated the Loudoun Literacy Council as one of the beneficiaries for its Rotary Resolution Race, and the Sterling Rotary donated $500 to the organization. A program that will benefit from the money raised is the Loudoun Literacy Council’s partnership with Inmed Mothernet/Healthy Families Loudoun, a nonprofit organization that provides free services to at-risk pregnant women and teens, new parents and their children in Loudoun County. The Loudoun Literacy Council provides trained teachers who teach ESL to clients of Inmed Mothernet/Healthy Families Loudoun.

A photo of the donation presentation is attached. Pictured from left to right is: Natalia Derritt, Coordinator for MotherNet/Healthy Families Loudoun, Richard McCary, President of the Dulles International Rotary Club, Burt Lamkin, District Governor of Rotary, Satish Chauhan, Past President of the Dulles International Rotary, and Diane Roche, volunteer ESL instructor for the Loudoun Literacy Council.

December 2006

Anonymous Donor Pledges Matching Gift of $10,000 to Loudoun Literacy Council

Barbara Notar, (703) 779-1865, bnotar@loudounliteracy.org

December 14, 2006. The Loudoun Literacy Council has once again received a matching gift of $10,000. In December of 2005, an anonymous donor generously pledged a gift to the Loudoun Literacy Council of $10,000 if the organization could raise the same amount in the month of December. The organization, which was in financial crisis at the time, did so and was able to hire an executive director. This year, the anonymous donor made the same pledge. He will again match all donations received by LLC in the month of December, up to $10,000. The Loudoun Literacy Council teaches English to immigrants and low-literate native speakers and provides literacy programs to disadvantaged children and their families. To contribute to the December Double Dollars Campaign, call the Loudoun Literacy Council at (703) 777-2205 or visit their website at http://www.loudounliteracy.org.

November 2006

Corporate Spelling Bee a Success

Barbara Notar, (703) 779-1865, bnotar@loudounliteracy.org

November 27, 2006. If the laughter, intensity and cheering are any indication, a good time was had by all as Lightfoot Restaurant hosted the First Annual Corporate Spelling Bee to benefit the Loudoun Literacy Council on Monday evening, November 20th. The Council, through generous contributions of the contestants raised nearly $15,000 to help low-literate adults and children who live at or below the poverty line, improve their literacy skills. Eight corporations sent a team of 4 of their best spellers to compete against other teams representing a variety of industries. The competition was fierce but friendly as the teams tried to out spell each other and win the Champion Spellers Cup which the winning corporation gets to display in their office for one year. The winner? The Boys & Girls Clubs of Loudoun County which was sponsored by Armfield, Harrison & Thomas, Lansdowne Resort and MicroStrategy, Inc. Seven other corporate teams competed: AOL, Argon ST, EIT, LaFarge North America, Loudoun-Times Mirror, Rolls Royce North America, and Verizon.

Celebrity judges, Betty Korte, 2006 Loudoun County Teacher of the Year, State Senator Mark Herring and NASA astronaut Bill Readdy were on hand to officiate the event, while Tom Notar of MicroStrategy was the emcee.

A photo of the winning team is attached along with the judges of the First Annual Corporate Spelling Bee. The people in the photo are from left to right: Bill Horne (B & G Clubs), Henry Saxon (B & G Clubs), Jane Rodgers (B & G Clubs), State Senator Mark Herring, Carolina Deras (B & G Clubs), Bill Readdy (NASA astronaut), Betty Korte (2006 Loudoun County Teacher of the Year) and Barbara Notar (Executive Director of Loudoun Literacy Council).

Blue Ridge Middle School Reads for a Cause

Contact: Barbara Notar, (703) 779-1865, bnotar@loudounliteracy.org

November 12, 2006. To celebrate American Education Week (November 12th-18th), students from the Blue Ridge Middle School and teachers from its Language Arts Department are participating in a Read-a-Thon to benefit the Loudoun Literacy Council. Sixth- and seventh-grade students have pledged to read during the Read-a-Thon and collect sponsors, who will contribute to the nonprofit literacy group based upon the number of pages each student reads. Weichert Realtors of Purcellville is the lead sponsor and has donated a prize to the student who reads the most pages, as well as a randomly-drawn prize for a student who participates in the program.

