Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: R2S
Mailing Address: PO Box 18652
City: Asheville
State: NC
Postal Code: 28814
Main Phone: (828) 747-2277
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.r2sasheville.org/
Employer ID Number: 27-2581580
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 1/28/2026
Requested Amount: $10,000.00

Project Title: Community-Powered Literacy in WNC
Project Description:

With support from the Hermanowski Foundation, Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe (R2S) will expand access to high-quality books, deepen family engagement, and strengthen early literacy pathways so that more children early in their school journey can thrive academically and socially. R2S is a community-led literacy organization serving children ages 0–5, elementary students, and their families across Asheville and Buncombe County through culturally responsive, evidence-based programming.

The need for early literacy intervention in our community is urgent. Only 65% of children in Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools enter kindergarten meeting state readiness benchmarks, and Black children face the greatest barriers to early reading success. These disparities emerge before kindergarten and, without early and intentional support, widen over time, limiting long-term educational opportunity and well-being.

R2S addresses this need through a multi-tiered literacy approach rooted in classrooms, homes, and community spaces. In Pre-K and early elementary classrooms, trusted Storytime Specialists, respected Black elders and educators deliver weekly, play-based literacy instruction, including interactive dialogic read-alouds and small-group activities. These experiences build phonological awareness, vocabulary, and early comprehension while fostering confidence, joy, and a strong connection to reading. Children engage with books that reflect their identities, reinforcing a sense of belonging and motivation to learn.

Beyond the classroom, R2S equips educators, volunteers, and caregivers with practical tools to support literacy development. Through professional learning, family workshops, culturally relevant book distributions, and community literacy events, R2S reinforces reading as a shared, joyful experience at home and throughout the community.

Together, these strategies strengthen early literacy outcomes and help ensure children have the skills, confidence, and curiosity needed for long-term academic success. We would welcome the opportunity to submit a full proposal and explore alignment with the Hermanowski Foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of children and families.

Total Project Budget: $87,500

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Individual contributions: $15,000 (Pending). In-kind contributions: $2,500 (Pending). Foundation Grants: $55,000 ($25,000 Committed). Government Grants: $15,000 (Pending).

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Asheville and Buncombe County
Age Group To Be Served: 0-5 years old

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Jessica
Contact Last Name: McLean
Contact Title: Co-Executive Director
Contact Phone: (828) 747-2277
Contact Email: jess.mclean@r2sasheville.org