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Press Releases:
Better Basics promotes Ms. Melissa Niven to Operations Director

Birmingham, Ala. (Oct. 28) – After an extensive interview process, Better Basics Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Melissa Niven to the Operations Director position.  Niven was hired by Better Basics in August 2008 as an Administrative Assistant.  Her outstanding performance and dedication to Better Basics was first recognized with a promotion to Office Manager and now as the Operations Director.

Niven’s impressive resume includes coursework in Bible and Theology with an Emphasis in Intercultural Ministries from Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, Ala., where she maintained a 4.0 GPA.

In her role as operations director, Niven will oversee all administrative activities, including development, public relations, finance, human resources, information technology and office management.  She will be responsible for managing all administrative and operational activities to support and enhance the Better Basics programs.

“I am delighted to promote Melissa Niven to the position of Better Basics Operation Director,” said Executive Director, Karen Kapp.  “Her proven ability to manage a fast-paced work environment as well as her outstanding interpersonal skills makes her an excellent choice for this position.”

Better Basics is a 501(C)(3) non-profit United Way agency with a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families by advancing literacy through enrichment and intervention programs.  For the 2009-2010 school year, Better Basics is providing its services to more than 50 schools.

During the 2008-2009 school year, Better Basics programming touched almost 18,800 students, gave away over 36,000 books to children and parents, and had approximately 500 community volunteers donate more than 13,500 hours to Alabama students.

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Better Basics Receives Grant for its Schoolwide Enrichment Program

Birmingham, Ala. (June 9, 2009) - Better Basics Inc. is pleased to announce that it has received a grant of $5,400 from the Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA), the state arts agency, to fund its Schoolwide Enrichment program for Title I schools.

The Better Basics Schoolwide Enrichment program allows children financially unable to attend theatrical presentations in the community to see these performances at their schools.  Better Basics' Schoolwide Enrichment program also makes it possible for the arts community to reach and build new audiences.

 Specifically, this $5,400 grant award was used to provide 34 performances of Red Mountain Theatre Company's "Disney's Alice in Wonderland Jr.," for Better Basics Schoolwide Enrichment schools.  In Disney's, "Alice in Wonderland, Jr.," Alice, who believes books to be boring and seeks adventure instead, takes an unexpected trip to a dream world, "Wonderland," where she encounters absurd characters including a Chesire cat, a white rabbit, a Mad Hatter, and the bullying Queen of Hearts for the adventure of her life.  Despite her misguided beliefs and her risky decision-making, Alice eventually learns that true adventure and happiness comes from knowing who you are and being true to yourself. 

 Red Mountain Theatre Company's educational outreach program aims to create stimulating, values-rich theatre that speaks to the rewards associated with overcoming adversity and self-discovery and champions the ideals of life-long learning through the dramatic arts.  Red Mountain Theatre Company provides a curriculum packet that Better Basics will distribute to classroom teachers the week of the performance so students will have a foundation of knowledge before they view the performances.  A total of 13,100 children benefitted from this program.

ASCA grants are awarded through a multi-faceted competitive review process.  This grant signifies that Better Basics Inc. provides programs of artistic quality, serves the needs of the community and demonstrates high-level administrative standards, as well as enhancing education of students at all levels.  This grant awarded by the Alabama State Council on the Arts is made possible through funding from an annual appropriation from the Alabama State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. 

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Montgomery, AL (June 1, 2009) - Better Basics Inc. has received a grant for $2,000 from the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation (ACJF).  ACJF is a statewide grantmaking foundation supported by lawyers from across the state.

 Better Basics is a 501(c)(3) non-profit United Way agency whose mission is to advance literacy by providing reading intervention and enrichment programs. 

"We know our volunteers and staff are dedicated, work hard and love what they do to help thousands of children become better readers, and we are so grateful for the support from the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation," said Karen Kapp, Better Basics' Executive Director.

"The Alabama Civil Justice Foundation was created 17 years ago by members of the Alabama Association for Justice.  That same year, the Alabama Supreme Court authorized ACJF as an IOLTA (Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts) program," said Sue McInnish, ACJF Executive Director.  "In addition to the IOLTA funds, lawyers and law firms support the foundation through contributions."