The Loudoun Literacy Council is a community-based, nonprofit organization that teaches native speakers and immigrants to read, write, speak, and understand English and provides literacy enrichment programs to at-risk preschool children and in the county’s homeless shelters.

Contributions to the campaign can be sent to: Allyson White, Blue Ridge Middle School, 551 East A. St., Purcellville, Virginia 20132.

The Loudoun Literacy Council Presents Loudoun Reads

Loudoun Literacy Council Hires Executive Director

Barbara Notar, (703) 777-2205, bnotar@loudounliteracy.org

Leesburg, Virginia–April 5, 2006. The Loudoun Literacy Council, a longstanding charity dedicated to promoting literacy to children and adults in Loudoun County, has hired Barbara Notar as its Executive Director.

Ms. Notar, a former attorney, is the past president of Loudoun Interfaith Relief, Inc., and Save the Trail, Inc. Ms. Notar states, “I look forward to turning my attention to promoting literacy in Loudoun County. There has been a huge influx of non-English speaking residents to the County. These residents along with their children are struggling with a different culture, a severe affordable housing shortage and other economic and social difficulties. The Loudoun Literacy Council not only teaches these new residents to read a prescription label or a note sent home from the teacher, but also life skills such as speaking to doctors, filling out job applications, or passing a driver’s test—things that help these residents become self-sufficient and productive citizens. We also teach reading to preschool children at or below the poverty level through Head Start as well as work with their parents to encourage reading in the home. The Loudoun Literacy Council is one of the essential anti-poverty organizations in this County and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

For more information on the Loudoun Literacy Council, go to http://www.loudounliteracy.org.

May 2005

Loudoun Literacy Council to Host Second Annual Silent Auction on June 10, 2005: Auction Proceeds to Benefit Literacy Services for Loudoun Families, Adults, and Children

M. Yadir Ruiz, Loudoun Literacy Council, (703) 777-2205
Linda Kelley, Delta Strategies, (703) 779-7421

Leesburg, Virginia–May 19, 2005. To celebrate literacy, education and cultural diversity, the Loudoun Literacy Council (the Council) is hosting its annual silent auction entitled “Desserts and Discoveries—a Novel Event” the evening of Friday, June 10, 2005 at the Carradoc Hall, Holiday Inn in Leesburg, Virginia. “As a tribute to the community's diverse populations we service year after year, this year's auction is an international dessert affair with seven different themed dessert stations from countries around the world!,” states Deborah West, the Council’s Board President. “Desserts from Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Middle Eastern regions and more will be highlighted, celebrated and served.”

The Council’s pro-diversity theme is an important one to celebrate as the organization provides literacy services to countless of Loudoun’s adults, families and children – the majority of them representing over forty different nationalities.

Moreover, the Council’s emphasis on literacy and education will play a key role throughout the auction’s event, focusing the attention on the fact that books, and the act of reading, can transport you to all kinds of places and eras. “The mere act of cracking a book open can vicariously place you in medieval times with King Arthur, in colonial times during the Revolutionary War or in outer space fighting against alien forces. The ability to read and to engage your imagination is part of discovering the magic books have to offer to readers of all ages,” says Yadir Ruiz, Executive Director for the Council.

Items being auctioned for the evening include an array of unique goods and services donated by local, out-of-town and out-of-state businesses and residents. The Council’s staff is also contributing various personal services for auction. “Our very own Family Literacy coordinators are donating a few hours of their time to organize someone’s closet,” explains Amy Brown, Adult Literacy Program Coordinator for the Council. “Even our own Executive Director is contributing various personal services, including a night where she will come to your home and cook dinner for four. She (Executive Director) is even donating her own husband as a ‘helpful handyman’ for the cause!”

