United Way Celebrating
Six Months of First Chapter Program
“First Chapter is a free program designed for children ages birth to five, and their parents/guardians, with the mission of implementing early learning and literacy as part of a child’s daily routine,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “It is in alignment with our organization’s community impact model for education, and we’re very pleased with the impact it’s made in a short period for area youth.”
According to Cara Costik, Community Relations Specialist, one motivating factor in implementing this type of program was to provide families with an at-home library to encourage language development and a love of reading.
“After researching the possibility of creating an early childhood reading program in September 2012, I was stunned to find out that more than one-third of American children enter kindergarten without the basic language skills they will need to learn.”
Each session includes reading and craft time, and program participants receive an age-appropriate book once per quarter. Programs are held the second Wednesday of each month at 10:30 am at the Bradford Area Public Library. Mobile sessions have also been held at The Learning Center, Rainbow Corner Preschool, the Bradford YMCA and the YWCA. Sessions are currently being scheduled at St. Bernard’s Elementary School. Books, bags and materials were initially provided through a generous sponsorship from American Refining Group, and the program was also a beneficiary of a grant from International Paper. In the past six months, Costik reports that 300 books have been given away to more than 100 children.
Additional sponsorship opportunities are available, according to Davis.
“A $50 ‘Bookworm’ sponsorship is available, which would cover the cost of one program for 30 children.”
For more information regarding the First Chapter program, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, contact the United Way office.
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