DeLauro Announces Funding For Moteread/Fatheread Program

DeLauro Announces Funding For Motheread/Fatheread Program

- Federal Support Will Implement National Program in 9 Area Towns -

ANSONIA, Conn. - Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today visited the Ansonia Motheread/Fatheread program to announce federal funding that will implement the program in the Third Congressional District and discuss with participants how the program has impacted their lives. Motheread/Fatheread, the national family literacy development program, was initiated in 2003 in the Greater New Haven area as a partnership between the Connecticut Humanities Council, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, and local family serving non-profits and educational groups. The area program was the first major East Coast implementation since it was founded in the 1980's.

"This program makes opportunity real for families, giving them the tools to succeed," said DeLauro. "Motheread/Fatheread fosters a bond between parents and their children through reading. It increases literacy skills of parents and children alike. And the results are undeniable - happier families, more family conversations, improved vocabulary and school readiness in children."

Motheread/Fatheread Connecticut has developed programs with 32 local organization partners in 9 towns (Ansonia, Branford, Derby, Guilford, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, North Haven and West Haven). Typically 8-15 parents attend classes once a week for two hours, with class cycles running 10-12 weeks. At Valley Even Start, where DeLauro spoke today, 16 families are currently participating with a total of 19 adults.

DeLauro secured $100,000 for the Connecticut Humanities Council and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to implement the nationally acclaimed Motheread/Fatheread program across these 9 towns. In April 2005, CHC awarded DeLauro their "Legislator of the Year" award for her support of the program

"This is a team effort like few others - one that combines learning with cultural awareness and family," said DeLauro. "I cannot think of anything more special."

Parents talk about this program and the difference it has made in their lives. For example, one parent writes, "I read to my child more often since I started to come to class. Now I wait until my child goes to bed to do what I have to do so I have time to read with him." Another writes, "Motheread gives me a chance to think about my life. I learned to respect myself and show respect in front of my kids."

Since its founding, the local program has provided over 3,800 hours of literature-rich experiences for parents, helping them to form stronger bonds with their children while improving their own literacy. Parents achieved an average of one to two-year grade level jump in reading skills with just 16-20 hours of class time. Sixty-five percent of Motheread parents are from minority populations.

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2005/September/motheread_fatheread_09_30_05.html