A Jamaica reading organization will be able to boost their programming thanks to a huge amount of new funding.
On Aug. 23, Councilwoman Adrienne Adams announced that South Jamaica Reads will receive $100,000 in new funding for their programming. The announcement was made at the annual South Jamaica Reads Back to School Literacy Fair.
“I am thrilled to announce $100,000 in funding for South Jamaica Reads. Our children deserve nothing less,” Adams said. “South Jamaica Reads provides much-needed programming to enhance literacy and learning throughout the community. I appreciate the work of this worthy organization and thank City Council Speaker Corey Johnson for your partnership in securing this vital funding.”
In South Jamaica, less than 20 percent of children are on their reading level by third grade. A pilot program of the New York City Literacy Network, South Jamaica Reads is an organization that provides programs and services that aims to develop a positive culture of reading within South Jamaica and have children on performance level by the time they reach third grade.
“Since South Jamaica Reads started in 2014, we have doubled the number of students reading at grade level at P.S. 40 and P.S. 48,” said Al Reynolds of South Jamaica Reads.“With additional funding from Council member Adams, we will expand our resources in South Jamaica and continue to provide opportunities for children and families.”
The new funding will allow South Jamaica Reads to broaden their services, including distributing more free books to children at schools, hospitals and community events.
“Learning to read is hard work for all young children,” said Shari Levine, executive director of Literacy Inc. “LINC is proud to be the facilitating partner of South Jamaica Reads providing all families in South Jamaica, Queens, with access to reading programs and the extra support that emerging readers need. South Jamaica Reads gets everyone in the community involved — to demonstrate that literacy is important and is a value and right for all children. It is my great privilege to recognize Council member Adrienne Adams for supporting South Jamaica Reads. We look forward to continuing this work in South Jamaica Reads this coming school year and for years to come.”
