support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the Literacy Coalition of Madison County NY convened at Madison Hall in Morrisville. More than three dozen members from schools, libraries and community agencies met to discuss literacy needs throughout Madison County. Senator David Valesky, who has supported our efforts since 2009, was represented by Tracy Carmen from his staff. The meeting helped identify areas of success and to provide the organization with some key areas of focus for the future.
After opening remarks Carla Zimmerman, one of the coordinators of the Madison County Reads Ahead highlighted the program. MCRA is a free one-on-on tutoring program for adults seeking to improve their lives through improved English language skills and the desire to earn a high school equivalency diploma. She introduced one of the volunteer tutors, Gary Johnson.
Gary then spoke about the success of one of the learners, Brandon Fowler. Brandon’s story of the challenges he faced as he struggled to get his equivalency diploma was inspirational. He is now employed at Ferris Industries in Munnsville and incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement he received through the tutoring program.
coordinator Carla Zimmerman share success.
The bulk of the morning was spent reviewing the mission and 5-year plan of the coalition. The LCMCNY mission is “…a consensus-building initiative intended to unite the community around the importance of literacy, provide economies of scale to existing organizations to efficiently service those in need and provide hope to residents for sustainable change and an improved future.”
The meeting ended with the celebration of over twenty Madison Central pre-kindergarten students. The entire incoming group entered the year having had the advantage of participating in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
The coalition has made this program available to all Madison County students (aged birth through 5 years).
The LCMCNY and its partners, the libraries throughout the county, identify children who are between the ages of birth and five years old. Children are enrolled in the Imagination Library, regardless of income status, and receive a high quality, age and developmentally appropriate book each month.
The books are mailed directly to the homes of the enrolled children. Madison Central School Librarian Laura Winchester spoke about the value of the program and then introduced the Class of 2030 who thanked the coalition for their support. Each student then sat down with a coalition member to read his/her favorite DPIL book. It was a fantastic way to finish a very productive day!
Anyone wanting more information about coalition efforts or programs is encouraged to go to our website at www.literacycoalitionmadisoncountyny.org , Facebook site at Literacy Coalition of Madison County NY, or by e-mailing interim director Mike Drahos at mrdhope@yahoo.com.
The coalition is an unincorporated, private non-profit organization which receives annual financial support from the Central New York Community Foundation and donations from community members and organizations. Donations are tax-deductible and can be on our website or by mailing a check to the LCMCNY 1081 Northside Plaza Gorman Foundation Center, Oneida, N.Y. 13421
Photo 4 – (l-r) Madison County Reads Ahead tutor Gary Johnson, center, learner Brandon Fowler, and coordinator Carla Zimmerman share success.