BEACON was founded in 1992 by the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, which means this year BEACON celebrates 30 years of service to the greater Prince William Community. Inspired by the Benedictine love of learning, BEACON empowers adults with the skills needed to meet their goals and thrive. Over the years, we have taught English language, basic literacy, Pre-GED, GED, Nurse Aid Language preparation, Pre-CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant), Citizenship preparation, workforce readiness skills (such as interview/resume coaching), technology skills, U.S. culture, and life skills. Adult learners have attended tutoring, small group, and classroom instruction made possible by incredibly generous volunteers. To learn more about our current class offerings, click here.
Throughout the many years of service, our goal has remained steadfast: BEACON empowers its adult learners to enhance their quality of life through English language and literacy. Follow us on social media so you don’t miss out (or come back to our website each week) as we post a new story each week, leading up to our 30-year anniversary.
“My goal is to become a United States citizen. Then I want to study for the driver’s test, vote, and communicate better with my family.” Her daughter-in-law is a native English speaker and her grandchildren also speak English. “I’m excited, I like the classes. You have to practice and study to be able to communicate and learn. I’m getting better. I’m starting to understand and I can defend myself.”
Student gains language skills, no longer needs translator at work or at the doctors
Liliana, Salvadorean native, takes classes with BEACON primarily because she wants to understand her boss, but she also has a drive to master the language to feel the sense of accomplishment of completing a lifelong goal. “I am understanding more. The classes are nice because they [the teachers] correct us and have us converse. That helps get rid of the fear and embarrassment of speaking. I’m less embarrassed now!”
Liliana loves her job cooking for the Benedictine Sisters of VA and is very dedicated- she says no matter how much her language improves she will always want to work for the Sisters. “I’m satisfied with the classes because now I can talk with my boss. We used to need a translator. I feel like I can explain things to my boss, not perfect, but better. Now when I go to the doctor, I don’t need a translator and if I need to change my appointment, I can do it myself. The [BEACON] program is very good, it helps you. I am so grateful for the patience and dedication of the teachers.”
Student goes from illiteracy to empowered
“Nicole* was pre-literate when she started the BEACON program,” a BEACON tutor shared. “She could only write her first name. Now she can write a check, she knows how to keep a checking account, she participates in her children’s education, and has a job.”
Nicole never had the opportunity to attend school in her home country. Nicole started one-on-one tutoring with BEACON, and now reads and speaks above a 5th grade reading level. As Nicole’s English skills have improved, she has been able to get a job.
Over time, Nicole’s confidence has grown by leaps and bounds. “Her empowerment – her realization that she can do things on her own – has been increased. You can just see it!” her tutor said. Nicole’s long-term goals are to get a better job, get her driver’s license, and become a U.S. Citizen.
* Name has been changed to protect the student’s privacy
“Thank you BEACON. Now I can communicate better at work and now I feel more comfortable using the computer at home because of the technology class. The teachers are very nice. They are always willing to help if you don’t understand something. I am proud to start from the lowest level and I will continue with BEACON until I finish with the highest level. BEACON helped me with my English and now I passed my citizenship test and can vote! It is not easy to learn English. It takes time. I recommend BEACON to anyone.”
Student contributes her success at NOVA Community College to BEACON classes and volunteer teachers
As a woman, Gunel’s career options were limited in her home country of Azerbaijan. “When we first came here, I did not have sufficient communication skills in English. I was not able to express myself clearly and confidently.” BEACON’s classes gave Gunel the foundational communication and languages skills needed to communicate at work and take the first steps toward her switching careers, something she felt empowered to pursue in the United States.
In 2020, Gunel enrolled in an associate program for IT at Northern Virginia Community College. The writing assignments in the advanced ESOL class at BEACON especially prepared her for her first NOVA class, an English Composition Class in which she received an A+. She contributes her success at NOVA to BEACON classes and volunteer teachers. “The teachers, the volunteers, really helped me. They are really like family. I was always scared of [writing] essays.”
Read the article she wrote about her experience with the program, featured in our spring 2020 newsletter here.
BEACON student encourages classmates and connects them to jobs
When Vilma moved to the U.S. in 2017, she left behind a successful career as a homicide detective to marry a U.S. citizen. She takes classes at BEACON because she wants to communicate better at work, understand people in general, and get a better job, as she currently works two entry-level jobs to make ends meet.
The language learning process is challenging for Vilma. She often can’t understand and describes how isolating it can be, “I feel stupid and horrible. Without [English] you can’t accomplish anything.” She is making progress in vocabulary and combating the isolation that many immigrants feel by encouraging her classmates and helping connect them to jobs.
