READ TO ME FOUNDATION - OUR CHILDREN NEED YOUR HELP

OUR CHILDREN NEED YOUR HELP,

NOW!

Literacy is much more than a convenience

Literacy is the key that opens the door to economic and personal achievement

Our great nation of America began it's reliance on literacy in the 18th century, when reading and writing were taught to all soldiers and military personnel. Generals understood that if soldiers could read and write in a common language, their ability to train and operate as an effective force was greatly enhanced. To each soldier, literacy meant the freedom to become the best he could be and, quite literally, it might save his life.

Conversely, the practice of slavery used illiteracy as a virtual prison to keep people from understanding and achieving their human potential. The unconscionable slavery laws are long gone, but anyone who cannot speak and write English today is functionally enslaved; unable to participate as full members of our society. This is not the American dream that the rest of the world envies. Our children, our adults and our country deserve much, much better.

Please read these facts very carefully: According to recent federal reports --

20% of all high school graduates cannot read their diplomas!(1)

46% of Americans adults cannot read a prescription label.(2 )

50% of unemployed youth (16-21) are functionally illiterate!(3)

60% of all people in prisons cannot read English! (4)

68% of all people arrested cannot communicate in English! (5)

75% of people on welfare cannot communicate in English! (5)

85% of all unwed mothers cannot communicate in English! (5)

85% of juvenile offenders have problems reading English (4)

Literacy enhances a person's ability to cope with the world, builds self-esteem and opens up opportunities that would otherwise not be possible. The goal of the Read to Me Foundation is to bring the power of literacy to all disadvantaged children and their parents.

We ask you to join our cause and become a Literacy Angel. Whether you choose to go "above and beyond" as a Literacy Volunteer or just donate money to RTMF programs, your participation will help Read To Me Foundation fight illiteracy. Our goal is high, our commitment is bold, but the reward to is even greater.

Please become a contributor to the Read to Me Foundation, today. Tell everyone you know about this website so they, too, can join our noble cause to empower children of all races.

For the Foundation's Board Members and Staff, I thank you for your unselfish willingness to help us promote literacy.

In grateful appreciation,

Dondino Melchiorre

President/Executive Director

Read to Me Foundation