Annual Report 2024-25

Celebrating a Year of Learning, Partnership, and Community Impact

Each year, our annual report gives us the chance to pause, look back, and recognize the people who make Skyline Literacy’s mission possible. This year, we are honored to highlight the progress of our adult learners, the dedication of our tutors, the commitment of our board, and the strong partnerships that support literacy in our community.

Student Successes: Learning That Changes Lives

Our students continue to inspire us with their determination. Whether preparing for citizenship, improving English skills for work, or gaining confidence to support their families, adult learners at Skyline Literacy demonstrate that learning at any age can open new doors.

This year, we celebrated milestones big and small: students entering new jobs, passing the citizenship interview, advancing to higher-level English classes, and building the confidence to participate more fully in daily life. Their progress reflects countless hours of practice and perseverance, often while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.

Literacy Partners: Strength Through Collaboration

Our work is strengthened by the organizations and institutions that join us as partners. Local schools, employers, community groups, faith organizations, and service providers help us reach learners, share resources, and provide classes in accessible locations.

These partnerships allow us to extend our impact far beyond what we could accomplish alone. Together, we are creating a network of support that makes literacy education available and welcoming to adults across the region.

Tutor Appreciation: The Heart of Our Instruction

Our volunteer tutors play a central role in every student’s progress. They bring patience, consistency, and a genuine commitment to helping adults learn at their own pace. Tutors create safe, encouraging environments where mistakes are welcomed as part of growth and where success is celebrated.

From one-on-one sessions to small-group classes, tutors help students reach goals that transform lives. Their dedication provides the personal connection that defines Skyline Literacy’s approach.

Board Appreciation: Guiding the Mission Forward

We are also grateful for our board members, who offer leadership, experience, and strategic direction throughout the year. Their steady guidance ensures that our programs stay focused, effective, and ready to meet the changing needs of our community. Their service makes our mission sustainable.

Volunteer Spotlight: Pat’s Journey of Connection and Learning at Skyline Literacy

Pat Murphy, a retired elementary counselor and special education teacher with 25 years of experience, discovered Skyline Literacy last fall through a fundraiser advertisement and conversations with current volunteers. Inspired by her own family and community connections—her daughter-in-law is from Nepal, and she has friends from other countries—Pat wanted to help adults learn English, understanding firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate a new language and culture. 

Since starting last September, Pat has volunteered alongside her husband, teaching together in a dynamic and multicultural environment. She has been involved with tutoring basic literacy classes for about 15 students, which further influenced her desire to teach. Many of their students come from different countries, cultures, and languages, and several work demanding jobs in poultry processing, often attending classes after long shifts. Despite the challenges, Pat finds teaching incredibly rewarding. One Haitian student, eager and enthusiastic to learn, inspires her every day, while a dedicated student from Mexico, with low English proficiency, demonstrated perseverance and hard work last summer.

Teaching in such a diverse setting is not without its hurdles. Students arrive with varying levels of English, different learning needs, and limited time, yet their dedication motivates Pat. She notes that even a student who can only attend three hours a week, balancing work and family, brings energy and determination to every class.

Pat attributes much of her success to the support from Skyline Literacy staff. Maria, the tutor manager, provided guidance and encouragement when she was unsure about teaching the specific curriculum, answering her questions and helping her navigate lessons in depth. Kwestan, the program manager, has also been an invaluable liaison between students and teachers, ensuring communication is smooth and that students’ needs are met.

For Pat, the experience goes far beyond teaching English. Her students’ gratitude and enthusiasm are a continual source of inspiration. On her birthday, they gave her gifts to show their appreciation, a gesture that touched her deeply. She says, “It enriches you as a person to have relationships with people who are so eager to learn. You learn about their culture and about them individually. They are so grateful for your presence and want to be there. It gives you energy and hope to see them succeed at their goals.”

Through her volunteer work at Skyline Literacy, Pat has found that teaching is not just about imparting knowledge—it’s about building connections, celebrating resilience, and sharing in the excitement of learning. Her journey reminds us that volunteering can inspire as much as it teaches, creating bonds that transform both teacher and student alike.

Building Community Through Learning: A Volunteer’s Journey at Skyline Literacy

When Weston Hatfield retired from James Madison University after 18 years as a staff fundraiser, he knew he wanted to stay engaged with his community in a meaningful way. Three years ago, he heard about Skyline Literacy and thought it might be the perfect fit—especially the Citizenship Preparation program.

Weston began volunteering with Skyline Literacy without any prior teaching experience, but he was eager to help and quickly learned from the experienced instructors around him. His willingness to listen, observe, and adapt allowed him to grow into an effective and compassionate tutor, dedicated to supporting adult learners on their educational journeys.

