A Dedicated Building to Expand REACH for Literacy

Why: Why are we so invested in literacy? Literacy is an important and necessary aspect in the life of America. Simple tasks like grocery shopping, obeying road signs, and applying for jobs assume some level of literacy. However, local statistics show that over half of the children in our neighborhood (Tanglewilde-Thompson neighborhood of Lacey) are reading below their appropriate grade-level. Because of the importance of literacy, the less one is able to read, the less productive one can be in society. The perpetual cycle of poverty is becoming more and more prevalent. It is our hope - through the REACH program - to do our part to reverse this trend. With relationships, confidence building, and fun projects, we walk with our children through the hard learning process of making reading fun and tangible. We believe that with just a small boost and with someone showing interest in their progress, the potential is limitless. We also recognize that reading is enforced at home; our long-term goals are to grow beyond elementary students to include all grade levels and adults (such as ESL - English as a Second Language). 

Will you join us in our goal to improve lives through literacy?

REACH Mission Statement: To improve lives through literacy.

REACH Vision Statement: The REACH Program strives to achieve and maintain a future where all individuals have the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to flourish in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

A Broad Definition of Literacy: Dictionaries traditionally define literacy as the ability to read and write; however, literacy has expanded in today's modern world to include the ability to use language, numbers, images, computers, and other basic means of communication in order to effectively correspond holistically and broadly in a complex global and technological world.

Statistics: In the most recent North Thurston School District "report card," just over 50% of students are reading below their grade-level standards. In the community, this program is in, that percentage increases to 75%. National statistics report that if a child is not reading at the appropriate grade level by grade 4, their likelihood of graduating high school on time (or at all) is severely diminished. Through relational confidence building, we are seeking to work with the elementary students of our neighborhood to reverse these statistics!