The Foundation's grants are provided for general operating expenses, one of the greatest needs among nonprofit organizations especially during the current economic crisis.  The grants enable organizations to do a more effective job providing social services and legal aid for disadvantaged, disabled and at-risk families and children in Alabama.

For more information about the Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, visit www.acjf.org or call 334.263.3003.

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Birmingham, Ala. (June 1, 2009) -   Over the past year, faculty from The Belser-Parton Literacy Center at The University of Alabama conducted an extensive evaluation of Better Basics.  The evaluation concluded that the Better Basics' programs are highly effective in improving a child's reading level.The evaluation stated, "Overall we find Better Basics an exemplary model of a non-profit literacy service provider.  The organization has been successful in acquiring funding for a variety of well-conceived research-based services so they may be provided to schools below the actual cost.  Test data shows positive impact on participating children's scores, and volunteers, participating teachers, and school administrators consistently rated Better Basics' programs as having a positive impact on student motivation and achievement.  We believe this program is a model for others to follow for providing high quality supplemental services to enrich students' school literacy experiences and accelerate students' literacy achievement."

 When those words showed up on Better Basics' evaluation from the University of Alabama's Belser-Parton Literacy Center, Executive Director Karen Kapp's heart soared.

 "We know our volunteers and staff are dedicated, work hard and love what they do to help thousands of children become better readers," said Kapp.  "However, we were very excited to learn we were given such high praise." 

Better Basics is a 501(c)(3) non-profit United Way agency whose mission is to advance literacy by providing reading intervention and enrichment programs.  Better Basics programs began in one Birmingham City elementary school in 1994.  Since then, they have provided services to over 60 schools in Birmingham and surrounding school systems. 

Better Basics' evaluation was prepared by The Belser-Parton Literacy Center through the College of Education at The University of Alabama and conducted by Lisa Scherff, Ph.D., Co-Director, Carol Donavan, Ph.D., Co-Director, and Christina Van Zandt, M.A., Graduate Assistant.

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Birmingham, Ala. (April 8, 2009) - Powderly Elementary School fifth graders and Homewood Middle School students have been pen pals throughout the 2008-2009 school year.  On April 15, 2009, the students from Homewood Middle School will travel to Powderly Elementary to meet their pen pals.  Homewood Middle School students will visit with their pen pals from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.  Participating students at Powderly Elementary School are involved in Better Basics' Reading Intervention program.  Better Basics is a 501(c)(3) non-profit United Way agency whose mission is to advance literacy by providing reading intervention and enrichment in public schools.  Reading Intervention serves struggling readers in public schools, grades K-5.  Ms. Beth Stewart is Powderly Elementary School's fifth-grade Reading Intervention teacher.  Here daughter, Ms. Elizabeth Stewart, teaches the Homewood Middle School students who have participated in the pen pal program.

"In connection with the reading and writing that we do in the Better Basics Reading Intervention program, I gave my 12 students the assignment of writing a friendly letter to a pen pal," says Stewart.  Since her daughter, Elizabeth, teaches 12 students at Homewood Middle School, Stewart seized the opportunity to provide both classrooms with a unique learning experience.

The children enjoyed reading the letters they exchanged at Christmas.  In the letters, the students wrote to each other about their favorite songs and performers, favorite sports and college teams, favorite television shows and movies, favorite school subjects and books, and their holiday and weekend plans.  They exchanged letters again on Valentine's Day.  At that point, all the students expressed they were ready to meet their pen pal.  Beth and Elizabeth decided they should arrange the pen pal meeting.

Powderly Elementary School students will greet the Homewood Middle School students as they arrive.  After they're greeted, the students will pair up with their respective pen pal and get to know one another.  Powderly Elementary School students will read a card they've created to the entire group.  Tentatively planned, Ms. Wallace, Powderly Elementary School principal, will present Better Basics' certificates to the Reading Intervention students as well as announce the Most Improved Reading Intervention students.  Better Basics is proud to support the efforts of teachers who bring inventive and enriching learning experiences to the children of our community.

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Better Basics Strives to Improve Alabama Literacy Rates

Birmingham, Ala. (March 12, 2009) - Better Basics Inc. has a program called Motivators of Reading Enrichment (MORE) that encourages fourth-grade students to read for pleasure.  Once a week, a volunteer visits the classroom to collect book reports, motivate students, and reward them for reading.  Every child who successfully completes a book report wins a prize book to build their own personal library.  Statistics report that in low-income neighborhoods, there is only one age appropriate book for every 300 children.  Better Basics and The Literacy Council are working to reverse this trend.  

