2005 Page Ahead Annual Report
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Overview
As we close our 2004-2005 year, we are proud to look back on the exciting events and accomplishments of the year. Page Ahead was honored to be chosen by KCTS to receive its Golden Apple Award for excellence in education. This recognition affirmed
our commitment to providing great service to more kids. In fact, we dedicated the year to fulfilling this goal of our three-year strategic plan.
Collaborating with the Washington Reading Corps, we expanded our literacy services for families to underserved communities throughout Washington State. Research shows that while books are essential to learning to read, they are only one component in the complex issue of children’s literacy. Family and community support give children the encouragement and the role models they need to become strong readers. To make our Family Involvement and Community Partnership programs available to children, families, schools, and neighborhoods where the need is greatest, Page Ahead placed eight AmeriCorps*VISTA members around the state in Yakima, Spokane, Pierce/Thurston, and Snohomish Counties. These dedicated workers serve some of the most impoverished communities in our state. Many of our partner sites outside of King County tell us that 100 percent of their children live below the federal poverty line. These are the children who need us the most.
We could not have been successful in this major expansion effort without the generous support of a few partners, in particular. The Washington Reading Corps, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Norcliffe Foundation, and the Phoebe V. Haas Foundation have all made multi-year commitments to support our efforts. While we are thrilled to bring books and services to these communities, we must count on the continued support of our partners and donors to sustain these services. Thank you to all who supported our efforts to help children around the state grow into strong readers.
After 15 years helping children learn to read, Page Ahead has provided 1.25 million new books to more than 450,000 of our state’s most vulnerable children. This year alone, we gave 150,000 new books to 50,000 deserving children. We eagerly anticipate another year of bringing new books to children, educational services to families, and literacy resources to communities. In the words of one of our kids, “I hope and wish you will bring more books – I just can’t wait!”
Sam Whiting
Executive Director