Annual Report 2009-2010
Literacy Empowerment Action Plan of Western New York
Annual Report 2009-2010
Powerful literacy involves creativity, analysis, synthesis, and critical evaluation. Opposed to viewing
individuals as victims, we embed literacy skills in problem-solving activities that raise consciousness
about their own power to control and improve conditions in their lives and communities
- Sustain a professional reading clinic for the diagnosis of reading difficulties
- Improve the literacy abilities of school-age children and youth who struggle with reading
- Provide access to quality children’s books and electronic information
- Improve and enrich the lives of children in school and everyday life
- Promote literacy as a tool for self-determination and empowerment
- Serve as a literacy resource for the community
- Library Services
- Reading Assessment
- Remedial Reading Instruction
- Academic Tutoring and General Literacy Assistance
- Health Literacy and Other Enrichment/Specialized Programs
- Family Literacy
- Professional Development for Educators and Community Groups
- Consulting
- Executive Director ~ Gillian Richardson: Ph.D. Reading Education, M.Ed. Reading
- Program Director ~ Carol Peszko: M.Ed. Reading K-12, Elementary Education Pre-K-6
- Trained volunteers (many certified literacy specialists and teachers)
- Reading Clinic: Phillip Sheridan Building, 3200 Elmwood Ave, Suite 214,
- Powerful Literacy Center & Library: 169 Sheridan Parkside Dr, Room 103,
Our Mission – We believe powerful literacy can enable individuals to challenge and change their world |
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| Who Provides Our Services |
| Where Services are Provided |
A Message from the Executive Director
Dr. Gillian Richardson
The last year was a busy and exciting time for LEAP of WNY. The highlight of the year was the
resurrection of the closed Sheridan Parkside branch of the Erie County Library system. Thanks to the
support of our committed donors, volunteers, staff, community partners, and board members, LEAP
celebrated the grand opening of its new Powerful Literacy Center & Library in January 2010.
The grand opening was the culmination of many months of dedicated effort on the part of a broad range of
stakeholders throughout the community. Most notably, the library collection of over 5,000 children’s books
was gifted to LEAP from the Town of Tonawanda and automated for circulation by two volunteer library
professionals working tirelessly over nine months. A community-wide effort, other contributors assisted in
cleaning, painting, and furnishing the center. The contributions of LEAP’s dedicated supporters resulted in
providing low-income children residing in Sheridan Parkside with a welcoming environment in which to
learn, access to both printed and electronic information resources, a fully circulating children’s library, and
a variety of innovative literacy programs.
In addition to the programs provided at our Sheridan Parkside center, LEAP’s Elmwood Reading Clinic
continued to serve struggling readers throughout Western New York in the Summer Reading Camp.
Consistently strong program evaluations attest to the commitment and effectiveness of the many tutors who
volunteer their time each July to help children become successful readers. This outstanding program of
one on one, intensive reading instruction is fast becoming the best of its kind in Western New York.
Since its establishment in 2007, LEAP of WNY has grown steadily. I look forward to working with all of our
supporters as we face new challenges and opportunities in the upcoming year. I invite you to come and be
part of a rewarding experience where you can proudly say you helped people to challenge and change
their world.
Reflections on the Past Year and Visions for the Future |
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