Each year, the MORE program holds an essay contest.  In 2002, Steven Jemison, of Councill Elementary School, was chosen as an essay winner.  Jemison's writing ability earned him the privilege of reading his essay to The Birmingham City Council.  This year, the Councill Elementary School winner was his sister, Sariah Jemsion.  Steven Jemison is now a junior at Jackson Olin High School where he has achieved success in the classroom, as well as on the field.  He is a member of both the track and football team.  Steven recently brought his sister, Sariah, to Better Basics' office for a film shoot starring our essay winners.  In her winning essay, Sariah wrote that she "inherited" the More prize books from her older brother.  Steven's emphasis on the importance of literacy pushed Sariah to focus on improving her reading skills.  Karen Kapp, executive director of Better Basics, was on hand to congratulate the Jemison's.

"It is wonderful to provide opportunities for children to be successful and to be recognized for their accomplishments.  We are very proud of Steven and Sariah Jemison."

Through monetary and book donations from The Literacy Council, Better Basics reaches and changes the lives of countless children like Steven and Sariah.

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Better Basics is Pleased to Announce the Appointment of New Executive Director, Karen Kapp

Birmingham, Ala. (June 16, 2008) The Board of Directors of Better Basics is proud to announce the appointment of Karen Kapp as the Executive Director of Better Basics. Karen was selected as the Executive Director after an extensive search and interview process.

Karen's impressive resume includes a Bachelor's Degree from Clemson University, a Master's Degree from the University of Alabama, and nearly ten years of experience with the Better Basics organization.

Karen has been employed with Better Basics since 1998, and has held many positions with the organization, such as MORE coordinator, Schoolwide Enrichment coordinator, MORE Director, Programs Executive and Interim Executive Director.

In her position as the new Executive Director, Karen will work in partnership with the Board of Directors in the management and administration of the organization's fiscal affairs, programs, personnel, resource development, planning, and growth.

Karen's love for children, her commitment to literacy and the outstanding relationships she has developed with school administrators and teachers, made her the ideal choice for this position.

BETTER BASICS has been helping fight the battle against illiteracy in the Birmingham Area for nearly fifteen years. Incorporated in 1994, Better Basics began in one Birmingham City School. Now, the Better Basics program has grown to 60 schools in and around the Birmingham Metro Area, with nearly 100 staff members and more than 400 volunteers.

During the 2007-2008 school year, Better Basics reached roughly 16,700 children and parents, gave away over 37,000 books to 4th graders, provided a hundred parents educational activities to do with their children, and provided enrichment programs to thousands of students. For more information, visit www.betterbasics.org.

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Better Basics and Books a Million is Calling All Kids for Summer!

Birmingham, Ala. (May 28, 2008) - Better Basics, a local non-profit providing reading intervention and enrichment, is partnering with Books-a-Million (Wildwood location) to kick off the summer with a book drive and summertime stories, activities, and fun on Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Children of all ages are encouraged to visit the store and buy a new book for Better Basics or bring gently used books. In addition to the book drive, families will have the opportunity to hear some summertime stories, explore some fun summertime activities that will keep children learning whether they realize it or not, and learn ways for parents to encourage their children to get away from the television and being active both physically and mentally. Families can also pick up a Family Activity booklet for ideas for the summer.

For even more ideas to keep children busy, Calling All Kids, a book published by the AT&T Pioneers, will also be available for sale and proceeds will benefit Better Basics.

Better Basics is a United Way 501(c)(3) non-profit, helping children improve reading skills and establish the habit of reading. Better Basics gives away more than 37,000 books annually to students in the community. Better Basics provides at least one program in every Birmingham City elementary school as well as in other school systems including Bessemer City, Jefferson County, Shelby County, Clay County, and Talladega County. Because of its great success working with the schools, Better Basics has seen their biggest increase in requests for programs for next school year. Better Basics has an immediate need for volunteers this summer or regularly during the school year. If you or your employer would like to make a donation to help fund the much-needed books and supplies for the additional programs, please contact Better Basics at 205.944.2928 or visit our Web Site, www.betterbasics.org, for more information.

