Lobby Literacy – Providing child friendly reading materials (books and magazines) in waiting rooms and common areas of frequently visited locations.

 

Books and Bears Drive – Collection and distribution of new children’s books and teddy bears for the patients in local children’s hospitals and clients in group homes and family shelters. These tokens of love will be gifted for Valentine’s Day and Christmas holidays.

 

Men Supporting Learning – Addressing the critical need of male representation in early childhood learning spaces, men are strategically placed in school settings to champion the love of learning. Volunteers are recruited and trained to participate in literacy impact days, chaperone field trips, mentor children, and assist in classroom activities.

 

Tori R.E.A.D.S. – (Reading and Educational Activities for Daily Success)- Literacy outreach program that provides early childhood reading opportunities that features Tori (mascot, doll and children’s books series). Inspiring magical literacy and learning experiences, this includes but are not limited to school visits, mascot appearances, community fairs/expos, reading days, birthday parties, back to school and end of the year celebrations. Tori along with volunteer readers help children understand the importance of reading and fosters the love for life long learning.

 

True Beauty/True Gentleman – Mentoring is a major component of success. Providing opportunities to address key topics and engage in learning discussions is paramount in growth and development. Participants in grades 5th-9th will be paired with high school and college students and attend a series of mentoring sessions that will discuss self-esteem, mental health, leadership, academic performance, civic engagement, physical fitness, finances, beauty and fashion, and goal setting. .

 

Special Projects and Community Partnerships – Responding to the needs of the community is a primary focus. Developing programs and establishing partnerships that allows us to be of service is a top priority. Current efforts include:

• Community Baby Shower co-hosted with Power in Changing
• Food Drives and packing days with Harvest Hope Food Bank
• Serving days and Donation Drives with Transitions Homeless Recovery Center
• Books and Bears distributions sites with Palmetto Children’s Hospital, Family Shelter, Oliver Gospel Mission – Toby’s Place, and Ronald McDonald House
• Donation Drive with Sistercare