Literacy
“Education is the backbone of the soul.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We at POTC create opportunities for increased literacy for our children and teens through two key programs: Homework Club[s] and Ephraim Initiative Literacy Sites.
Students at Peace of the City receiving literacy tutoring
Homework Clubs
Since 1992 Peace of the City has founded four after school programs called “Homework Club” [HC].
- at POTC’s Headquarters 1992 to present
- at Cornerstone Manor [CSM]
2005-2009 POTC founded and managed a HC program at CSM
2009 CSM took over management of HC - at Buffalo Public School #32
- at Renovation Church [RC]
2008-2010 POTC founded and managed a Homework Club and multiple Creative Arts programs at RC.
November 2010 RC took over management of HC now called XCEL
Ephraim Initiative Literacy Sites
- at POTC’s Headquarters
- at Hope Refugee Services
- at Cornerstone Manor
- View Ephraim Initiative Program Information
Justice Through Literacy
We had been waiting with baited breath for the latest test results for our Ephraim Initiative literacy program. Government funding had not panned out to the degree we had hoped, so to keep this crucial program going, Peace of the City had been prepared to go $25,000 “in the hole,” rather than denying books and reading lessons for kids and teenagers while laying off most of our reading teachers. However, an unexpected one-time gift of — you guessed it — $25,000 was received with gratitude. We hit the accelerator. Illiteracy is a root cause for drop out, tee pregnancy, homelessness, unemployment, domestic violence, and incarceration. I encourage you to view our five-minute film on the hard truths of illiteracy in the United States. After hugging my computer (’tis true) I sent the results to POTC’s staff, board, partner ministries, and fellow literacy advocates. Some of their spontaneous (and unedited) responses are below for your enjoyment.
Peace of the City Literacy Chart
We are thrilled to share with you good news that greatly increases the chances of Peace of the City children and teenagers to experience lives of purpose and well-being: they are learning to read. With 60% of Buffalo residents either illiterate or functionally illiterate, it’s clear why buffalo is the third-poorest large city in the United States. Peace of the City has not stood by idly in view of this most significant statistic. Rejoice with us as you take in the continued success of our Ephraim Initiative literacy intervention program. Thank you so much for your support! We need to raise an additional $5000 to keep our multiple literacy sites at full capacity. Please consider a gift for literacy so that no sites have to close.
