PRESS RELEASE
Azalea Charities Presents Check to BEACON to
Provide Adult Literacy Programs
Manassas, VA July 27, 2010 – Manassas, VA July 27, 2010 – Volunteers from Azalea Charities presented a check for $1500 to the Beacon for Adult Literacy Program in Gainesville, Virginia. BEACON provides tutoring to adults in the areas of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), GED (high school equivalency) and basic literacy (reading, writing, and math). Since its inception in 1992, BEACON has served over 3500 students in Western Prince William County, Virginia. BEACON also provides classes on lifeskills, job readiness, citizenship, financial literacy, civics education and workforce development. The overwhelming majority of BEACON students state that their primary reason for seeking services is to help them increase language skills so that they can obtain jobs.
BEACON services are free other than a $20 registration fee that is waived if applicants do not have the means to pay. The demand for services has steadfastly risen during the recession. With the increase in unemployment, more individuals are without jobs than in previous years, particularly those that are not fluent in English and who lack basic literacy skills.
BEACON services are entirely delivered by trained volunteers that work with both individuals and small groups of students in numerous locations throughout the county. BARN has partnerships with churches, schools and the business sector for donated space at all their locations. These cost-effective measures help BEACON to maintain the high standards of programming while simultaneously keeping their operational expenses to a minimum.
According to Deborah Abbott, BEACON Program Director, “There has been an influx of foreign-born adults into our region over the past ten years and over 500 of them will apply to BEACON this year. These individuals came to the United States to provide better lives for their families and to give their children the opportunities that they believe are only available in America. Our students come from over 40 different nations; despite the diversity in race, religions and cultures, they all have skills and talents. They are simply seeking a new way of life in this country and realize that the ticket to economic independence is through work. BEACON provides the education and language skills they need to transition into jobs and to eventually become tax-paying citizens and members of the U.S workforce.”
Azalea Charities supports local education by donating funds directly to schools or local organizations. Frank Lasch, Chairman & Founder of Azalea Charities, “Adult literacy is an important niche in Azalea Charities’ support for community education.” said Lasch, “The BEACON for Adult Literacy program leverages dedicated volunteers who share their teaching skills to help others have a better life. We are proud to support the efforts of BEACON.”
About Azalea Charities
Azalea Charities is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in Prince William County, Virginia. The organization is staffed entirely by volunteers who donate their time, talent and money. Azalea Charities raises funds for its community charities and Aid for Wounded Warriors through membership fees, private donations and sponsorship of Team Azalea Charities in the Marine Corps Marathon and the Azalea Classic Pro-Am Invitational Golf Classic, the organization's keystone event held each May at the Piedmont Club. Beyond minimal expenses, all the funds they raise go to their charitable core causes.
About BEACON
BEACON began in 1992 by Sister Eileen Heaps in response to the overwhelming adult literacy needs of the local community in Manassas City, Manassas Park and Western Prince William County. The program is volunteer based, drawing from a wide range of individuals and skills to help meet the needs of the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) population as well as those in need of GED (General Education Development - a high school equivalency certificate) and ABE (Adult Basic Education). They currently have close to 300 students and 55 tutors and expect a continued increase in learners.
For more information, contact:
Frank Lasch, Chairman, Azalea Charities, Inc.
703-670-5238, azaleacharities@aol.com