Encouraging Today’s Readers.
READING CHANGES LIVES - GOLD SPONSOR
RCL would like to thank Northpointe Surveying for being a Gold Sponsor. We honor and appreciate your contribution to Literacy
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
Your Change Changes Lives! Coin Drive
We believe Reading really does Change Lives. Your donation will help contribute to the ongoing renovations to the Literacy Garden and advancing our mission.
The Read House and the Chattanooga Public Library,
in collaboration with
Reading Changes Lives Inc.,
present
Readers Conference Fundraiser Event.
Did you know that one in five adults lack basic reading skills beyond the 4th-grade level? Did you know that children who are not reading at grade level by the time they are eight years old have more significant roadblocks to further success and will very likely drop out of high school? Did you know that illiteracy can lead to higher unemployment, crime, and incarceration?
Reading Changes Lives, Inc., is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy to a largely disenfranchised population of reluctant and/or non-readers. We seek to expand our efforts to inspire them to embrace the importance and joy of reading to become literate so they, too, can make a difference in today’s complex world. Eric Smith, the founder of Reading Changes Lives, Inc., reflects upon his childhood and looks forward to expanding the foundation with a Literacy Garden. He is inspired to do so by his parents, neither of whom were literate. The Literacy Garden will be a park-like setting for children. Schools, libraries, and anyone interested in commingling the joys of reading in an outdoor environment will be welcomed. Your donation from today’s events goes directly to the development of The literacy Garden.
The Chattanooga Public Library said: “This is a great place for children to come and learn” Many other teachers and educators have said they will come to the garden with their class. Dr. Roland Carter said: “I would love to teach students to play the keyboard at the garden” Janelle Glass said: “I am looking for a space like the garden to teach children age 3-12 how to play the violin and cello”
Event Details
Location: Historic Read House
107 West MLK Boulevard, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
Day/Time: TBD
Includes: Lunch, Panelist Discussion (“The Importance of Reading”), Music, and Prizes
The
Caring
Painters
The Future of The Literacy Garden
Your Donation makes this Literacy Garden a reality.
The Reading Changes Lives Inc. Mission Statement
Reading Changes Lives Inc. (RCL) is dedicated to teaching and promoting the importance of literacy to non readers and / or reluctant readers. We guide (encourage) this disenfranchised population to independently gain knowledge, develop confidence and the inspiration to face and understand the world around them. Educated readers can change the world!
Philosophical Beliefs
We at Reading Changes Lives Inc., believe that our purpose on Earth is to help non-readers and reluctant readers. Therefore, we believe in caring for non-readers and reluctant readers who are often a neglected group in our modern society. We believe that our non-readers and reluctant readers have worked hard to build this country through their hard labor jobs. We must treat them with dignity and respect. We believe that sharing time, energy, and resources helping non-readers and reluctant readers are our obligation and responsibility.
Reading Changes Lives Inc. Guidelines
Reading Changes Lives, Inc. Will adhere to a focused, and positive approach to improve literacy instruction. We emphasize the need for teachers to have the autonomy to make strong instructional decisions. We will also support students in gaining the skills of becoming good readers and writers as they develop knowledge about the world. Therefore, our Teachers and Volunteers will help with the following:
1. Will engage students in a high volume of reading.
2. Provide multiple opportunities for students to read and listen to text that is at or above their grade level.
3. Structure opportunities for students to think deeply about texts and share their thinking through speaking and writing.
4. Support students in developing the skill and craft of a writer.
5. Provide multiple opportunities to practice and apply foundational skills that have been taught explicitly and systematically in authentic reading and writing.
This is the framework for k-3 literacy practices that will anchor professional learning and support for Teachers and Leaders across the State.
It all began From Inspiration and Vision!
Eric Smith was one out of nine children born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Frank and Lizzie Smith, who were illiterate. Eric's parents worked hard to provide a meager living for the family. They even saved enough money to buy a modest home. As a child, he struggled in school. He had a severe stutter and lacked fluency, both of which affected him academically.
He was a very poor reader, and in his early 20's, he worked menial jobs, never realizing that there were more options available to him. While working as a waiter at the Club Signal Mountain Golf and Country, one of the patrons, Mr. Hugh Huffaker Jr., asked him how long he had planned to work as a waiter? Mr. Huffaker saw the potential in him and Eric not understanding the nature of his question. He replied, 'no," with that, Mr. Huffaker gave him his business card. He invited Eric to consider working in the real estate business. Later, Mr. Huffaker introduced Eric to Mr. George Clark Jr., CEO in the banking industry.
Eric worked in a banking services office, and in this new position, he realized just how essential reading was. He set goals on improving his reading ability. Eric later completed his college degree in human development. He established a profitable painting company, has written books, and entered the ministry. In the spirit of helping others realize their potential, he decided to establish Reading Changes Lives Incorporated, a non-profit organization aimed at helping others appreciate the importance of literacy and bolster the skills of struggling readers. In memory of his loving parents, he launched Reading Changes Lives, Inc. in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Help a child or adult understand the power of knowledge!
Donate to Reading Changes Lives Inc. today, Reading Changes Lives Inc. is a registered nonprofit under EIN: 82-5452399. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.
Make an impact and join us today!
Reading Changes Lives, Inc., based in Chattanooga, TN, has hopes of expanding to other cities as funding, volunteers, and space become available. We are reaching out to you as we seek funding and volunteers to join in our efforts to reach out to the people who value reading as much as we do to support struggling and non-readers alike. Want to make an impact? Join the R.C.L team? Then fill out the form stating how you would like to help, and we will contact you.