Two classmates were able to get jobs at the same fast-food restaurant where Vilma works. When another classmate shared that he wasn’t able to take a vacation, Vilma encouraged him to advocate for himself and she coached him on what to say. The student reported back that his boss approved his vacation request.
Student enrolls in English classes, advances in her job as a result
Originally from Guatemala, Maria has lived in the United States for over 28 years. Taking BEACON’s English classes made a significant difference in her speaking and comprehension, increasing her ability to communicate effectively with her boss. Her hard work and dedication paid off because when cuts were being made at her place of employment, her manager had her moved to a different department, with more hours, and the opportunity for a raise.
Maria said, “English is critical in enabling immigrants to advance in their jobs. BEACON’s work is very important because immigrants often have a lot of expertise, but the language barrier is what limits them.”
Student progresses through English classes and becomes U.S. citizen
Claudia, Salvadorean native, started as a beginner student with BEACON’s online classes during the pandemic. Motivated by a better future for her children, Claudia has worked hard to overcome the language barrier that made supporting her children’s education difficult. BEACON’s classes have helped improved her vocabulary and pronunciation. “English is very important in this country. Now I can help my daughter with her 5th grade homework.”
After attending a BEACON English Language & Literacy educational citizenship workshop, Claudia applied to become a U.S. citizen. Inspired to study on her own, she followed the advice from the workshop and passed the test. The most difficult part was the language. She credits her success to BEACON. “Becoming a citizen is something beautiful; it opens many doors of opportunities. With English and Citizenship, everything is better. It’s gratifying.”
Claudia continues to strive for more. “I feel accomplished; I’ve met goals. My plan is to be a paralegal.”
Student escapes home country in civil war, with pride, becomes U.S. citizen
A native of Sudan and a compulsory soldier in its military, Mohammad emigrated to the U.S. in 2012, bringing his wife and children to escape the poverty, civil wars, and corruption of his home country. Despite having a degree in accounting, Mohammad, like many immigrants, has had to pursue a new career, due to the language barrier. He began as a shuttle bus fuel attendant, then as an assistant mechanic, and now as a full-time mechanic, he takes English classes with hopes to become a lead mechanic.
Mohammad’s English teacher was so effective he asked her to help prepare him for the U.S. Citizenship test. They met nearly every Saturday for more than six months and developed a strong friendship in which they realized how much they had in common, despite their life and religious differences. In 2018 he passed the test, becoming a U.S. citizen.
“I love the freedom I feel to travel without restriction, work in any field, and not experience discrimination for my race or religion.” He also has a deep appreciation for the Constitution, particularly the ideal of equality and that no one is above the law.
Iraqi couple become U.S. citizens after taking BEACON’s Citizenship class
Huda and Alaa came to the U.S. from Iraq eight years ago to be with their family. In 2019, the couple credits BEACON for their success in passing the citizenship test.
Huda is a stay-at-home mom who says she especially benefited from the class because of the interaction she got with the teacher and her classmates. She shared that, for her, the class was so much more than teaching a book; it helped her stay focused on the test, improve her listening skills, and practice reading and writing.
Alaa raved about the volunteer Citizenship instructor, “He is great at teaching everything, especially civics and the questions from [the] application! I still remember everything because he has a way to help you learn and remember everything, not just memorizing it.” Alaa and Huda look forward to continue taking English classes to improve their English. To those considering taking the classes to study for the citizenship test through BEACON, Alaa says, “Believe me, I recommend [BEACON]. If you go to Mr. Jeff, you will pass the test. BEACON is where you want to go.”
Student gets a promotion at work after improving speaking skills
Sandra, mother of three, and a widow who lost her husband in a fatal car accident, came to America in 2003, making the difficult decision to leave her children behind in Guatemala. She was determined to build a brighter future for herself and her children so Sandra moved to Northern Virginia, learned to drive, and found a stable job at IHOP. She enrolled in English classes with BEACON and after taking classes for three years, Sandra’s manager noticed how well she was speaking English and promoted her from kitchen worker to waitress—a job she loves.
“BEACON has helped me in so many ways. By making classes affordable, they have opened a whole new world for me. Being able to practice my English at work has helped me develop confidence when speaking with customers.” That confidence has impacted her personal life as well. “It was difficult for me to communicate with my doctor, but now I am able to understand everything he tells me!”
“I love my teachers, they are great; they encourage and help me so much! I am confident I will get my promotion, get a raise so I can help my children go to college, and the next thing is to get my GED.”
