FORT WAYNE HOUSING AUTHORITY EARNS HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION

March 31, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2023

FORT WAYNE HOUSING AUTHORITY EARNS HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION
Campaign for grade-level reading creates reading opportunities for area families

FORT WAYNE – The Fort Wayne Housing Authority has been accepted on the 2023 Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Public Housing Communities Honor Roll. The honor roll recognizes affordable housing authorities who have launched reading programs designed to ensure early school success for children from low-income families.

According to the US Department of Education, nearly 67 percent nationwide and more than 80 percent of children from low-income families are not proficient readers by the end of third grade. This has significant and long-term consequences not only for each of those children but for their communities, and for our nation. Children who develop strong reading skills achieve higher success rates for ending intergenerational poverty, closing the achievement gap, and reducing high school dropout rates.

“Without proper reading skills, children will miss out on opportunities to pursue higher education, enter the military or pursue higher-paying positions within their communities,” said FWHA CEO and Executive Director, George Guy. “Creating Book-Rich Environments (BRE) with the Allen County Public Library, and our little free libraries (refurbished newspaper stands) at each development and the main FWHA office ensures all children residing in our developments will have access to books”.

The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is a collaborative effort by foundations, leading social- sector organizations, business leaders, government agencies, states and communities that focuses on an important predictor of school success and high school graduation—reading proficiency by the end of third grade. Through the partnership, local Public Housing Authorities work with local GLR Campaign communities to address the solution areas that are critical to achieving reading proficiency — school readiness, school attendance, and summer learning. Promoting healthy on-track development and supporting parent success.

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