All auction proceeds will be used to further literacy and educational services in Loudoun County. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or to learn more about this fun event, please visit www.loudounliteracy.org/auction or call (703) 777-2205.

About The Loudoun Literacy Council
The programs of the Loudoun Literacy Council are based on the belief that the ability to read, write and speak English is critical to personal freedom and the economic well being of all communities throughout Loudoun. The Council is dedicated to empowering individuals, families and children to become engaged and responsible community members who value and support education as a lifelong process.

Loudoun Literacy Council Transforms Adult Literacy Program

M. Yadir Ruiz, Loudoun Literacy Council, (703) 777-2205
Linda Kelley, Delta Strategies, (703) 779-7421

Leesburg, Virginia–May 11, 2005. After more than twenty years of serving Loudoun County and its residents with adult literacy and related educational services, the Loudoun Literacy Council (the Council) is making major changes to the Adult Literacy arm of its community-based programs. “The recent changes to our Adult Literacy program have been implemented to address many of our administrative challenges and should ultimately result in a more effective and fulfilling experience for our students and volunteer tutors,” states Amy Brown, Adult Literacy Program Coordinator for the Council.

“The changes to the adult literacy program are absolutely essential for key reasons including the need for improved efficiencies and administration, the management of realistic expectations given our limited staff and resources and the enhancement of support services and capabilities,” explains the Council’s Executive Director, Yadir Ruiz.

In addition to various policy and administrative overhauls, one of the Council’s most notable changes to its Adult Literacy program is its recent implementation of three (3) 11-to-13 week tutor-student sessions per year. This new calendar structure ends the Council’s era of open enrollment as well as indefinite, ongoing support services for students. “Traditionally, our program and tutoring services for years were very open, informal and unstructured. While this way of administering the program may have worked for a grass-roots organization, it is not an effective way to govern all aspects of any program. Structure, schedules and standards must be both in place and enforced to better administer the quality and gauge results,” explains Ruiz.

The Council is confident that its newly implemented calendar will allow the organization to better attract and retain volunteer tutors, which in the past had been traditionally asked for a seemingly daunting 100-hour a year commitment. Moreover, the new session structure also provides students with a more definitive calendar period throughout the year.

Ruiz notes, “Implementing change is never easy, but we are confident the majority of our tutor community will embrace our Adult Literacy program changes and updates as they have all been developed with incredible attention to detail and care. The goal has always been to improve the overall service to the community while still preserving our Council’s limited resources.”

For more information about the Council’s Adult Literacy program, literacy service calendar and other program updates, please visit send an email to tutor@loudounliteracy.org.

Loudoun Literacy Council to Extend Poetry Contest

M. Yadir Ruiz, Loudoun Literacy Council, (703) 777-2205
Linda Kelley, Delta Strategies, (703) 779-7421

Leesburg, Virginia–May 3, 2005. Creative Loudouners still have the opportunity to put pen to paper and enter the Loudoun Literacy Council’s Adult Poetry Contest. The contest has been extended until May 31, 2005. There are numerous award categories and opportunities for everyone to be creative. “We have received over 40 creative entries so far,” said Yadir Ruiz, Executive Director of the Council. “We have judges who are looking forward to reading all the submissions, so keep them coming!” You must be 18 or older and a resident of Loudoun County to enter the contest.

The Loudoun Literacy Council would like to thank IDI Group Companies for being the sponsor of this poetry contest. IDI Group Companies is based in Arlington, Virginia but is known in Loudoun County as the builder of Leisure World in Lansdowne. The Council appreciates their support.

The winners of this contest will be announced at The Loudoun Literacy Council’s Annual Silent Auction Event. This event, “Desserts and Discoveries: A Novel Event” will be held at Historic Carradoc Hall on June 10, 2005 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For more information regarding the adult poetry contest and the silent auction, please click here.