“Beacon has helped me so much with my English and the teachers are very good. This is very important for me to learn to communicate in English, so I can talk to my co-worker, my doctor, and because my daughter-in-law doesn’t speak Spanish; I want to learn English so I can talk with her and know her more.”
Student returns 20 years later to thank BEACON for the impact on her life.
In 2000, Tina came to BEACON, desperate for a way to learn English. She had recently moved to the United States from Iran and knew that learning the language would be critical for getting a good job.
Over twenty years later, Tina found a BEACON tote bag hanging on a hook in the back of a closet- reminding her of a promise she made to herself. The program helped her so much that she vowed she would find a way to give back to BEACON once she found a good job. She is now the Director of Patient Services and immediately reached out to BEACON to make a generous donation and talk about the possibility of volunteering.
“I really appreciate all that the BEACON program did for me and I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t been able to take the classes. The teacher was wonderful and so encouraging”.
Student improves language skills, while working towards career goals.
Gita dreams about the day she can return to doing what she loves- her career as an accountant. She came to the United States in 2019 from Nepal, leaving behind a successful career as a bank accountant. BEACON’s English classes helped her improve her pronunciation and listening skills, but she also found joy in meeting other students who share the same goals in language learning.
“My teachers are so good. They help me a lot. I tell other people who want to learn English to come join us, it will make their English good.”
Student gets a job after improving language skills and confidence from interview coach.
Naly is from Cambodia and has lived in the United States for 22 years. She moved to the United States because of the freedom, opportunities, safety, and laws against domestic violence. “BEACON has helped me so much. I have improved my reading, writing and listening skills which has helped me get a job.”
A BEACON volunteer interview coach helped prepare Naly for a job interview after attending a job fair BEACON promoted. She now works as a food server in the cafeteria. Her goal is to become an assistant manager or manager of the cafeteria. “[Interview coaching] was very helpful. It helped me to be less nervous and more confident for my real job interview. Jim is a great teacher! He is very nice and patient and had me practice answering a lot of different questions for an interview.”
Naly’s advice for other immigrants? “You are lucky to be here where there is freedom and jobs. If you work hard, you can make a good life here.”
Refugee gains literacy skills, something she once thought was impossible.
“I can get my education, something that I would not have imagined at my age and as an illiterate woman in my society back home.” Saeema, a happily married mother of seven, came to the United States in 2017. Born in Afghanistan, she grew up in Pakistan as a refugee, and never had the opportunity to go to school.
BEACON’s Pre-Literacy English classes have helped Saeema make significant progress towards her literacy goals. Her confidence has also grown as she becomes less reliant on her children for basic tasks such as communicating her phone number. “Now, I am able to read signs on the road. I love reading traffic signs while sitting with my husband or children in the car and I especially enjoy reading labels and price tags at the stores!
BEACON truly is a beacon of hope for people like me. I can tell that everyone at BEACON has a sincere intention of helping others, true humanitarians. BEACON’s services are very well tailored for the needs of new immigrants and the friendly environment it has created for people like me, particularly women. I will continue attending BEACON for as long as I am able, to fluently read and write, and hope that I will someday volunteer at BEACON to teach and help people like me!”
Student endures unimaginable traumas, aspires to community college.
In Mexico, Maria was a highly successful professional in the medical field. She spent two and a half decades delivering babies, first as a nurse and then, after graduating medical school, as an OB-GYN.
Maria grew up in Juarez, Mexico, one of the most dangerous cities in the world. After her husband was brutally murdered by gang members, she escaped with her son and daughter to the United States. Just a few years later, her son was tragically killed in a truck accident. She started community college classes and had hoped to continue in her profession as a doctor, but withdrew when her first grandchild was born.
In 2019, BEACON classes helped Maria improve her writing and speaking skills and renewed her passion for learning. Her writing has developed from sentences into paragraphs. “I’m very happy because I’m learning a lot. I’m living my dream. I’m going to be bilingual like my daughter and grandchildren. I’m the kind of person that when I have a goal, I complete it. I want to go to community college for architecture or anything – but first, I need English. Even if I’m 80 years when I go – the brain never gets too old.”
English classes gives student confidence to read with his 5-year old daughter.
Like many parents, Victor’s children are his driving force. A plumber and welder for Acme Mechanical, Victor is from Guatemala. Having lived in the United States for 15 years, his children were five-years-old and thirteen-years-old. When ACME offered to pay for BEACON classes, he gratefully accepted the opportunity to help his children with their homework and to improve his communication skills at work in hopes of advancing to a manager.
Taking English classes has given him the confidence to read with his 5-year-old daughter. He treasures the time they spend reading together and has seen a noticeable difference in her reading as a result.