He started by assisting other teachers with citizenship classes and quickly found joy in the process. “I really enjoyed observing the teachers who had been doing this for a while, and also building relationships with the students,” he says. “They came from so many different countries, and yet they helped each other. We all got close.”

Weston says the best part of volunteering is “the sense of satisfaction you get from working with people who want to become citizens and getting to know them.” He adds, “Experiencing them in this context of becoming a U.S. citizen and the class interactions were so enjoyable—we had so many laughs… we had fun.”

Over time, Weston began substituting for other teachers and tutoring one-on-one in GED preparation and basic literacy. He found that Skyline’s curriculum was easy to follow and adaptable to each learner’s needs. “You start to see what works for each student,” he explains. “The key is patience and encouragement.”

One of Weston’s most memorable experiences was tutoring a woman from Afghanistan who had lived in Turkey before coming to the U.S. She was illiterate in both her native language and English, raising four children while trying to learn to read and write for the first time. Weston met with her for a year, guiding her through daily English practice twice a week. They spent time together outside the classroom, going to the grocery store and driving around town to practice everyday English words and phrases. Through these real-life lessons, he watched her steadily gain confidence and language skills.

Eventually, his student advanced to a basic English class—a milestone that filled him with pride and a sense of fulfillment. Watching her growth and determination reaffirmed his belief in the power of education and the impact of patient, personalized support.

He also cherishes the bonds built within the citizenship classes. “At the end of a course, we have a party to celebrate our students completing the class,” he shares with a smile. “Some of them still call me to tell me when they’ve passed their naturalization test.”

Weston credits Skyline Literacy’s dedicated staff and tutor manager for fostering a supportive, well-organized environment that empowers volunteers to succeed. Their clear guidance, high standards, and commitment to excellence made his experience both rewarding and effective.

Through his volunteer experience, Weston has found not only purpose but connection—a community built around learning, laughter, and shared dreams.

As he reflects on his time at Skyline Literacy, one thing stands out most: “The sense of satisfaction you get from working with people who want to become citizens and getting to know them—that’s the best part.”

Sofia’s Inspiring English-Learning Journey

When Sofia arrived in the United States from Ukraine just over a year ago, she faced a challenge that many newcomers experience—she didn’t know a single letter of the English alphabet. Moving with her husband and brother, Sofia was determined to build a new life, but she knew that learning English would be the key to finding her voice and creating opportunities for herself in her new home.

That’s when she found Skyline Literacy. From her very first class, Sofia discovered more than just an English program—she found a team of teachers who believed in her potential and supported her every step of the way.

“Huge thanks to Skyline Literacy! When I arrived in the US, I didn't even know the alphabet. In just a year and four months, you've helped me make significant progress, and now I can communicate at work. I'm going to continue my studies because I'm so inspired by the approach of your teachers and the entire school. Your work is invaluable!”

Sofia now works at Marshalls, where she confidently speaks with her supervisor, customers, and co-workers every day. What once felt impossible—holding conversations in English—is now a part of her daily life. Practicing at work has strengthened her skills even further and opened doors for future career growth.

Her journey shows how learning English is more than just mastering a language—it’s about building a career, gaining independence, and thriving in a new culture. For Sofia, each new phrase learned has created opportunities to connect with others and succeed professionally.

Skyline Literacy’s teachers have been central to that success. Their patience, encouragement, and tailored approach helped Sofia gain confidence and keep moving forward. From learning the alphabet to carrying on conversations with customers, she has made tremendous progress because of the support and dedication of her instructors.

Sofia plans to continue her English studies, inspired by the belief that learning is a lifelong journey—and that every new skill brings her closer to her goals.

Skyline Literacy Receives $10,000 Grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to Support Adult Literacy

Harrisonburg, VA – 6/16/25 – The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) recently awarded Skyline Literacy a $10,000 grant to support adult literacy.  The funds are a part of a record-setting, one-day donation in the Foundation’s history of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family, and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.

Funds from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation will support programming for more than 250 foreign-born adults who participate in Skyline Literacy level  English for Speakers of Other Languages class programs and one-on-one tutoring services. Skyline Literacy offers in-person and online ESOL classes at beginner and intermediate levels as well as citizenship preparation and digital literacy classes. 

The timeline for the current project is June 25, 2025 to May 14, 2026. Skyline will begin with six sessions of in-person English conversation classes offered for the summer for students on their waiting list. For the fall, Skyline Literacy plans on strategically placing three new satellite locations in key local poultry industries and expanding to a total of eight locations hosting ESOL classes for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. These partnerships will allow on-site classes during work hours or shifts, specifically designed for associates who find it challenging to attend classes in Harrisonburg, with outcomes including career stability and career advancement. 