February 2005

Loudoun Literacy Council Encourages Participation in “Read Across Loudoun Week"

M. Yadir Ruiz, Loudoun Literacy Council, (703) 777-2205
Linda Kelley, Delta Strategies, (703) 779-7421

Leesburg, Virginia–February 23, 2005. The Loudoun Literacy Council is challenging county citizens to join in the celebration of “Read Across America Week,” an annual recognition every March 2-9 of the importance of reading and literacy skills.

“Many public schools celebrate by reading Dr. Seuss, whose books have spanned generations of families and children,” said Yadir Ruiz, executive director of the Loudoun Literacy Council. “We applaud that, but also challenge each and every citizen of Loudoun County to think about the importance of reading in their own way in our very own `Read Across Loudoun Day.’”

Ruiz said many people don’t realize that the literacy levels, especially among young adults, have declined over the last decade. “Only 3% to 4% of the educated population scores at the highest level of five reading levels,” said Ruiz. “Nearly half of all adult Americans read and write so poorly that it is difficult for them to hold a decent job. These adults cannot write a brief letter explaining an error on a credit card bill or use a calculator to determine the difference between the sales price the regular price.”

For those who grow up in a household where there is a regular exposure to books, magazines and newspapers, there is a natural inclination to learn and improve reading skills. “If no one close to you takes joy in reading, then it is much harder to develop the skills and make the effort to read,” said Ruiz. “Our hope is that by embracing Read Across Loudoun Day, we can turn off the television, give the video games a break, and consciously make the effort to share the joy of reading with someone else.”

As part of its own Read Across Loudoun initiatives, the Literacy Council has joined in supporting the Loudoun Times-Mirror’s “Newspapers in Education” (NIE) program, a nationally recognized collaboration between corporate and community sponsors, local newspapers and schools to provide students with the opportunity to become more literate and knowledgeable citizens. NIE provides local schools with the newspaper and educational materials to enhance learning through real-life experiences relevant to students’ daily lives. The Literacy Council, a Gold Level Sponsor of this NIE program, will aid in the provision of over 8,000 newspapers to local area classrooms over the next year.

“We felt that our sponsorship of this program was very valuable to the community and will help the next generation of Loudoun’s readers.” said Literacy Council Board President Deborah West. “Newspapers are living textbooks updated daily or weekly and, as such, serve as wonderful enhancements to the learning and literacy environments for Loudoun students. The Loudoun Literacy Council hopes that its support of this program will help ensure that Loudoun’s young adults who benefit from the NIE effort will develop a need, a want and a passion for learning about current events and issues that impact their lives.”

About the Loudoun Literacy Council
The programs of the Loudoun Literacy Council are based on the belief that the ability to read, write and speak English is critical to personal freedom and the economic well being of all communities throughout Loudoun. The Council is dedicated to empowering individuals, families and children to become engaged and responsible community members who value and support education as a lifelong process.

Loudoun Literacy Council Announces Robert Howard as New Board Member

M. Yadir Ruiz, Loudoun Literacy Council, (703) 777-2205
Linda Kelley, Delta Strategies, (703) 779-7421

Leesburg, Virginia–February 16, 2005. The Loudoun Literacy Council announces the addition of Mr. Robert Howard to their Board of Directors. “We would like to welcome Mr. Robert Howard to the Board, “said Yadir Ruiz, Executive Director. “The Council is in the process of redefining our services and we are setting goals for the future. Bob’s input into this process will help us tremendously.”

Mr. Howard works for Kestler Financial Group as a Registered Representative where he provides case design and financial planning assistance to registered representatives throughout the country. Previously, he was a Financial Advisor for AIG VALIC, where he provided financial advice to members of not-for-profit organizations.

“We are very excited to have Bob as a member of our board,” said Board President Deborah West. “His background with community service in mentoring and educating youth as well as his strong financial services credentials will benefit the Council and enhance the services we provide to the Loudoun County community.”

“I am looking forward to contributing to the Loudoun Literacy Council as a Board Member,” said Bob Howard. “I strongly believe in the educational mission of the organization and will work very hard to help them further its literacy and pro-education initiatives in Loudoun.” Mr. Howard also volunteers his time coaching his sons in baseball and basketball. He lives in Leesburg with his wife Susie and their two sons. Their third son is expected in May.

