St Brendan's, Franklin Park, has an on-going partnership with UP 4 Reading, UP 4 Life! –a tutoring program supported by the diocese and hosted at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on the North Side.
On Monday, December 13, this partnership found creative expression by providing Christmas gifts for children that receive individualized literacy support with their volunteer "Book Buddy." In addition to beautifully wrapped presents for each student, parishioners from St. Brendan's also put together family gift baskets with fruit and other holidays treats.
The UP (Urban Program) for Reading after-school program has served North Side children in need of support since 1997.
With a waiting list of students, UP's greatest on-going need is for caring adults to join this vibrant community of learners each Monday from 3:00-5:00 p.m. and work one-on-one with an academically struggling child. Training & materials are provided by the program. Other needs include easels for instructional display boards and bookshelves.
Please contact Carol Gonzalez, program coordinator, at 412-231-0454 or via email at teacher41@aol.com if you or your parish can help.
–Photos by Henry Gonzalez & Sig Tragard