Good Neighbor Stories

Let’s Read It Again!

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 14:09:00 -0600

Something was bothering Evelyn.

Her parents noticed the talkative six-year-old was unusually quiet and deep in thought. When they asked her what was wrong, she told them about a troubling experience at school that day.

During the scheduled reading period, one of her friends had struggled, slowly sounding out simple words and stumbling over simple phrases. Evelyn told her parents how embarrassed her friend was to not be able to read like the other students. Evelyn wondered out loud what she could do to help her friend become a better reader.

According to a study in early 2017 by the U.S. Department of Education, about 14 percent (32 million adults) of the population struggles with reading.

Evelyn is lucky. Both of her parents are educated and have worked in the teaching profession. As the small family began to discuss Evelyn’s friend, an idea began to form. Both parents had noticed Evelyn and her younger sister reading together.

Snuggled on the couch, Evelyn would often read a book and then instruct her sister to read it back to her. There was an undeniable bond and comfort level between the two sisters that made the experience special.

Evelyn’s parents approached Alan Neitzel, a family member and executive director of the ARC Foundation in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with an idea. The Read It Again program was born.

Here’s how it works: Read It Again libraries were established in several Oklahoma City high schools. The high school students are encouraged to take a book home and read it to their younger brother or sister. Once they finished reading the book, it’s the younger sibling’s turn to read the book to the older sibling. Hence, Read It Again!

The program provides a simple solution that establishes an early literacy-based foundation for the development of basic reading skills. This is accomplished through reading repetition and a level of comfort that only siblings can share.

An American Educational Research Association study showed a student who can't read at their grade level by 3rd grade is four times less likely to graduate by age 19 than a child who does read proficiently. Add poverty to the mix, and a student is 13 times less likely to graduate on time than his or her proficient, wealthier peer.

“We know that parents with low literacy skills are less likely to share books with their children,” said Neitzel. “When we can get siblings to read together, a foundation of reading and understanding is built and a comfort level with literacy can open many doors!”

Students without a sibling who wish to participate in Read It Again are also given the opportunity to be part of the program. They are partnered with a child from a local elementary school who is struggling and then, supervised by a teacher, begin the Read It Again process.

Neitzel says the results of the program have been outstanding. “Parents report the younger children who take part in the program are gaining more comprehensive reading skills, and becoming more confident. In addition, there is a better bond between their children.”

The Foundation won a State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant in 2016 to help support the Read It Again program.

Success in Six Words

Thu, 02 Mar 2017 08:00:00 -0600

“Class, it is time to read.”

Fourth grade teacher Kelly Harper knows those six words can evoke these sounds from students: cheers and squeals...and moans and groans. Antonio King used to be part of her groaning section.

"I couldn’t stand to read,” he said. “All those pages and words - it was annoying. I wanted to be outside, scoring soccer goals.” But Ms. Harper had different goals in mind for the nine-year-old. “I told him, you don’t like to read, because you haven’t found the right book. Once you find it, you won’t want to put it down. Read to succeed.”

Birthday Bash & Books

As luck would have it, Antonio learned the value of his teacher’s words during a special celebration held for his fourth grade class. “It was called the Reading Is Fundamental 50^th birthday party - and it was so cool,” he smiled.

Reading Is Fundamental or RIF, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving youth literacy. Founded in 1966, its goal is simple: give books to kids. “When RIF turned 50, the organization selected our class at Amidon-Bowen Elementary School to help celebrate this milestone,” said Ms. Harper. “We had books, cake, and music. The students absolutely loved it.”

State Farm, a proud partner of RIF also took part in the celebration. While there, it awarded the school with a grant to support its literacy efforts. “The party was perfect,” said Antonio. “I began to see that knowing how to read, helps you be successful.”In the days following the party, Antonio approached his teacher and asked:

“May I start a book club?”

Those six words, evoked this response from Ms. Harper: “I almost choked on my coffee! I said, what??? Of course you can!!” The pair immediately got to work - finding a time for students to meet, and picking out books for the club to read.

“Antonio leads the group,” Ms. Harper smiled. “And he found the right books. I know this because he can’t put them down.”

“I like Harry Potter, Robin Hood and Harriet Tubman,” he said.

A New Chapter

Antonio’s book club gathers once a week in Ms. Harper’s classroom – during recess. And doesn’t mind exchanging his soccer time for quiet time.

“It’s okay, because reading takes me on a different adventure,” he said. “When I read, I get to be the character in the book. I get to be like Robin Hood!”

“I helped Antonio create a pacing guide to keep book club members on track and engaged. I’m so proud of him, and the students in my class,” said Ms. Harper. “I’ve always believed you read to succeed. Because of RIF, and the support of State Farm, it’s now a reality for these students.”

And with each story he starts and finishes…Antonio sums up his literacy adventure with the six words a teacher loves to hear:

“Reading is now my favorite subject.”

