User:CraigKyzar/KNTR

= Kids Need to Read = ] Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Kids Need to Read is a nonprofit literacy organization serving disadvantaged children and adolescents across the nation through donations of expansive book collections and the implementation of innovative literacy programs. The primary objective of the organization is to directly empower children with a genuine excitement for reading and a real-world appreciation for the role of literacy in a prosperous future.

The foundation works with underfunded libraries, struggling school systems, juvenile offender facilities, urban afterschool programs, special education classes, dropout recovery programs, and other specialized programs for older, illiterate children to provide an enhanced educational experience to many youth groups often overlooked by other literacy organizations. In recent years, the role of Kids Need to Read within the community has expanded dramatically as budget cutbacks have forced schools and educational institutions to seek books and programs from other sources. Because the foundation dedicates itself to serving children of all ages, it is currently the only national literacy organization to regularly provide books to middle readers and adolescents, as well as younger age groups.

History
Kids Need to Read was founded in 2008 by author PJ Haarsma, actor Nathan Fillion and Executive Director Denise Gary, becoming a 501(c)(3) charity in September of that year. The mission of the foundation originated from a 2007 project of the same name, which was the brainchild of Haarsma and Fillion. This original project arose during one of Haarsma's transnational book tours, during which he was exposed to startling inadequacies in the funding and infrastructure of schools and libraries across the country.

"Kindness is a Strength"

The foundation's unofficial slogan derives from a longer quote by Fillion and has provided guidance since the organization's inception beginning in late 2007. At this time, Haarsma and Fillion brought aboard Mrs. Gary to transform the pair's ambition into a federally recognized entity capable of restoring childhood literacy as a core goal of the American education system. The new organization was legally established in January 2008 and incorporated in May. By the end of the year, Kids Need to Read was a national charity already distributing select children's books to underprivileged institutions across the nation. As the young organization gained footing, Haarsma remained an active part of its growth, while Fillion continued to contribute his name and autographs to promote awareness. Both continue to serve as members of the Advisory Council.

In its earliest stages, Kids Need to Read received significant support and charitable donations from Nathan Fillion fans and the Browncoats, a community of Firefly and Serenity fans with chapters around the globe.

As the economy began to falter in 2008, the efforts of Kids Need to Read rapidly became more vital within the communities it serves. This, in turn, prompted significant organizational growth to keep pace with an ever-increasing epidemic of children in need. In direct response, the organization was transformed from an online charity focusing on donations and auctions to a physical entity, capable of more substantial fundraising capabilities. In January 2009, the core members of Kids Need to Read selected Phoenix, Arizona, as an ideal location to establish its headquarters and build community ties. The decision to locate the foundation in Phoenix was heavily influenced by the local popularity of founder Haarsma, as well as the strong support and awareness within the community of the need for stronger literacy efforts.

Throughout 2008 and 2009, Kids Need to Read created a unique reading list consisting of nearly 350 high interest fiction and nonfiction titles, as well as several graphic novels. Each title on the organization's reading list is vetted by a Literature Advisory Committee to ensure that it provides relatable content and positive, inspirational messages.

The 2009 appointment of Dr. James Blasingame to Chairman of the Board immediately drew other significant literary personalities to the organization and the infusion of such expert involvement has done a great deal to raise the profile of the organization, both within the state of Arizona and across the nation.

In August 2010, a permanent office was established in Mesa, Arizona, from which the organization continues to distribute nationwide book donations and develop literacy programs in conjunction with program partners.

Mission
The Kids Need to Read mission statement:

"Kids Need to Read works to create a culture of reading for children by providing inspiring books to underfunded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States, especially those serving disadvantaged children."

Further, the organization has adopted the following vision statement:

"All children and adolescents will have access to quality books no matter their race, economic status, or capabilities. Further, our organization will provide inspiring programs to increase literacy rates and decrease dropout rates throughout the United States. These programs will be presented in a manner that will foster and uphold dignity and self-respect. We will consistently demonstrate to children and adolescents the need to read, as we believe literacy contributes to school and life success."

Reading Revolution
Kids Need to Read's flagship program, Reading Revolution is an original and interactive program that immerses middle school students (grades six through eight) in a world of literary experiences while teaching them, first-hand, the impact of reading on every aspect of life. By focusing on enhancing literacy skills and nurturing youthful ambitions, the Reading Revolution program is designed to significantly reduce dropout rates among adolescents by re-engaging their imaginations and empowering them with the tools necessary to control their own futures.

Reading Revolution works to complement a school's existing curriculum, turning a series of individual coursework into a multi-disciplinary experience that connects core language classes with math, science and social studies. The result is a real-world display of the pervasiveness of literacy skills in every facet of life.

Partnerships

 * Kids Need to Read works closely with Arizona State University in the development of new Reading Revolution program materials, as well as helping to monitor both its short-term and long-term effectiveness.
 * Arizona State University Preparatory Academy, an inner city charter school, partnered with Kids Need to Read in 2011 to help develop the Reading Revolution program. The pilot program was directly implemented at the Academy and the Academy has helped observe the statistical improvement in literacy skills among participating classes within its student body.