#REAL Press Release for Swanky REAL Night Out

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contact:

Ginny Slack

ginny@therealprogram.org

Swanky REAL Night Out

August 28, 2016 Lynn, MA – The REAL Program invites you to the Swanky REAL Night Out, to be held on Saturday, October 22nd from 6:00 p.m.  to 10:00 p.m. at Glen Urquhart School in Beverly. A REAL Night Out features a live and silent auction, food from Kelly’s Roast Beef, music from the Pocket Change Trio, and a REAL life performance. The REAL Program (Reading~Educational Assistance~Learning) is a 501(c)3 organization based in Lynn that strives to improve literacy through its after school educational programs for children in grades K-5 as well as through its book collection and food distribution campaign.

According to founder Jan Plourde, “The gap between what the teachers can do and what the families can do is vast. That is where The REAL Program comes in. We are like the extended family for these children.

Kevin Carey, president of the board of directors of The REAL Program, noted author/poet and English professor at Salem State University says, “This group of people gets things done. That is why I like it.”

In Lynn, a city that 100,000 people call home, there are 56 languages spoken. There are 18 public elementary schools and only one public library. Most of the schools do not have school libraries due to the need for classroom space. Only 50% of the children in Lynn attend preschool before they enter kindergarten. The needs of these children are apparent, and the REAL Program works to address them by providing books, food, and homework help for children as well as English language tutoring for their parents in a safe and caring environment.   

The REAL Program’s activities are made possible through a service-learning model designed to provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for retired teachers and professionals and quality service-learning opportunities for high school and college students.  Through the collaborative efforts of many individuals, the REAL Program is making a difference in the lives of children.  We invite you to join us in this work by attending our October 22nd fundraiser or making a donation today.

About The REAL Program (Reading~Educational Assistance~Learning):

The REAL Program offers an after-school educational program in Lynn during the academic year and operates a literacy-based summer program for children in grades K-5.  It collects and distributes children’s books, nutritious food, and resources through volunteers in the greater Lynn area.

151 Ocean Street, Lynn, MA 01902.

Tel. 978-993-4425 Fax 866-611-7567

Email: READ@therealprogram.org

Website: www.therealprogram.org.

To purchase tickets sponsor a child or to make a contribution, please visit the website at: www.therealprogram.org. All proceeds go directly to the program. Operational costs include rent for afterschool program space, printing costs, postage, insurance, telephone, paper goods, website licensing and host management, data management, and maintenance of the REAL MOBILE for book distribution.

###

SAVE THE DATE

The Future Looks Great for REAL

Thank you to #REAL #interns and #mentors for Summer 2016
Shown in photo are Raisa Ferreras, Busayna Abdelkarim, Mabel Rosado, Andris Salvidar, Annie Kane and Emma Kane

www.therealprogram.org

SAVE THE DATE OCTOBER 22

Mabel's REAL World, Then and Now

My name is Mabel, I am a volunteer/intern at The REAL Program. Before I began the program I had my mind set on what it was going to be like. I 

imagined that I was going to be assigned one kid only to help them with homework if needed; read with them, and play games. As you know  everything doesn’t go as imagined. On the first day Jan introduced other interns and myself to other adults there and to some of the kids. I also remember Jan telling me “now go find a kid who wants to do homework, read, or play. And I said to myself “oh okay, that’s it”. Then I thought “okay now this hard, how am I going to find one kid to play with, and how am I going to approach a kid what if they don’t like me”. But then I just went for it and I began to play with a little three year old boy named Adrian. Although he really didn’t talk, like, literally didn’t talk, he nodded to my questions so there was some type of communication and, with that little bit, I felt welcomed. I am pretty sure we both had fun together that day because at the end of the day he gave me a high five and nodded yes to my question if  he had fun with me

that day. From that day on I knew that I was going to love The REAL Program. Everyday I went I met a new kid and every single one of those kids welcomed me to learn and play with them. Being with a bunch of different kids you are  bound to think there is definitely one that is my favorite. Well that not true, I can’t have a favorite kid because each and everyone of those kids are beautiful individuals. They all have big different personalities that I absolutely adore. I can’t forget the adults who also give the open and welcomed atmosphere. They do not only care about the kids they care for everyone. Now officially being apart if this program it makes me sad to think that this season is almost ending because I am going to be leaving a family of friends. But it will not be the end of The REAL Program days.

Note from the director: Mabel wrote this testimonial 2 years ago. Mabel is indeed not finished. This summer Mabel is an intern with us at The REAL Program and we could not be happier! Today is Mabel's birthday! Happy Birthday to YOU.

The REAL Logo and Contact Information

The REAL Program exists to improve #literacy. People often ask "Why Lynn?"

• There is only one public library for nearly 100,000 residents in Lynn, MA.
• There are 18 public elementary schools and only 7 have dedicated school libraries or librarians.
• There are no book stores.

Ask how you can participate to make a #REAL difference!

#REAL students #reading - Summer is coming!

#REAL students #reading outside. #Books are important!