Accomplishments
- Built positive relationships with over 40 organizations in the Beloit area and key support from our Pillars.
- Re-established REACH OUT AND READ Program and facilitated the addition of a video on literacy & brain development at Beloit Health System to be shown to every mother and family prior to departing the hospital.
- Published updates and stories thanks to the Beloit Daily News.
- Received a proclamation of support for the Initiative from the City of Beloit.
- Installed a popular bookcase for families in City Hall.
- Put up billboards in key city locations both in Spanish and English with the tag line: Build a Brain, Build a Life, Build a Community.
- Developed and are currently distributing “Brain Bags” to new mothers via partnering organizations with key information, book, toys and materials about the importance of early childhood literacy and brain development.
- Opened Little Kids Libraries at community fire stations.
- Obtained business support, especially Culver’s, for events that include reading to kids by community celebrities and first responders.
- Received support from the library for bimonthly meetings and events.
- Created a diverse library located at the Stateline Community Foundation where NPO’s can request books for distribution at their events.
- Distributed over 13,000 books to kids and families in Beloit.
- Developed an email listserv with over 200 engaged subscribers for BLFLI program meetings and updates.
- Held 2 re-energizing events for all Pillars and Partners at ABC Supply Stadium to kick start efforts following COVID-19 isolation.
- Supported a Bookmobile in summer of 2021 that travelled to various community locations for reading stories and book distribution, thanks to grants from UW-Madison, Stateline Community Foundation and support from the Beloit School District for Gloria Heiss, Project Coordinator.
Dr. Ron Ferguson & The Basics – Rock County
The Future Depends On What‘s In Our Kid’s Heads
Bill Barth
May 24, 2022
Beloit Daily News
“It was my good fortune last week to attend the Beloit Literacy for Life Initiative’s 2022 Recognition Luncheon. Like everything else, the pandemic interrupted the group’s annual gathering the past couple of years so, technically, this was only the second annual banquet. There should be many more in the future. The entire community ought to be behind this effort. Yes, it’s that important.”
