Women in Focus Incorporated

LITERACY PROGRAM: THE WOMEN IN FOCUS LITERACY PROGRAM'S PURPOSE IS TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE READING AND LEARNING FOR CHILDREN PRIMARILY FROM LOW-INCOME HOMES AND FOR CHILDREN OF COLOR. WE INTRODUCE THE IMPORTANCE OF LITERACY FOR CHILDREN BY ENCOURAGING PARENTS TO READ TO THEIR CHILDREN, MAKE PLAY A LEARNING EXPERIENCE, AND ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY BY HELPING CHILDREN DISCOVER THE WORLD AROUND THEM.ESTABLISHED IN 2001, OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN TO EXPERIENCE THE ENJOYMENT OF READING. THOUSANDS OF BOOKS IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO MADISON AREA CHILDREN AT LOCAL CELEBRATIONS LIKE JUNETEENTH.WOMEN IN FOCUS ALSO WORKS WITH FAMILIES PARTICIPATING IN THE THIRD STREET PROGRAM AT THE YWCA. VOLUNTEERS MEET MONTHLY WITH THE FAMILIES. THE CHILDREN ARE READ STORIES AND PARTICIPATE IN SIMPLE, HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES. AT THE END OF THE EVENING, THEY CHOOSE BOOKS TO TAKE HOME. WHILE THE CHILDREN ARE OCCUPIED, THE MOTHERS AND WIF VOLUNTEERS HAVE AN INTERACTIVE SESSION, DISCUSSING HOW CHILDREN LEARN, THE IMPORTANCE OF READING, AND HOW LANGUAGE AND LITERACY WORK TO HELP MAKE READING AN ENJOYABLE ACTIVITY. THE GOAL OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO PARTNER WITH PARENTS, UNDERSTANDING THAT THEY ARE THEIR CHILD'S MOST IMPORTANT TEACHER. THE PROGRAM IS FUNDED THROUGH GRANTS AND DONATIONS.