Keep Kids Thriving Literacy Initiative
In June and July, hundreds of children and families were served by United Way’s Keep Kids Thriving Literacy Initiative in both Whitfield and Murray counties. Distributing culturally-relevant books is a critical part of United Way’s work to ensure that all children are reading on grade level by the third grade. Students who are reading on grade level by third grade are four times more likely to graduate from high school.
At a Power Lunch site, children had a blast picking out their very own book to take home! When leaving the Power Lunch site, they received a healthy lunch to take home courtesy of Whitfield County Schools. The Keep Kids Thriving Literacy Initiative is convened by United Way as part of our collective impact work to fight poverty. We are very thankful to partner with all three local school systems for this initiative. Since launching in June 2022, United Way of Northwest Georgia put over 4,523 books into the hands of young readers.
Education Strategic Guideline:
Early childhood education lays the groundwork for early development, academic achievement, economic productivity, and a lifetime of better health. That’s why United Way Unites the community around this common goal: Get kids ready for kindergarten, reading at grade level by 3rd grade, and graduating on time with skills to be career and life-ready.
Thanks to your gift to United Way last year:
5,318 youth participated in out-of-school programs and/or receive individualized support.
5,971 children and youth received help to graduate from high school on time with skills to be career and life-ready.
Your gift to United Way will:
Enhance school readiness and strengthen family dynamics.
Provide mentoring, safe places to play, tutoring, and leadership development.
Keep youth on track for school, work, and life.
Prevent child abuse.