His advice for those considering taking classes with BEACON, “Definitely get in. They will help you learn. They will help you get better with English.”
BEACON classes help student find her place in the community.
Grace is from Kenya and has lived in the United States since 1996. She came to the U.S. to escape corruption, poverty, and a lack of women’s rights. After taking BEACON citizenship classes in 2018, Grace became a U.S. citizen. Grace praised BEACON for her newfound confidence and for being a safe place to learn. Now that she is a U.S. citizen, she says that her next goal is to vote!
“I’m so blessed to have found BEACON… I believe that BEACON has helped so many people, not only with citizenship interview, but also with learning English and the American culture, so that we can feel like we have a place here in America and can work toward making a better life for our families,” said Grace.
From ESOL to GED, Student helps her children with homework.
Nirian entered BEACON classes as an English language learner. Her dedication and determination paid off and she moved from ESOL classes to GED classes. As she diligently studied Math and Language Arts, she hoped to be able to pass all five subject tests her first time, despite knowing how long and hard the road to GED is.
BEACON classes helped Nirian gain the literacy skills needed to help her children with their homework, but she lacked the financial means to purchase the technology needed. In 2005, BEACON connected Nirian with Literacy Volunteers of Fauquier County who presented her family with a newly refurbished desktop computer.
BEACON Learner Wins Altrusa Scholarship
In 2005, BEACON student Ana Rodrigues, was selected as a recipient of Ida J. Hill Scholarship Program from Altrusa International, Inc. The statewide annual scholarship is committed to the improvement of quality of life for adults with educational needs and at-risk populations, focused on individuals with a desire and determination to re-enter the workforce and advance their employment skills.
A dress designer from Uruguay, Ana and her family moved to Manassas in 2005. She regularly attended English classes with BEACON while working as a seamstress at a bridal shop. Ana planned to apply her scholarship to classes in English and computer skills at Northern Virginia Community College to pursue her career in the U.S.
Student’s determination doesn’t end with the GED, “I want to keep upgrading my education.”.
Bruno arrived in the U.S. from Portugal in 1996 with a ninth grade education. He worked for several years in the construction field, providing for his family. His hard work not only paid off on the job, where he moved into a supervisor role, overseeing multiple crews at several work sites, but also in his studies. While working full time, he studied with a BEACON tutor for six months and several hours on his own between tutoring sessions. In 2008, he obtained his GED certificate. Surpassing his first goal, he planned to continue to improve his speaking, writing, and attend college.
BEACON is an excellent program. I want to keep upgrading my education. I intend to get an associate’s degree.
Mother improves communication skills, becomes U.S. Citizen and daughter graduates from Nurse Aid Program.
In 2008, Olympia passed the U.S. Citizenship exam after taking classes with BEACON. Born in El Salvador, she is especially appreciative of the laws of our country and feels the United States (and BEACON) provides a better future for her and her family. Her daughter was the youngest graduate of BEACON’s spring 2008 Nurse Aid Language Preparation Program, a partnership with Birmingham Green.
BEACON classes not only helped me achieve citizenship, but also improve my communication skills.
An employee of the Manassas City Public schools, she is looking forward to using her new skills at work to gain an increased level of responsibility.
BEACON’s Citizenship class equipped Claudia with the knowledge of U.S. history needed to help her and her husband pass the test. Claudia took classes with BEACON and after class used what she learned to help prepare her husband. They both passed the test and became U.S. Citizens together. As a mother, one of her motivators was a better future for her children.
I’m proud to vote for the first time.
Amelia came to the United States in 2005 as an au pair from Brazil after completing two years of undergraduate studies. She had a sincere interest in learning and experiencing U.S. culture and was grateful for the opportunity to study and work in the United States. BEACON’s tutoring sessions gave her the language skills she needed to continue her education at Northern Virginia Community College after completing and testing out of BEACON’s courses.
BEACON is an amazing program for whoever wants to really try and learn.
A nurse in her home country of Uruguay, Laura Colina first came to the United States in 2001 with the hope of pursuing her nursing career – a long challenging goal because at first, she “didn’t speak English at all.” The first few years were difficult for her husband and three children as they found housing, learned the language, got better jobs, and their children began to make friends, “all things that showed we were improving little by little.” In 2007, Laura passed her GED test after studying with BEACON.
I want to show how much progress we have made here in the USA. We are renting a house and are preparing ourselves to buy one. I hope this program can help more people and give them the opportunity to improve themselves in this country. I am now ready for my next step and look forward to caring for others in need.