Franklin County Educators Franklin County Educators join join

Ferst FoundationFerst Foundationforfor

Childhood LiteracyChildhood Literacy

Beginning of Beginning of GeorgiaGeorgia’’s Ferst s Ferst Foundation for Foundation for

Childhood LiteracyChildhood Literacy

• ROBIN FERST founded Ferst Foundation in Georgia in 1999

• Non-profit organization dedicated to fostering literacy and creativity in pre-kindergarten children

• At age 6 Robin was diagnosed with hearing loss….books became the most important part of her world

• Books gave her confidence as she learned about the world through them – as do all children

• Reading opened up a world of possibilities that helped her overcome challenges

Ferst FactsFerst Facts

• Non-profit public foundation so doantions are tax deductible

• Different age appropriate books mailed to each enrolled child on a monthly basis from birth to 5th birthday

Why this is important to Why this is important to eucatorseucators

• Dr. Ruth O’Dell says, “Educate to graduate begins with Ferst”- children who come to school knowing about books and stories, having been read to on a regular basis at home are much more successful all through school….much more likely to graduate high school and attend college.

• $36.00 a year ($3.00/mo.), provides an age appropriate book each month along with an informative and helpful newsletter for the parents, at no cost to the family

Why Donate a Ferst Why Donate a Ferst Membership?Membership?

• Mailing books to the home eliminates the key reason parents do not read to their child - lack of quality books in home

• Low literacy workers cost Georgia businesses 7 billion dollars per year

• Children who learn to appreciate books at an early age become lifelong readers, better students and are more likely to stay in school and graduate.

• Offers us the opportunity to ““Pass it OnPass it On””

Why Donate a Ferst Why Donate a Ferst Membership?Membership?

100% of monies donated in our county are used to provide books for children in Franklin County. Administrative and fundraising expenses are paid by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and FERST FOUNDATION COMMITTEE volunteers.

Ways to DonateWays to Donate• Can sponsor 1 child with a donation of $36, 2

children for $72, 3 children for $108• Some clubs bring their loose change to each

meeting and donate to FERST• Donate your time as a member of the

Community Action Team in Franklin County.Please join with Ferst Foundation in achieving our goals Please join with Ferst Foundation in achieving our goals

of encouraging children to dream and learn through of encouraging children to dream and learn through reading and promoting parent and family involvement reading and promoting parent and family involvement by providing books in home libraries for parents to by providing books in home libraries for parents to read every day with their children.read every day with their children.

Contact Contact

Check for information article on any Franklin County elementary school website

• send us an email at franklincountyferst@gmail.com

• Our website is located athttp://franklinferst.shutterfly.com