Loudoun Literacy Council to Celebrate 25th Anniversary

M. Yadir Ruiz, Loudoun Literacy Council, (703) 777-2205
Linda Kelley, Delta Strategies, (703) 779-7421

Leesburg, Virginia–February 2, 2005. The Loudoun Literacy Council will celebrate 25 years of service to the Loudoun County community February 17 at Belmont Country Club from 4:30-7:30 p.m. The event honoring the work of the Council will feature remarks from community leaders, volunteers, tutors, and students.

The event is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend. Please register for the event at www.loudounliteracy.org/celebrateliteracy or call (703) 777-2205.

Broad Run Supervisor Lori Waters noted that working to increase literacy translates into many benefits for the community ranging from economic development to reducing pressure on social services.

“Learning and improving the ability to read and write not only improves someone’s chances for finding and keeping employment, but it makes a significant positive contribution to our community’s economic and social fabric,” said Waters. “The Loudoun Literacy Council plays a vital role through its work and I commend them on 25 years of fine service to our community.”

Yadir Ruiz, the Council’s new executive director, said many see the affluence and educational levels in Loudoun County and assume literacy is a small problem here. "Usually residents of Loudoun County are very surprised to learn that one out of eight people who live here are what is known as functionally illiterate,” said Ruiz. “By definition, that means they know enough to get by, but cannot read beyond the fourth grade level. These people have a hard time doing things most people take for granted like being able to write personal checks or comprehending a basic training manual.”

The services of the Loudoun Literacy Council help work to mitigate the problems and barriers illiteracy and the lack of education (or limited access to education) fosters in a community. They serve the underprivileged and functionally illiterate adult as well as entire families including children to help break the cycle of illiteracy. The Council serves all of Loudoun’s socio-economic levels to foster learning, education and literacy.

“Without the ongoing assistance of the Loudoun Literacy Council our Head Start Preschool Programs which serve economically disadvantaged four year olds and their families would not be as successful as it is today, “said Carol Basham, Director, Head Start for Loudoun County Public Schools.

The Loudoun Literacy Council was launched in 1980 by various compassionate and church going individuals who sought to assist a host of Cambodian refugees who arrived in Loudoun County in the late 1970s. Founders of the Council include Reverend Cornelius “Corky” and Betty Shiflett, Lois Earle, Dee Foxgrover, Marie Twitchel and Pat Thompson. Over the past six years, more than 2,300 Loudoun citizens have participated in literacy learning programs of the Council.

The growth in Loudoun County has also increased the need for the services of the Council. “We believe strongly in the mission of our organization and this becomes even more important as our County grows,” said Deborah West, a member of the Council’s Board of Directors. “We have a steadfast commitment towards advancing and encouraging literacy throughout Loudoun County.”

Executive Director Yadir Ruiz Speaks to Loudoun County's Board of Supervisors

M. Yadir Ruiz, Loudoun Literacy Council, (703) 777-2205
Linda Kelley, Delta Strategies, (703) 779-7421

Leesburg, Virginia–February 1, 2005. In a brief, introductory message to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors today, Executive Director Yadir Ruiz shared the following message:

"Good morning Chairman York and Members of the Board. My name is Yadir Ruiz. I am a Leesburg resident and also the Executive Director of the Loudoun Literacy Council, also based in Leesburg, Virginia.

I want to take the time today to remind you and/or make you aware that underneath Loudoun's beautiful veils of lovely vineyards, equestrian farms and historic heritage lies a population of individuals—1 out of 8 Loudouners to be exact—that is functionally illiterate; meaning they cannot read beyond a fourth grade level.

What this means to them is that they cannot read a basic training manual, cannot communicate effectively and cannot perform simple arithmetic computations.

What this means to you is that these individuals are stuck in an endless cycle of dependency on unemployment and other social services furnished by you, our County government.

