Why are Rochester’s Children at Risk?

Today, a growing number of school-aged Rochester City children are confronted with the issue of literacy. The implications of this problem are far reaching and directly affect graduation rates, crime levels, teen pregnancy, gang affiliations, increased levels of unemployment and the potential collapse of the city’s social infrastructure.

It is Hard to Succeed if you can’t read.

Since 2002, the Mercier Literacy for Children program has helped hundreds of Rochester city children in grades K-6 confront the challenge of struggling readers by providing a comprehensive language arts intervention process after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. Developed in collaboration with Nazareth College Graduate School of Literacy and under the guidance of Graduate Director Dr. Naomi Erdmann, this evidenced-based intervention system has a proven track record of helping students succeed. The program is nurturing, safe and provides a risk-free environment for students. Most importantly, 100% of the students have improved on the majority of assessments given during the summer program. To expand the reach of Mercier Literacy for Children, we need your help. To learn how you can make a difference in the life of a Rochester city child and the future of our community, please explore our website.

Read more...