Celebration of Life Community Inc. (COLC) was incorporated in 2006 by 12 members of the community who were concerned about the well-being of the JOSANA neighborhood in the City of Rochester (New York) and the trajectory in which it was headed. This year, only 43% of high school seniors graduated and only 10% of those who did are ready for college. These are the lowest rates in New York State.
These facts combined with their own life experiences, led this small group of people to tackle the problem on a small, one-on-one level. They created “Help Me Read,” a grassroots, volunteer-based program to carry out their vision of improving students' reading levels through volunteer tutors.
“Help Me Read” is now in its 11th year of operation, and its impact has been strongly felt in the community. It has received universal praise from students, teachers, parents, and members of the school system including the Principal of School #17. In the 2013-2014 school year, COLC tripled the reach of its ”Help Me Read” program over the prior year tutoring 137 students with 48 tutors who traveled from all over Monroe County. Each student meets with a tutor for 30 minutes one-on-one each week with each tutor working with 2 to 4 students. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2014/06/02/school-tutoring-book-donation/9884213/
The money raised through your donation will help expand the program's size and incorporate new, innovative methods of teaching, specifically through the utilization of iPads, computers, and specialized educational software.
With a donation of $25 or more, you will be invited to join the volunteer tutors, students, and parents to celebrate at our picnic the successes of these elementary kids who are working so hard to break the cycle of illiteracy.