Our literacy and educational programs, which we have been providing to the community for the past 25 years, are designed to help break down the barriers caused by illiteracy. Ultimately, however, we cannot do it alone. We need to work more collaboratively with our local government to effectively crush this ongoing cycle from perpetuating further.

Today, I am here to ask for your support as we dive into the next 25 years of service.

If you are able, please consider attending our 25 year anniversary celebration on February 17, 2005. I will furnish your clerk with the invitations should you wish to attend.

Your attendance will help to raise the awareness and visibility of this important socio-economic issue.

I thank you for your time today."

December 2004

Loudoun Literacy Council Awarded $645 ExxonMobil Grant: ExxonMobil Employees’ Favorite Charities Campaign and Exxon Mobil Corporation Supports Literacy Programs

Patrick J. Dexter, ExxonMobil, (703) 846-3427
M. Yadir Ruiz, Loudoun Literacy Council, (703) 777-2205

Leesburg, Virginia–December 7, 2004. The Loudoun Literacy Council has received a $645 grant on behalf of the ExxonMobil Employees’ Favorite Charity Campaign to fund support and operations of various family and adult literacy programs that will benefit Loudoun County’s less fortunate residents.

The Loudoun Literacy Council's Family Literacy program reaches more than 200 at-risk children and their families annually. The program’s mission is to help make every child's home a learning place, to assist parents as their children's first and most influential teachers and to help parents become advocates for their children's education while gaining skills and knowledge to succeed themselves. Children receive brand new books every month, as well as weekly in-class reading and a books-on-tape lending library. Families are also invited to monthly events that feature dinner, story-time and a family activity focused on education, reading and early childhood literature.

The Loudoun Literacy Council also offers literacy programs enabling over 500 adults who cannot read beyond a fourth-grade level. Each year, the Council provides these adults with the opportunity to gain the needed reading and writing skills to improve their ability to communicate and to help them advance in their jobs. Hundreds of trained community volunteers in locations all over Loudoun regularly meet with adult students for literacy and English language instruction.

“Due to the increasing needs of the Loudoun County’s rapidly growing population, the demand for our services often exceeds what we are able to provide. This grant will enable us to further enhance our programs and our services,” said M. Yadir Ruiz, Executive Director of Loudoun Literacy. “Our goal is to continue countering the dangers, the negative impact and the economic toll illiteracy imposes on our local community. We continuously strive to recruit and train community volunteers in an effort to match tutors with needy and eager students.

“We are pleased to support local health and human service organizations in the Greater Washington area,” said Patrick Dexter, Headquarters Community Relations Advisor for Exxon Mobil Corporation. “Supporting organizations where we live and work is a basic principal of community relations at ExxonMobil. It’s important to all our employees that we be active community members.”

Employees personally contributed over $1,335,000 to support hundreds of different non-profit organizations. The ExxonMobil Employees’ Favorite Charity Campaign provided employees with the opportunity to give any charity with 100% of their contribution going to their designated charity. Exxon Mobil Corporation also provided a corporate contribution of $405,000 that will be distributed to local health and human services non-profit organizations based on employee designations.

About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil is a global leader in technology, product quality and customer service with petrochemical manufacturing and marketing operations in more than 150 countries around the world. For more information, please visit their website at: http://www.exxonmobil.com.

