News
See where Blue Ridge Literacy is in the community with recent press coverage, events, and announcements!
BRL's Program Update -- Containment Measures for COVID-19
Maintaining the health and safety of others is our top priority. Blue Ridge Literacy is adhering to the guidelines set forth by the City of Roanoke and the Virginia Department of Health as our nation deals with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective Monday, March 16 -- Blue Ridge Literacy will be closed until further notice. This includes on-site and off-site classes and all BRL events, including the upcoming Scrabble tournament, which will be postponed and rescheduled in the near future.
We will continue to keep the community updated on further changes regarding our programs and events via email. Please visit this website or our Facebook page for the latest information. If you have questions, please contact us at info@brlit.org.
We appreciate your patience as we all move through this challenging situation together.
Salem is New BRL Director
That's right! Blue Ridge Literacy has a new Executive Director. Ahoo Salem is originally from Iran and has been involved with BRL since 2016 as a volunteer teacher. Read more here!
14th Scrabble Tourney
Growing Up in the Valley Magazine hosts BRL on morning show Living Local to talk about how we help adults learn English and our upcoming 14th Annual Scrabble Tournament
BRL is a Safe Space for All
BRL spoke with Lezla Gooden of WSLS10 about the effect that ongoing immigration policy changes has had on BRL and some of our refugee and immigrant literacy learners.
Another Scrabble Success
BRL's 13th Annual Scrabble Tournament, presented by HomeTrust Bank, included over 35 teams and raised over $8,000 for literacy efforts in the Roanoke Valley.
Immigrants in Roanoke
The Roanoker's May/June 2019 edition features three stories on the influence that immigrants and refugees have in our region, featuring a BRL Board Member. Check out the stories here!
Fundraiser for Literacy!
Did you see JoAnne Poindexter's article in the Roanoke Times about BRL's 2019 Scrabble Tourney Fundraiser? New location, catered meal, and lots of fun--all for literacy!
Clothing Drive a Success
Thanks to the generosity of Northminster Presbyterian Church and community members, BRL distributed warm clothes to learners who needed them at the "BRL Boutique!"
BRL and LVNRV on WFXR
BRL went on WFXR's morning show, Living Local, with community partner Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley to promote Literacy Month events throughout September.
New Board Members
BRL brought on 7 new Directors, including Shelia Umberger, Alicha Grubb, Sissy Kegley, Evelyne Nzikobanyanka, Elvir Berbic, Kat Pascal, and Baraka Kasongo.
Support Literacy Learners
We joined our friends from Literacy Volunteers of the New River Valley to talk about our upcoming Scrabble fundraisers on Daytime Blue Ridge. Get in on the fun March 21 and April 4!
DBR Highlights Literacy
Executive Director, Stephanie Holladay, talks with Daytime Blue Ridge about the impact literacy services have on adults in the Roanoke Valley.
Small Business of the Year
BRL was honored to receive the 2018 Small Business Award in the Not For Profit: Micro category from the Chamber of Commerce. This award is given annually in several categories.
Macy's Grants BRL $2,500
Macy's awards Blue Ridge Literacy $2,500 in support of their ESOL Classes that happen twice weekly for Pre-Beginning, Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced learners.
Community Partners Week
Another successful Community Partners Week included the Roanoke Sheriff's office teaching a Women's Self Defense class to our newcomer job readiness ESOL class.
