In honor of Reading and Beyond’s 10th Birthday, Mayor Ashley Swearengin and all members of the Fresno City Council proclaimed Tuesday, March 24th as “Reading and Beyond Day in the City of Fresno.
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10 Years! An occasion to celebrate
On March 20th, Reading and Beyond celebrated our 10th birthday. This milestone was commemorated with an event at Tornino’s Banquet Hall and gave us an opportunity to thank individuals who have been key to Reading and Beyond’s growth and success. We were honored to be presented with a proclamation from State Assemblyman Mike Villines, recognizing Reading and Beyond’s contribution to Fresno County . Thank you to all those who attended and helped us celebrate this special milestone.
Reading and Beyond Receives Recognition by United
States Department of Education (USDE)
Ms. Kerri Briggs, U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, visited Fresno on December 3, 2008 to honor Reading and Beyond for its work and contribution to the community. A welcome reception was held at the Trinity Lutheran Church where Ms. Briggs presented Mr. Luis Santana with the plaque honoring Reading and Beyond as the “Compassionate Champion” in front of a large group of children, volunteers, community leaders, government and educational representatives. Reading and Beyond was recognized as a faith-based organization that serves more than a 1,000 children a day and offers tutoring, adult literacy and parent education at 16 locations throughout Fresno County by engaging various sectors of the community. Ms. Briggs, said that Reading and Beyond is a remarkable example of the impact faith-based organizations can have in a community where people and organizations of different backgrounds come together and decide to champion a cause and make a difference.
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US Dept of Education Award to Reading and Beyond
Award presentation to Executive Director Luis Santana
Board Member Eric Johnson, USDE Assistant Secretary Kerri Brigg, Executive Director Luis Santana, Fresno Mayor Elect Ashley Swearengin, Board Member Emil Milevoj
On December 5, 2007 Fresno Covenant Foundation revealed its new name. Reading and Beyond was chosen as our new name because Reading spotlights what has been the heart of the organization since day one - helping low-income children build strong reading and academic skills.
But as an organization our mission also goes Beyond helping children learn to read. We believe that there are many “foundations” that need to be built to help a child grow up and lead a productive life, like involved parents, entering school prepared, good health, and knowing how to prepare for college. Our name may have changed but our commitment to children and families remains the same.
Reading and Beyond Received White House Recognition
September 27, 2007 - Luis Santana, Executive Director of Fresno Covenant Foundationhas been invited to the White House this week to participate in an education forum! Mr. Santana was also mentioned by Secretary Spelling in her speech . Click here to read the speech.
TESTIMONIALS
Efrain-Improved 2 grade levels in 6 months, He is now on Grade Level
Julisa- Improved 2 grade levels and now attends Manchester GATE