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Better Basics Collaborates for Alabama Spring Fest

Birmingham, Ala. (May 20, 2008) - Better Basics, a local non-profit providing student reading programs, collaborated with a number of organizations and state agencies to throw the 2nd Annual Alabama Spring Fest for fourth-grade students from five area elementary schools on Tuesday, May 6, 2008.

Students from Abrams, Hillview, Lipscomb, Wenonah & Wright Elementary schools enjoyed a fun-filled day at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens learning about health, nutrition, literacy, the environment, Alabama agriculture and character development. The students rotated through various stations throughout the gardens exploring life in a pond, walking through an Alabama forest with industry professionals, and visiting Lily, the 1,500 pound Holstein that travels with the Mobile Dairy Classroom. In addition, they were entertained by a garden story time and a motivational concert. The children returned to their schools after a provided lunch and with books, T-shirts, prizes, and lots of good memories.

The Alabama Spring Fest held its first event last fall in Montgomery and the next will be held in Leeds this fall changing its name to Alabama Fall Fest when the season dictates. Festival Coordinator Fred Kapp strives to use this event as an opportunity to teach students about the environment, and the significance of Alabama's agricultural bounty. "Research indicates that children need to make their connection to the environment by the fourth grade or perhaps it will never form. We need to encourage children to spend more time in the forest, garden, or landscape to prepare the next generation of environmental stewards," said Kapp.

Alabama Spring and Fall Fest is presented around the state and sponsored, in part, by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Cawaco RC&D, Alabama Forests Forever Foundation, Birmingham Water Works, Gloria N. Moody Foundation, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama, Alabama Sports Foundation, The Children's Literacy Guild of Alabama, and Better Basics, Inc.

Better Basics is a United Way 501(c)(3) non-profit, helping children improve reading skills and establish the habit of reading. The Better Basics Schoolwide Enrichment program helps school children participate in arts, cultural, & educational presentations that they otherwise may not experience by offering a menu of hundreds of presenters and programs to the schools to supplement their educational offerings. Better Basics provides at least one program in every Birmingham City elementary school as well as in other school systems including Bessemer City, Jefferson County, Shelby County, Clay County, and Talladega County. Because of its great success working with the schools, Better Basics has seen their biggest increase in requests for programs for next school year. If you can help as a volunteer or you or your employer would like to make a donation to help fund the much-needed books and supplies for the additional programs, please contact Better Basics at 205.944.2928 or visit our Web Site, www.betterbasics.org, for more information.

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Better Basics' Board of Directors Gets Fresh Look

Birmingham, Ala. (March 26, 2008) - At the January Annual Meeting of Better Basics' Board of Directors, three members rotated off or retired their position and four new members joined. The "new blood" has increased the diversity, age range and experience of the board.

Loucrecia Collins, Ph.D., is Associate Professor at UAB School of Education. Her career has taken her across the country from Alaska to the South, teaching in early elementary grades as well as leading schools as a principal.

Crystal Jarvis is the Banking & Finance Reporter for Birmingham Business Journal. She grew up in Birmingham, has lived in Anniston and Auburn, and now wants to give back to her hometown. In addition to serving on the board, she has become a Better Basics school volunteer.

Kym Prewitt is the founder and executive director of The Children's Literacy Guild of Alabama. A tireless community and Better Basics volunteer, she frequently speaks to groups about the importance of literacy. Her love of reading also influenced her early career. She taught English for eight years at Vestavia Hills High School.

Beth Wilder is a freelance writer for both local and national publications. She also serves on the boards of The Children's Literacy Guild of Alabama and The Literacy Council of Central Alabama.

Rotating off of the board are Wade Herren and John Glasser. Dr. J. Donald Carmichael resigned his position. Mr. Glasser founded Better Basics in 1993 and has watched it become a respected agency that serves a vital community need. Mr. Herren and Dr. Carmichael have been dedicated supporters of Better Basics serving in various board capacities. We express our deep appreciation to each of these men for their faithful service to improving the future of children through Better Basics reading programs.

Better Basics, a Central Alabama 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, helps school children improve their reading skills, establish the habit of reading, and experience arts, cultural, and educational presentations through Better Basics programs. Better Basics provides at least one program in every Birmingham City elementary school as well as in other school systems including Bessemer City, Jefferson County, Shelby County, Clay County, and Talladega County. Funding for Better Basics comes from below-cost program fees, United Way, and donations from individuals, corporations, government, and foundations. For more information about Better Basics visit www.betterbasics.org or call 205.944.2928.

