Did you know that around 48 million U.S. adults struggle to read above a third-grade level, and only 53% of immigrants in the U.S. are proficient in English? Think about how often you read daily—important documents, prescriptions, or books for pleasure. How hard would it be to get through the day without the ability to read, write, and speak English? BEACON for English Language & Literacy is a community-based literacy program that empowers adult learners, especially immigrants, with English, basic literacy, and workforce skills. Supported by volunteers and community partners, BEACON offers low-cost classes and is a secular ministry of The Benedictine Sisters of Virginia. Jennifer Katac will present an overview of BEACON and guide a tour of St. Benedict monastery.


The monastery is located at 9535 Linton Hall Rd. Bristow, VA 20136. Drive past Linton Hall School and continue straight to the traffic circle. Turn right at the circle and right again into the monastery parking lot. Upon entering the monastery parking lot, turn right to drive past the main entrance to the 2nd entrance–we will be meeting in the Multipurpose Room.


LLI Coordinator: Desiree Wolfe