LITERACY PAGE |
Bernice Bickel, Co-Chair Eileen Will, Co-Chair |
Literacy is one of the prime community projects for Altrusa International Inc. of Evansville Indiana. In the late 1980's, we were looking for a new service project. Literacy was being emphasized by many different groups throughout the country. After investigating the literacy needs of Evansville, we deter- mined that sharing and giving books to preschool children in Head Start classes would be a reading motivation program needed in Evansville. We did pilot a project in 1988 at Carver Day Care Center, where 90 inner-city children needed books. At the same time a grant proposal was sent to Reading Is Fundamental in Washington D.C. We named the project "Altrusa Cares -- Books Make a Difference." The purpose of this project is to motivate preschool children to have a love for books. In 1989, we received a grant for over $4000 from Reading is Fundamental. This school year 2000-2001 is the 13th year we have had our grant renewed. We have a book budget of $5,500 with $4,110 paid with federal funds and $1500 paid with local Altrusa funds The project is operated with a Coordinator, Book Selection Committee, Volunteer Recruitment Chairman and Name Tag Chairman We visit 33 sites thress times each during the school year. A story- time is done by an Altrusan volunteer and each child receives a book of their own. In 1999, 4,500 children received books. Altrusa has added Pre-Kinder- garten Program serving eight elementary schools with two visits to each school during the year. Visits are also made monthly to shelters where we read to children and give child a book bag and three books. We continue to reach out in the community by cooperating with other organizations - Evansville Literacy Coalition, Stand For Children, and WNIN Kid's Fest with literacy activities. Submitted by: Bernice Bickel |
