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LiteracyWorks Cabinet Kicks Off FY ‘09 New Bedford – The LiteracyWorks Cabinet had an excellent showing of almost 30 Cabinet members and guests at its first meeting of the new fiscal year. Held at the Wamsutta Club in New Bedford, the group discussed LiteracyWorks’ currently supported programming, challenges and successes of the past year, and strategies for the future of this ambitious program. LiteracyWorks Cabinet co-Chairs Roy Nascimento, President of the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, and Maria Pinarreta, Vice President of Branch Management at BankFive, called the meeting to order and began by reintroducing and reaffirming the Mission of LiteracyWorks: "Address the literacy crisis in the Greater New Bedford area by working collaboratively to build capacity for improving literacy skills among young adults, young people, and families." The co-Chairs also recognized new Cabinet members: Dr. John Fletcher of the New Bedford School Committee; James Mathes, Executive Director of SMILES; and John Fitzpatrick, Regional Deputy Director of Business Development and Construction Reform (SOMWBA) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jason Wentworth, LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur, outlined the program's activities since assuming the Entrepreneur position in June. He pointed to an energized Cabinet, strong connections with service providers, and the role of LiteracyWorks in the New Bedford Early Literacy Consortium (a program of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts) as signs of the continued efficacy and relevance of LiteracyWorks. Mr. Wentworth acknowledged that the Commonwealth's current fiscal challenges have directly impacted LiteracyWorks, particularly the loss of funding from Commonwealth Corporation, due to budget cuts. However, based on current information, LiteracyWorks will remain solvent through February 2009, and efforts are being made to secure funding to insure LiteracyWorks continues to implement its mission, both in the near and distant future. The issue of long ABE/ESOL waitlists was addressed, as well; with Mr. Wentworth informing the Cabinet that "several options are being researched and we are looking to work with our service providers on finding a solution that will benefit the students." The meeting's guest speaker, Dr. Portia S. Bonner, identified literacy as one of the top priorities of her administration and vowed to work hard to implement policies that will "put the child first." Speaking about the critical role educational attainment has with regard to a well-trained workforce, Dr. Bonner noted that it is time to look "outside the box" and "begin to educate our children today and train them for jobs that have yet to be invented." Fundamental literacy, greater emphasis on science and mathematics, and expanded availability and use of technology as an educational resource are components integral to the success of students today and the future of the region. Jim Mathes also updated the Cabinet on SMILES; specifically, their new first grade literacy-based mentoring program. The program is operating in several elementary schools in New Bedford and Fall River. Mr. Mathes noted that "those students who are not reading at grade level by the time they reach the third grade are far more likely to drop out of school." Faced with this knowledge, Mr. Mathes was compelled to develop this new mentoring program within SMILES to focus on literacy. The program, in its first trimester now, has attracted hundreds of volunteer mentors and Mr. Mathes hopes that he can continue to build that base and expand to other schools in the City. He thanked Jason Wentworth of LiteracyWorks and Jean Fox of the GNB WIB Youth Council (YC) for helping to promote the program and assist in building volunteer capacity. He also urged those in attendance to spread the word about mentoring and the impact that a "caring adult can have on a child." A second annual literacy summit was discussed and a request for participation on a summit subcommittee was made. Additionally, the LiteracyWorks Strategic Plan was introduced by Mr. Nascimento, a vote was called to adopt, and the motion was passed unanimously. Shortly after the Strategic Plan was approved, Mr. Wentworth, with the assistance of the co-Chairs, presented the 2008 LiteracyWorks Champion award to Jean Fox, "in recognition of [Ms. Fox's] efforts to promote the mission of LiteracyWorks, support ABE/ESOL providers, and raise awareness of the importance of literacy." Mr. Wentworth discussed Ms. Fox's unceasing efforts to bring attention to the educational needs and successes of Greater New Bedford, her continued collaboration with LiteracyWorks in her role as YC Director in overlapping issues, and the fact that "though she may wear many hats, she always is the standard bearer for literacy." Before adjourning the meeting, Mr. Nascimento and Ms. Pinarreta suggested that the next meeting be in January 2009 and that notice will be given as soon as possible. For more information on LiteracyWorks and the programs we support, please contact Jason Wentworth, LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur, at 508-979-1504 extension 13 or via e-mail him at JWentworth@gnbwib.org. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |