Non-Profit Helps Empower Students Through The Gift of Reading

DENVER - Sept. 24, 2013 - PRLog -- Denver, CO - September 24, 2013 - In an effort to combat illiteracy, the Greater (http://www.firstbook.org/) Mission Initiative (GMI), a Colorado based non-profit provided brand new reading books through its “Open Book Initiative” absolutely free to students at Fletcher Elementary in Aurora, CO. Over 500 students each received brand new reading books to encourage reading among students.

“Learning to read is critical to a child’s success - not only in school, but in life as well” said Anthony Lawrence, President and Executive Director of GMI.” Our mission through our “Open Book Initiative” is to help empower students through the gift of reading, and to help ensure teachers and administrators have the best resources to motivate their students.

“We’re looking to tackle the single biggest barrier to the development of literacy skills - access to books, said Lawrence. Experts estimate that nearly 40 percent of U.S. 4^th graders do not achieve basic levels of reading proficiency, with the highest coming from low-income families. The GMI Open Book Initiative focuses solely on partnering with schools serving children from low-income families and disadvantaged households. “We’re taking the steps to ensure every child we help serve has access to the best material possible.”

The event at Fletcher Elementary was made possible in part by in-kind donations from leading children book publishers, as well as other book organizations. Ending illiteracy, especially with our children is a big problem to solve, but we’re proud to join the fight and we’re extremely grateful to our partners for their support and commitment. “No organization can solve this problem alone, but together we can all help to give children the opportunity to become successful life-long learners.”

About Greater Mission Initiative

Greater Mission Initiative (GMI) is a non-profit organization working to improve the quality of life for people in need worldwide. To learn more about our efforts please visit us at www.gminitiative.org.