The Power of the Crowd Could Rescue Reading Program

Providence Glen Hopes It Won’t Be Closing the Book on Summer Literacy Series
 
COLUMBUS, Ohio - July 11, 2013 - PRLog -- Today, the Providence Glen community announced that they are in the final week of a crowdfunding campaign (http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/save-summer-literacy-at-providence-glen/x/849822?c=home) on Indiegogo to save their summer literacy program. Over the next week, they aim to raise around $5,000 in order keep the doors open for their ESL Afterschool Communities students.

“Save Summer Literacy at Providence Glen” has brought together a diverse group of supporters. Praxia Partners, a Columbus-based sustainable development firm, donated $4,500 to cover half of the budget shortfall. Now, Dayspring Christian Community Development Corporation, a faith-based nonprofit, and Providence Glen’s other development and management companies are reaching out to the community to help raise the other half.

Thirty-five second through fifth graders from Somali refugee and immigrant families attend the program, which combats “summer slide,” the learning loss that occurs over the long break from school. In the 2012 summer program, 100% of students maintained or increased their reading level.

“There are few, if any, summer learning opportunities for children in our affordable housing communities like Providence Glen,” Dayspring Executive Director William Dodson noted.

Abdulazeez, age 8, said, "There are a lot of fun activities here and a lot of reading, so when I go to 4th grade I will be better at reading." Without the summer program, he explained, "I would probably just be watching TV." Fardowsa, 9, said, "I like coming because we learn new words and go on field trips." When asked to describe her summer without ESL Afterschool Communities, Hoda, 9, said, “It would be boring."

“We really want to set these kids up for a successful school year and give them the tools they need to find their love of reading,” said Brianne Manczak, educator and program coordinator at Providence Glen.

“The ESL program has demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting healthy learning habits for aspiring students,” Joe Recchie, of Praxia Partners, said. “We are proud to be a partner in this very worthy effort.”

To donate, visit “Save Summer Literacy at Providence Glen (http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/save-summer-literacy-at...)” on Indiegogo.com before Monday, July 15.

About ESL Afterschool Communities

ESL Afterschool Communities (ESLAsC) is an acclaimed outreach initiative of Columbus State Community College’s Center for Workforce Development. ESLAsC serves the city's large immigrant and refugee population by providing a safe, caring environment where children can learn and grow. Since 2005, the community-based initiative at Providence Glen has boosted students’ academic, social, and personal development over the summer and throughout the school year. It is one of three ESLAsC sites in Columbus.

About Dayspring

Dayspring Christian Community Development Corporation was established as the community development extension of Rhema Christian Center in order to provide affordable housing to low and moderate income households and to promote economic self-sufficiency.

About Praxia Partners

Praxia Partners was founded by Joe Recchie to advance sustainable community and economic development. Through its Bridge Program, Praxia Partners seeks to buoy organizations and programs that promote community-building.  

Media contact:

Brianne Manczak

(614) 638-4783

btadayes@cscc.edu

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