The Author of Her Destiny

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 08:00:00 -0600

Picture this: You’re handed an open book and asked to read it aloud. But the pages look like meaningless symbols. You’re lost in a busy city - and can’t recognize the street signs. Your child needs help with homework. But their worksheet is too difficult to process. For millions of people who struggle with low literacy…this is real life.

“I have so many things in my head. I’ve never been able to explain them before.”

Meet *Silvia, of Houston, Texas. Unable to attend school growing up, she couldn’t read or write. But as the author of her life story, she knew she could master the skills needed to create a brighter chapter for herself and her loved ones.

Silvia visited Literacy Advance of Houston and enrolled in classes. Since the 1960’s, the not-for-profit organization has been helping adults improve their literacy through trained volunteer tutors and programs like basic reading, writing and English.

Silvia was determined to:

Learn to read and write.
Get her GED.
Do more for her children, herself, and her community.

“I wanted my son to know I am the boss. One day he will be the boss. I want him to go further and do more than I am but for now, I am still the boss,” she smiled. Literacy Advance made the learning process easy for Silvia. It offered flexible hours, programs to meet her needs, and the technology necessary to achieve. “If I have a problem, I know I can go to Diana, the Literacy Advance Transition Coach,” Silvia explained. “She helps me and even loaned me a computer so I can learn at home.”

Since beginning her literacy journey, Silvia’s skills have improved. She also started her own hair braiding business. Her newly-acquired ability to read and write allows her to reply to client text messages and answer their questions. Silvia also says she’s a more confident parent.

So what’s next for Silvia?

“I want to get my GED and write a book,” she grinned. “I have so many things in my head and I’ve never been able to explain them before. But now that I’m learning to read and write – I want to create my own novel, filled with my own thoughts.”

"Through the support of companies like State Farm, Literacy Advance is making a difference," said Program Director Kathryn Bauchelle. "With its assistance, we are able to reach out, help students in need and change lives."

Following the Heart

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 08:12:00 -0600

They came from little, but gave their daughter the world. Her grandfather held a third-grade education. Her grandmother finished one year of high school before leaving to support her loved ones. Her parents went no further than high school. But they believed in the power of education for their five children.

Twenty-five years later…their daughter graduated from Harvard.

Meet Allysunn Walker-Williams, an Ohio native who learned the value of family, civic engagement and community at an early age. “My parents and grandparents worked at local factories and taught me solid Midwestern values,” she explained. “Their lack of formal schooling was common in the south in the 1930's, 40’s, and 50’s, when racial oppression and segregation limited educational opportunities for African-Americans. My mother could have been a classical pianist. My father should have been a professor, but those doors were closed.”

A Path and a Purpose

As a child Allysunn excelled in school. Her parents encouraged her and her siblings every step of the way.

“I wanted all five of my children to go to college, and they did,” Allysunn’s father, Alton Walker Sr. stated proudly. “Allysunn went to the Hotchkiss School, Harvard and then UCLA – which meant she overcame barriers for all of us. We are so proud of her."

"I had extraordinary support from my parents, and was lucky enough to meet my best friend and mentor Ray, who also attended Hotchkiss and Harvard,” said Allysunn. “He gave me the confidence needed to pursue my dreams.” After completing her Harvard education, Allysunn pursued a career in public service and non-profit work in Los Angeles, California. “I had many choices and felt compelled to serve others. So I followed my heart.”

Her mission? To help create economic opportunity in marginalized communities, especially for poor families.

Through the years, Allysunn created opportunities for people to thrive – no matter their economic challenges. She held executive positions at the Weingart Center for the Homeless and the Los Angeles Mission. She became the Administrative Director of Community Health and Education at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and won Cedars’ first Annual President’s Award for Leadership.

At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Allysunn discovered a passion for improving the health conditions of low-income communities. She worked to promote fair health access for marginalized groups and earned her Masters with Honors from the UCLA School of Public Health.

Heartbreak and Hardships

While Allysunn experienced great successes, she faced a major setback in 2008. During the economic downturn she lost everything, which forced her to rebuild, to embrace resiliency and to keep pressing on.

“When I failed, my failures did not define me. They taught me,” Allysunn explained. “My faith kept me and restored me. My faith held my family together and put me back on my path to continue a life of servant-leadership.”

Today, Allysunn is the CEO of the California Council on Economic Education (CCEE), which provides K-12 students with the financial and economic literacy skills to help them make good choices with their money and with their lives. “Allysunn is passionate about education, and believes in CCEE’s mission. She has a wealth of experience and is a highly effective leader. One of her many skills includes successfully cultivating mentorship opportunities among educators,” said CCEE Board Chair, Steve Smith.

CCEE supporters include corporations like State Farm. CCEE and its partners invest in students by training teachers and supporting their work in the classroom. “Economic education unlocks economic potential,” said Allysunn. As she reflects on her life's journey, she shares three key tips to help others:

All great reminders as Allysunn reflects on the past, moves into the future and follows her heart.

Learn more about the CCEE.