(BEDFORD) – United Way of South Central Indiana is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $5,040 grant from the Orange County Community Foundation, Inc.
This grant was made possible with funding from the Share the Love Fund, the Linda Gerkin Director Legacy Fund, and the Orange County Child Care Co-op Fund.
The grant funds will be used for Orange County Indiana residents to provide free books for pre-school aged children through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL). United Way of South Central Indiana is a Dolly Parton Imagination Library Affiliate.
DPIL is a book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth until they turn 5, no matter their family’s income. United Way of South Central Indiana initiated the DPIL program in Lawrence County, and added Orange County to the existing affiliate program.
“We are overjoyed to unite in this effort with the OCCF to bring free books to Orange County families with pre-school aged children. This marks a new era in partnership and an exciting collaboration between the Orange County Community Foundation and United Way of South Central Indiana,” said Kim Burgess, Executive Director, United Way of South Central Indiana.
Children who cannot read proficiently struggle to stay on track academically. Children who enter school with early reading skills are more likely to experience later academic success, attain higher levels of education, and secure employment.
Preschool programs increase school readiness by strengthening a child’s academic skills in reading. Families with pre-school aged children aged from birth until age 5 who live in Orange County are eligible to apply for this free program.
To enroll, visit the United Way of South Central Indiana website.
Each child that is enrolled in the DPIL program will receive a new book each month, totaling 12 free books per year. These books will provide pre-school aged children with an introduction to reading, language skills, and reading comprehension skills.