Additionally, Skyline Literacy requested proposed technology to advance the literacy program is the integration of 30 Burlington English licenses into the Intermediate and Advanced ESL classes. This platform, which can be downloaded on smartphones, will be used to enhance language skills through interactive lessons.  This use of technology will provide individualized instruction and support, helping students progress more effectively in their language acquisition.

“For over 30 years, the Foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “Today’s grant announcement is a celebration of our unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students thrive.”

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam.  Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.

The Foundation also plans to launch its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign on July 21, 2025, in which customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF.

About Skyline Literacy

Skyline Literacy’s mission is to provide instruction, based on need, in various literacies, for adults in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County using trained, qualified instructors and volunteers. Skyline Literacy’s vision is a community where adults are empowered by literacy skills to be self-sufficient, navigate daily life, and participate in the workforce, education, and civic affairs.

About the Dollar General Literacy Foundation

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is proud to support initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $271 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 23 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. Each year, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation provides financial support to schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of Dollar General stores and distribution centers. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation or apply for a literacy grant, visit www.dgliteracy.org.

Celebrating Our Winter 2025 English Language Learners!

We are excited to celebrate the incredible achievements of our adult learners who completed Skyline Literacy’s Winter 2025 English class! These dedicated students committed their time, energy, and hearts to strengthening their skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and everyday survival English—all essential tools for building a confident and successful life in our community.

Our English Language Learning (ELL) program is designed to meet learners where they are. With small-group instruction led by passionate and knowledgeable tutors, students receive personalized support in a welcoming and respectful environment. Classes are organized by skill level—from beginner literacy to high intermediate—ensuring that every learner receives the attention and instruction that fits their unique needs and goals.

This winter, students made impressive progress in their language abilities, building vocabulary, improving pronunciation, learning grammar, and engaging in real-life conversations. Whether practicing how to talk to a doctor, fill out a job application, or help a child with homework, our students demonstrated courage and commitment every step of the way.

We are incredibly proud of their hard work and growth. Learning a new language as an adult takes perseverance and determination—and these students have shown both in abundance.

A heartfelt thank-you to our dedicated tutors, who guide and encourage learners with patience, kindness, and skill. Your work makes a powerful difference in the lives of so many.

Together, we’re not just learning English—we’re building community, confidence, and opportunity. Congratulations to our Winter 2025 ELL students! We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.

Celebrating Our Winter 2025 Digital Literacy Graduates!

We are thrilled to congratulate our dedicated adult learners who successfully completed the Winter 2025 Digital Literacy course at Skyline Literacy! These students worked hard throughout the session, developing essential computer skills that will serve them well at home, in the workplace, and in the community.

Every student in the class earned two certificates from Northstar Digital Literacy, recognizing their completion of the Basic Computer Skills and Windows 10 modules. Even more impressively, several students went above and beyond by completing three or more additional modules on their own time. Their initiative and commitment to learning are truly inspiring!

On the final day of class, we had the pleasure of welcoming Paula Woods and Amber Hall from the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board. They visited both the morning and evening classes to introduce the many resources their organization offers. Their presentation focused on employment support services, highlighting tools and opportunities for job seekers—whether they are looking for their first job, changing careers, or aiming to move forward in their current field.

Their visit was a perfect complement to our Digital Literacy curriculum, which equips students not only with technical skills but also with the confidence and knowledge to pursue meaningful employment and personal growth. Paula and Amber’s time with our students was impactful, providing valuable insights and connections that will benefit our learners long after the course has ended.

We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to our community partners for supporting their journey. Together, we are building pathways to success—one skill, one class, and one opportunity at a time.

Najlaa Al Saadun – Rediscovering Confidence Through Language

For Najlaa Al Saadun, learning English has never just been about vocabulary and grammar — it’s been about reclaiming confidence, connection, and the calling she once held dear.

Originally from Iraq, Najlaa came to the United States in 2008, bringing with her the heart of an educator. She was a teacher in Iraq, but since arriving in the U.S., she’s stepped away from the classroom — not because of a lack of passion, but because of one major barrier: language.

Although she became a U.S. citizen in 2020, Najlaa didn’t begin studying English seriously until 2024, when a friend encouraged her to join Skyline Literacy.

“Before, I didn’t want to try,” Najlaa says. “But my friend told me about Skyline Literacy. I became very interested in the materials. They helped my skills, and I felt excited and motivated to try.”

