Joining the board of a non profit was new to me, but ironically it has led me back to something I am familiar with … Lakewood.I joined Cleveland Reads a little over a year and a half ago to aid in its mission to serve as Greater Cleveland’s central literacy resource for youth, adult, and family literacy. Founded in 1987, the organization (Cleveland Reads) has an established history as a broad-based coalition of community and civic leaders dedicated to providing a diverse array of literacy services.

Today Cleveland Reads provides the following core services: ·

Literacy HOTLINE, 216-436-2222, a single point of contact for the general public to receive literacy information and assistance, program referrals for learners, and training opportunities for volunteers. ·

Literacy Network (Lit Net)—Cleveland Reads coordinates supportive services to over 110 literacy providers at 147 sites to enhance and strengthen their programs. Some of the services include: technical assistance, collaborative grant opportunities, free books and materials, and educational seminars. ·

Literacy training sessions targeting§ Volunteer tutors§ Corporate tutors§ Civic groups§ Literacy program staff§ Parents and families ·

The Three R’s: Raising Real Readers—no-cost workshops for parents that provide proven, strategic approaches for reading to their children and assisting them in reading at home—the single most important factor for success in school. ·

Lit Kits for Kids—easy-to-use modules developed for tutors to strengthen a child’s reading skills. Interactive activities build reading comprehension, language development, vocabulary enrichment, and reading fluency. Lit Kits meet Ohio Department of Education learning standards and have a built-in measure of success for the tutoring sessions. With the explanation of what Cleveland Reads does, I was ready to go to work. As I entered service on the board, I was unaware of the importance Lakewood plays in Cleveland Reads. I was proud to find out my hometown is very involved in supporting literacy efforts.

Cleveland Reads receives a considerable amount of its volunteer tutors from Lakewood. Over the years, more than one hundred and fifty Lakewood residents have shown interest in becoming literacy tutors. Lakewood ABLE/Plus (Adult and Basic Literacy Education) and Urban Family Learning Centers at Lakewood Lutheran School understand the importance of literacy, and they also work hand in hand with Cleveland Reads.

The Lakewood programs utilize volunteers from Cleveland Reads, and their tutors have logged more than five hundred hours. Over two hundred students have worked to improve their skills and better their lives due to the efforts of the Lakewood programs. It is my hope that the relationship between Lakewood and Cleveland Reads remains strong and that we find ways to continue positive trends in our city. We need to work together to influence people towards the enjoyment of reading and all the advantages it brings.

During the busy holiday season as we reflect on the various gifts and blessings we have, I ask that you look up Cleveland Reads at www.clevelandreads.org and take some time to volunteer, donate, or connect Cleveland Reads with a worthwhile organization. Your time and interest will not only help Lakewood, but Cleveland as a region. If you have any questions about the organization, please contact: Cleveland Reads 1331 Euclid AvenueCleveland, OH 44115 Literacy Hotline: 216-436-2222