Book GiveawaysThe Book Giveaway Program gets books into the hands of children and families in need. The Literacy Coalition collects new and gently-used books for distribution to schools, social service organization, community centers, churches, and health clinics. Over 15,000 books have been received and distributed throughout the community since 2004. The
Literacy Coalition solicits organizations and businesses throughout the
community to sponsor book drives and provides technical assistance in
conducting the book drives. A book drive may collect hundreds or
thousands of books. The books are sorted and categorized by age group
for targeted distribution. The Literacy Coalition works with schools and other organizations to target distribution of the books. Examples of targeted distribution programs include home library building and family literacy/reading intervention support. The home library building takes gift quality books and gets them into the hands of children to establish their library and build pride in book ownership. There are programs for Birthday Gift Books, Summer Reading Book Totes, and Holiday Gift Books. Additionally, books are distributed to support family literacy and reading intervention in schools and organizations serving populations at-risk (e.g., economically disadvantaged families, struggling readers, women's shelters, families receiving social service assistance, correctional facilities, etc.). Book Drive Sponsors
Book have been distributed to:
After School Homework HelpThe Literacy Coalition, William Street United Methodist Church, and Willis Intermediate School partner to offer the (WS)2 After School Homework Help Program. This program is run by a teacher from Willis Intermediate School and operates with many, dedicated volunteers! (WS)2 started as a drop-in program offered to all students at Willis Intermediate School and has evolved into a targeted approach in providing homework help to students nominated for the program by the school. The program addresses particular learning needs of students and offers one-on-one assistance on homework completion. Computer learning sites and other educational resources recommended by the school are also utilized during program sessions. (WS)2 students set learning and grade goals and are recognized for their successful progress towards those goals. Students are additional recognized for program participation, such as regular attendance, completing their homework, and effort. Students also receive books and learning materials throughout the program to facilitate at home reading and practicing skills. Recognition events for students and their families also take place. Program outcomes have consistently shown improved homework completion, as well as positive changes in school outcomes (e.g., attitudes towards school and improved school grades). Teachers, administrators, and guidance counselors from Willis Intermediate School have come to rely on the help available to students through (WS)2 and see this as a valuable resource for their students and parents. Home Literacy KitsThe Literacy Coalition has developed a series of home literacy kits. These home literacy kits are duplicated and distributed to elementary and middle schools to be loaned to students. The home literacy kits:
Kits are theme based and include two to four items such as read-aloud books, poems, activity sheets, and games in an easy to carry bag. Each kit also contains a parent letter and instructions on how to use the kit. Themes were developed on high interest topics and were mapped to the school curriculum. The Rotary Club of Sunbury funded the Literacy Coalition's development of the initial series of 10 home literacy kits and the distribution of 60 home literacy kits to the 21st Century Afterschool Learning Program. Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) SupportThe Literacy Coalition partners with the Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) program in efforts to promote the initiation and continuation of county literacy programs for adults. The Literacy Coalition advertises ABLE services and both organizations refer learners to the other as needed.Family Literacy SupportThe Literacy Coalition sponsors and supports family literacy events in the community. The events includes promotion of literacy in the community and may include presentations and materials outlining the importance of reading, age-appropriate reading tips and demonstrations on how to read to children, and ways to incorporate reading at home. Information about literacy services in the community and referrals to other organizations may be also provided. Examples of family literacy events are:
Community Service DevelopmentThe Literacy Coalition continually assesses the literacy needs of the community. It will either develop a program directly or partner with outside organizations to address the need. Examples of these include the (WS)2 Afterschool Homework Help Program and the Delaware County chapter of the Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC). The (WS)2 Afterschool Homework Help Program (also described above) was developed based on a need identified by Willis Intermediate School and the Literacy Coalition to reach out to struggling learners who were not being served by existing programs offered by the school or community. The Literacy Coalition assessed the need, developed the program based on those needs, and has implemented the program since 2005. In creating the Delaware County chapter of the Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC), the Literacy Coalition partnered with The Ohio State University Nisonger Center and Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities to better serve individuals with developmental disabilities. A needs assessment indicated that these individuals did not have any literacy services available to them after a class offered by ABLE was canceled due to funding cuts. The NCBC was designed to promote literacy, social connections, and community inclusion. It was initiated by the Literacy Coalition in 2008 and was immediately sponsored and implemented by Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities. |
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