Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Books in Every Bag
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 4925 Hideaway Point
City: Hollywood
State: South Carolina
Postal Code: 29449
Main Phone: 8435323708
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.booksineverybag.org
Employer ID Number: 88-3669681
Organization Tax Status: Non-Profit 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 5 February 2024
Requested Amount: 1,000

Project Title: Innovative Approach to Literacy
Project Description:

Books in Every Bag is a free literacy program for all children from birth to five years of age in the Quad-County Charleston, South Carolina, metropolitan area, with the mission to prepare children for kindergarten. The focus is on newborns and preschoolers from lower SES and ELL families and enrollment initiatives are concentrated on these demographics. Children participating in the program receive a free bookstore quality, age-specific book provided at birth and subsequently one is sent in the child’s name, to their home or care facility every month until their fifth birthday. With each book parents receive a newsletter sharing literacy information related to the child’s development and tips on how to best read to the child to stimulate comprehension and increase the enjoyment of reading together.
Since inception as a 501(c)3 in August 2022 over 1,100 children have enrolled in the program. A proposed 5-year study is under review by the Board of Directors which would establish metrics to validate the program which could be used to enhance preparedness of children entering kindergarten, gain greater understanding of the cognitive, social, and emotional needs of young children, and establish more robust dialogue and communications between and among stakeholders in the non-profit and public-school early literacy communities. Dr. Linda Bone, Professor Emeritus, Charleston Southern University, would provide technical assistance in the form of research-based evaluation design, implementation, and program analysis. Congressional funding is being sought but additional funding sources are needed in the short term to continue to increase enrollments and gain additional momentum.
The research base for this keynote draws from four areas: 1) Research on the effects of poverty on literacy and brain development. 2) Data on the impact of literacy interventions and reading aloud on the K-5 readiness of young children. 3) Information on the most effective and appropriate strategies for encouraging a culture of family literacy as it nurtures brain development and early childhood experiences; 4) Dr. Bone’s LEAP Model from the book “Rich
Brain/Poor Brain”, a study of the importance of coordinating Language, Experiences, Attitudes, and Performances to bridge social and synaptic gaps in learning.

Total Project Budget: 57,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Federal and State Congressional Appropriations, South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council, SCECAC, First Steps, Reach Out and Read, Beemok Hospitality, Intertech Corporation

Project Duration: 1 January 2025 through 31 December 2025
Geographical Area Served: Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton Counties, South Carolina
Age Group To Be Served: Birth to Five years of age

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Barnie
Contact Last Name: Howell
Contact Title: President/CEO
Contact Phone: 8435323708
Contact Email: barnie@booksineverybag.com