FIRST LADY OF VIRGINIA VISITS COMUNIDAD

FALLS CHURCH, VA Oct 1st, 2024 – First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne Youngkin, visited local nonprofit Comunidad on Tuesday afternoon to hear from the Seven Corners community and participate in Comunidad’s elementary literacy program, Strong Readers Strong Leaders. During her visit, Youngkin spoke to Comunidad Founder and Executive Director, Maralee Gutierrez, about Comunidad’s impact on the local community.

“This is a milestone in the life of our community, that one of our most prominent state leaders is taking of her time to come and hear from our families and supporters,” said Gutierrez. “Mrs. Youngkin is a woman of influence, strength, commitment, faith, and community, and these are values that we share at Comunidad.” Yougkin spent an hour and a half at the Willston Multicultural Center, where Comunidad is located, speaking with teens, children, families, and supporters involved in Comunidad. 

Youngkin spent the majority of her time learning about Strong Readers Strong Leaders (SRSL), a phonics-based reading program that strengthens the literacy and leadership skills of elementary school-aged students, using diagnostic prescriptive programming. It is the only place-based, technology-free program of its kind in Fairfax County. During the 2023-2024 school year, 94% of students in SRSL increased their spelling skills and 93% of students increased their reading ability. 

After reading aloud to the children in SRSL, Youngkin spent time hearing from community members of Seven Corners who shared their experiences with Comunidad. “Because of the reading program, I read books I would have never read,” said one child. “Comunidad has helped me be a better parent,” shared a mother. 

Comunidad is a local nonprofit that seeks to see individuals and communities thrive by equipping and engaging locally rooted community leaders. Comunidad offers programs from ages five through adulthood. Learn more at www.comunidadva.org or follow Comunidad on social media at @comunidadva.