Since then, Najlaa has been enrolled in Level 2 English classes at Skyline Literacy, and the progress she’s made has been life-changing. With the encouragement of staff like Aveen, who reminded her that she can always reach out and share what she needs, Najlaa has gained both knowledge and accountability.

“Sometimes I didn’t want to continue,” she admits, “but the teachers and team always check on me. They keep me going.”

For Najlaa, learning English isn’t just about fulfilling a personal dream — it’s about understanding her children and participating fully in daily life.

“English is important because I live in the U.S. I need better English when I go to the doctor — and most importantly, to listen to my kids when they speak. Sometimes they speak in English and I don’t understand everything. This motivates me to learn.”

She speaks highly of the teachers and staff at Skyline, praising their consistency, care, and student-centered approach. The learning experience is not one-size-fits-all; it's personalized, encouraging each student to study the words and topics that matter most to them.

Looking ahead, Najlaa is excited to join the English Conversation Class this summer, with the goal of becoming more fluent. Her long-term dream? To regain her confidence and pursue a U.S. teaching certificate.

“I give Skyline Literacy a 10 out of 10,” she says with a smile. “They really care.”

Najlaa’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community. At Skyline Literacy, we are honored to walk alongside her as she rediscovers her voice — and her purpose.

Wilder Gonzalez – Finding Confidence and Connection Through English

When Wilder Gonzalez moved from Nicaragua to the U.S. three years ago, he brought with him a degree in Business Administration and experience as a Credit Verifier. But like many newcomers, he found that adjusting to life in a new country meant starting over — and learning a new language.

Today, Wilder works in maintenance at George’s Food, where all of his co-workers speak English. It was a big shift from his previous role in sanitation, where Spanish was commonly spoken. Recognizing the need to communicate effectively at work and in the community, Wilder took action.

He heard about Skyline Literacy through his church and enrolled in our Digital Literacy class last year. After testing out of the first level of English, he quickly moved on to Level 2 English, where he continues to study today.

“Classes were very helpful,” Wilder says. “Before, I always needed my sister to help me translate at the bank or other places. Now, I can go with my family and my wife, and I can talk and understand what people are saying.”

From understanding instructions at work to handling personal errands like banking, Wilder’s improved English skills have given him the confidence and independence he was hoping for. He can now follow both technical work terms and have personal conversations in English — a huge step in building a life here.

One of his greatest joys? Practicing English with his daughter, who learned the language in school.

“She speaks very well — she says she is advanced,” Wilder shares with pride. “Now I can understand her and practice with her. I am very thankful for that.”

Wilder's journey with Skyline Literacy is far from over. He plans to continue taking classes and, in the future, hopes to enroll in university-level English courses. Long-term, he wants to take citizenship classes and become a U.S. citizen.

“Since I live in the U.S., I believe it’s important to learn the language,” he says. “The teachers are very friendly and the materials are very helpful. I think Skyline has a good idea and gives good support for people who want to learn English.”

As a father, Wilder is also grateful for the support Skyline provides to families. His daughter is involved with the Gus Bus reading program, and this semester Skyline is offering free English classes for parents of Gus Bus students.

“Skyline is always asking what students need and is very caring, even financially,” he adds.

Wilder’s story is a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when people are given the tools and support they need to grow. We’re proud to be part of his journey — and excited to see what’s next.

2023-24 Annual Report

Reflecting on 2023–24: A Year of Growth, Gratitude, and Community Impact

As we close the books on the 2023–24 program year, we’re proud to share our Annual Report — a reflection of the lives changed, the milestones reached, and the incredible people who made it all possible.

Thanks to YOU — our staff, donors, volunteers, and students — Skyline Literacy continues to be a beacon of opportunity in our community.

Empowering Through Education

This past year, our team worked tirelessly to provide accessible literacy, English language, and citizenship preparation programs. Every class taught, every tutoring session held, and every assessment completed was powered by the dedication of our exceptional staff and volunteers. Your compassion and expertise are at the heart of every student success story.

Thank You to Our Donors

To our generous donors — thank you for believing in our mission. Your financial support helped us offer affordable, high-quality programs that meet the unique needs of adult learners across Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. With your help, we've created a space where newcomers can learn, grow, and thrive.

Celebrating Our Students

To our students, we are inspired by your courage, perseverance, and determination. Whether you were learning English, studying for the citizenship exam, or preparing for a job interview, you showed what’s possible when education meets opportunity. We are honored to walk alongside you on your journey.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead — including recovering from the recent loss of a major federal grant — we are reminded that community support is what fuels our mission. Together, we will keep moving forward, making literacy, language, and citizenship accessible for all.

Click here to read our Annual Report.