A Signature Program of the Macon (GA) Chapter
The Macon (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated recognizes the importance of early literacy in student achievement. Research from the Ferst Foundation indicates that “in low-income neighborhoods, there is an average of one (1) age appropriate book for every 300 children.” Other studies state that an estimated 25% of 3 to 9-year old children living in poverty have untreated dental issues. Additionally, many children living in poverty have limited enrichment experiences.
In Fall 2015, the Macon (GA) Chapter launched Project R.E.A.C.H. - Reading Enrichment, Arts, and Children's Health - at Matilda Hartley Elementary School in Macon, Georgia. This integrated program, a collaborative effort among the Services to Youth, The Arts, and Health and Human Services Facets, seeks to address the overwhelming needs of kindergarten students at the school. The major emphasis of the program is to improve literacy skills and address children's health issues, as well as provide arts activities to enrich classroom learning. The Macon (GA) Links has also started an initiative to build the personal libraries of the kindergarten students at Hartley by giving them at least three books during the school year.
Activities include:
In Fall 2015, the Macon (GA) Chapter launched Project R.E.A.C.H. - Reading Enrichment, Arts, and Children's Health - at Matilda Hartley Elementary School in Macon, Georgia. This integrated program, a collaborative effort among the Services to Youth, The Arts, and Health and Human Services Facets, seeks to address the overwhelming needs of kindergarten students at the school. The major emphasis of the program is to improve literacy skills and address children's health issues, as well as provide arts activities to enrich classroom learning. The Macon (GA) Links has also started an initiative to build the personal libraries of the kindergarten students at Hartley by giving them at least three books during the school year.
Activities include:
- Organizing Read for the Record Day and Read Across America Day. Members serve as volunteer readers, provide themed art projects, and give each kindergarten student a book for their personal libraries.
- Tutoring kindergarten students weekly in reading in collaboration with READ United, a program of the United Way of Central Georgia.
- Donating instructional and school supplies to benefit teachers and students.
- Providing dental health bags to students during National Children’s Dental Month in February and assisting with student visits to the dental care van.
- Supporting educational field trips for students in all grades.
- Establishing the Reading Pals program where members adopt a classroom to read to once a month in partnership with United Way of Central Georgia.
