Literacy from the Heart

Gabby Moore, Executive Director for LEARN English and Reading Now, Inc.

Sometimes God opens a door in just the right season. For nearly 20 years, LEARN English, an adult literacy organization in Augusta County, worked out of Valley Technical Center (VTC) in Fishersville. As VTC programs grew, it became clear LEARN English needed a new home for their Executive Director's office.

That’s when Westminster stepped into the story.

Over the past year, conversations unfolded between Westminster’s Property Ministry, Session, and LEARN English’s Executive Director, Gabby Moore, along with their board. Together, we dreamed about what it would look like to share space and continue the vital work of LEARN English in our community. Those conversations led to a new partnership in which LEARN English’s Executive Director’s office is now located in Westminster’s church office.

The room formerly known as the Love Room has become Gabby’s workspace. In addition to her office, LEARN will use other church spaces for monthly Monday board meetings and quarterly Saturday morning tutoring sessions. Already, LEARN English is making a difference in the lives of 38 adult learners and 35 volunteer tutors. Much of their tutoring takes place in public settings such as libraries, coffee shops, and community corners—places where learning feels natural.

On September 7, Gabby shared with us in worship how deeply this mission connects to her own life. Years ago, she and her husband Timothy lived in Bosnia for many months, where they discovered firsthand the challenges of navigating another culture without knowing much of the language. That experience impressed upon her the importance of literacy and why this work matters so much here at home.

Throughout September, we are weaving LEARN English’s story into our 10:30 a.m. worship services. Just as learning to read and write can open new doors in someone’s life, Jesus’ parables open the door to new ways of living and loving. Each week, we will listen not only to Scripture but also to the voices of LEARN English’s staff, board, tutors, and students.

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We celebrate what God is doing through this partnership and look forward to exploring what it means to be both students and servants in God’s Kingdom.

Learn more by visiting www.learnva.org or stopping by the church office at 1900 Mt. Vernon Street, Waynesboro, to meet Gabby and hear more about LEARN English.