Across Virginia, nonprofit leaders are strengthening their organizations and communities by putting CNE’s 7 Actionable Principles into practice. CNE’s 7APs in Action series highlights members whose work reflects the leadership, adaptability, and long-term vision needed to build a strong and sustainable social sector.
1. Create strategic budgets
2. Manage financial position
3. Build relationships
4. Prioritize equity
5. Develop leaders
6. Collaborate with communities
7. Evaluate impact
This issue features Khalil Benhajjam, Director of Programs at the Culpeper Literacy Council. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to the 3rd and 6th principles—build relationships and collaborate with communities.
When the Culpeper Literacy Council first began in 1987, its mission was simple but powerful: help adults in the community build the literacy skills they needed to navigate daily life. What started with a handful of volunteers teaching reading and writing has grown and evolved alongside the needs of Culpeper’s community.
Today, the organization focuses primarily on teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to adults, helping newcomers strengthen their communication skills, build learner confidence, and help learners feel more connected to the community around them.
“We’re mainly focused on providing English as a Second Language to adults in the area,” says Khalil Benhajjiam, the organization’s Executive Director. “But beyond language, our goal is to help people understand the systems and culture around them so they can fully participate in community life.”
Principle 6: Collaborating with Communities
That work reflects a strong commitment to collaborating with communities, meeting people where they are, and responding to evolving needs. In addition to ESL classes, the organization has expanded its programming to include a beginner Spanish class and a growing focus on health literacy—helping participants better navigate the U.S. healthcare system and access essential services.
For many immigrants, language barriers can make everyday systems difficult to understand. Through community-based learning and practical instruction, the council helps participants gain not only language skills but also the confidence to engage fully in their lives and communities.
But the impact of the Culpeper Literacy Council goes far beyond classroom instruction. “It might seem like it’s just classes,” Khalil says, “but it’s really more than that. It’s a way of life.”
Principle 3: Building Relationships
The organization places a deep emphasis on building relationships, creating a welcoming space where learners can connect with one another, form friendships, and find support. For many participants, the council becomes a trusted place to ask questions, access resources, and connect with services like food pantries, workforce programs, and healthcare providers.
Volunteers are at the heart of this work, helping to lead classes, support learners, and sustain the momentum of the programs. As the organization continues to grow, there is always a need for more volunteers to expand class offerings and meet the needs of a diverse and growing community.
“It takes both the learner and the volunteer to make this work,” Khalil says. “Everyone has different schedules and responsibilities, so we’re always grateful for volunteers who want to help keep classes going.”
Khalil’s own journey reflects the transformative power of language and connection. Originally from Morocco, he developed a passion for English at a young age and was later selected to participate in a student exchange program in Virginia. Immersed in an English-speaking environment, he quickly built fluency and gained firsthand experience in the challenges and opportunities that come with learning a new language.
Years later, he returned to the United States and found his way to the Culpeper Literacy Council as a volunteer ESL instructor. When the opportunity arose to step into a leadership role, he embraced it—bringing both personal experience and deep passion to the work.
Support from the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) played an important role in that transition.
“When I first became director, the nonprofit world was new to me,” Khalil says. “Someone suggested I meet with CNE, and that meeting honestly changed the course of my year.”
Through his connection with CNE, he pursued guidance, training, and a network of peers—resources that helped him grow into his leadership role and strengthen the organization’s impact. CNE also connected him with opportunities like the Emerging Leaders program and the Executive Director’s Circle, further supporting his development and the organization’s capacity.
“CNE has been a huge game changer for me,” he shares. “It helped me grow professionally and gave me the support I needed to lead this work.”
Today, the Culpeper Literacy Council continues to grow and evolve, guided by community needs and sustained through strong partnerships, dedicated volunteers, and a clear sense of purpose.
At its core, the organization’s work is about connection—helping people communicate, understand one another, and build a shared sense of belonging.
“Sometimes people are just misunderstood because of language,” Khalil reflects. “Once we can hear each other and understand each other, we realize we’re all driven by many of the same hopes.”
Through its commitment to collaborating with communities and building relationships, the Culpeper Literacy Council is doing more than teaching language—it’s helping build a stronger, more connected community for all.