June 2004

River Creek Mom's Benefit Loudoun Literacy Council

Beth Wiseman, (703) 777-2205, bwiseman@loudounliteracy.org

Leesburg, Virginia–June 7, 2004. The River Creek Mom's Club hosted its 2nd Annual Charity Event luncheon on March 19, 2004 to benefit the Loudoun Literacy Council, a non-profit community organization that provides literacy and English language programs throughout Loudoun County. Luncheon participants purchased over $2,000 in books and toys focused on early literacy development from Usborne Books and Discovery Toys. The materials will be used in low-income preschool classrooms throughout the County through the Council's Family Literacy Program. Program Manager, Carrie Carowick said, "We are so thankful to the Mom's Club for their generous support. Usborne Books and Discovery Toys are fantastic educational products. We are thrilled to be able to add them to our program and know the kids will love them!" The Loudoun Literacy Council's Family Literacy program reaches 200 children and their families annually. Its mission is to help make every child's home a learning place, to assist parents as their children's first and most influential teachers and to help parents become advocates for their children's education while gaining skills and knowledge to succeed themselves. Children receive brand new books every month, as well as weekly in-class reading and a books-on-tape lending library. Families are also invited to monthly events that feature dinner, story-time and a family activity focused on early childhood literature. The Loudoun Literacy Council also offers programs enabling over 500 adults annually the opportunity to gain the needed skills to achieve their dreams. Hundreds of trained community volunteers in locations all over Loudoun regularly meet with adult students for literacy and English language instruction. For more information or to learn more about tutoring, please call the Council at (703) 777-2205 or email info@loudounliteracy.org.

State of Art Advertising Creates New Look for Loudoun Literacy Council

Beth Wiseman, (703) 777-2205, bwiseman@loudounliteracy.org

Leesburg, Virginia–June 7, 2004. On Monday, June 7, 2004, Loudoun Literacy Council unveiled its new website designed by State of Art, a local advertising company with over 10 years experience in graphic design, branding, web design, package design, promotions and printing. State of Art, whose forte is producing top quality advertising on small company budgets, generously donated its time, talent and resources to brand a new look for the Loudoun Literacy Council. Their mission was to increase the Council's visibility in the Loudoun community through the creation of a unified brand of products - business materials, marketing materials and a website. The Loudoun Literacy Council's Adult Literacy Program assists hundreds of adults annually through its ESL (ESOL), Adult Literacy and Workplace programs. The largest program serves those studying "English for Speakers of Other Languages" (ESOL) while other programs provide Basic Literacy instruction and TOEFL and GED preparation. The large number of adults studying ESOL reflects the changing demographics of Loudoun County. The Council is in continual need of volunteers and certified instructors to provide English classes to this growing population. Upcoming training sessions for interested volunteers will be held on June 19, July 17 and August 21, 2004. The Council also assists preschool children and their families through its Claude Moore Family Literacy Program. The program serves nearly 200 children and their families enrolled in Head Start and STEP classroom throughout the county. The programs of the Loudoun Literacy Council are based on the belief that the ability to read, write, and speak English is critical to personal freedom and the maintenance of a democratic American society. The Council is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to become engaged and responsible community members who value and support education as a lifelong process. For more information or to learn more about tutoring, please call the Council at 703-777-2205 or email: info@loudounliteracy.org.

March 2004

Loudoun Literacy Council Receives Wal-Mart Grant

Beth Wiseman, (703) 777-2205, bwiseman@loudounliteracy.org

Leesburg, Virginia–March 5, 2004. On Friday, March 5, 2004, the Sterling Wal-Mart store awarded the Loudoun Literacy Council a $1,000 Literacy Grant. The Wal-Mart Corporation has a commitment to improving literacy skills in children and adults and each year the company awards millions of dollars to community organizations. The Loudoun Literacy Council's Adult Literacy Program assists hundreds of adults annually through one-to-one tutoring and small group classes. The largest program serves those studying English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) while other programs provide Basic Literacy instruction and GED preparation. The large number of adults studying ESOL reflects the changing demographics of Loudoun County. The Council is in continual need of volunteers to provide tutoring to this growing population. Upcoming training sessions for interested volunteers will be held April 17 and May 15, 2004. The Council also assists preschool children and their families through its Claude Moore Family Literacy Center. The program serves nearly 200 children and their families enrolled in Head Start and STEP classroom throughout the county. The programs of the Loudoun Literacy Council are based on the belief that the ability to read, write, and speak English is critical to personal freedom and the maintenance of a democratic American society. The Council is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to become engaged and responsible community members who value and support education as a lifelong process. For more information or to learn more about tutoring, please call the Council at (703) 777-2205 or email info@loudounliteracy.org.