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AT&T Supports Birmingham's Better Basics with Grant Dollars and Volunteer Hours

Birmingham, Ala. (February 27, 2008) - The AT&T Foundation - the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) - today announced a special AT&T CARES grant of $5,000 to Birmingham's Better Basics, a central Alabama nonprofit agency that helps school children improve their reading skills, establish the habit of reading and experience cultural and educational presentations.

In 2007, the AT&T Foundation provided $230,000 in grants to 46 organizations through the AT&T CARES program. AT&T Pioneers chapters and other qualified internal organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to volunteering in the community are allowed to nominate a nonprofit organization to receive a one-time $5,000 grant through the AT&T CARES program.

"This grant will enable the Better Basics MORE program to place even more top-quality books into children's homes," said Karen Kapp, programs director for Better Basics. "Every time a student completes a MORE library book, he or she is rewarded with a take-home book. So these dollars will immediately translate into reading success for students throughout the area." 

The funding received from AT&T will help the organization increase the number of books it gives away to students and to teachers for use in the classroom. During the 2006 - 2007 school year, students read more than 31,000 books; 35,000 were distributed as rewards.

Better Basics was selected by the Alabama chapter of the AT&T Pioneers. Peggy Burdette, past president of the Alabama chapter, and a team of approximately 15 Pioneers began volunteering in the MORE program 10 years ago and have been responsible for awarding prize books and encouraging fourth-grade students to read in their assigned classrooms.  

More than 350,000 people nationwide are members of the AT&T Pioneers, making it the nation's largest company-sponsored volunteer organization. In 2005, AT&T Pioneers donated more than 11.3 million hours of their time to community outreach activities. This equates to nearly $204 million worth of volunteer time.

Last year, Better Basics received a competitive technology grant from AT&T. That grant is being used to upgrade the organization's computer capability and help facilitate record-keeping, according to Ginny Bugg, Better Basics executive director. 

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Better Basics Brings Music and the Arts to North Roebuck Elementary

Birmingham, Ala. (December 4, 2007) - Better Basics Schoolwide Enrichment program, North Roebuck Elementary and Embellishments, a civic handbell ensemble, are collaborating to give 4^th and 5^th graders weekly music and handchime instruction.

Phyllis Kirk, director of Embellishments, approached Better Basics Schoolwide Enrichment Coordinator, Sherri Blank, about providing handbell and music instruction in local schools through Schoolwide Enrichment. Mrs. Blank and John McAphee, Jr., Coordinator of the Department of Fine Arts of the Birmingham School System, together selected North Roebuck to receive this offer based on its lack of a music program. North Roebuck Elementary has had to make the sad, but all too common choice, to cut the music and art teachers in lieu of core subject teachers. Now, because of the school's participation in the Better Basics Schoolwide Enrichment program and the generosity of Embellishments, at least some of the students are enjoying music education.

Sixty-six North Roebuck students are learning to read music and ring Malmark handchimes. Kirk and two other Embellishments' members are donating their time and leading the children in weekly classes this school year. Highlights of their experience included a holiday concert with the Embellishment ensemble at The Birmingham Museum of Art on December 1^st as well as a concert for their peers at North Roebuck Elementary and their parents in a spring concert.

In addition to this year-long music program, Better Basics Schoolwide Enrichment is providing students at North Roebuck exposure to the arts through Red Mountain Theatre Company's Beauty and the Beast production and Opera Birmingham's production of The Three Little Pigs. Other enrichment programs and activities will be scheduled later in the year. Schoolwide Enrichment provides schools access to arts, cultural, and educational presentations they otherwise may be unable to experience.

Organized in October 2001, Embellishments is a civic handbell ensemble based in Birmingham, Alabama. This group consists of 16 auditioned musicians. Embellishments plays more than six octaves of Schulmerich Bells, seven octaves of Malmark Chimes, two octaves of Petit and Fritsen bells, and various other instruments.

Better Basics, a Central Alabama 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, helps school children improve their reading skills, establish the habit of reading and writing, and experience arts, cultural and educational presentations through Better Basics programs. Better Basics provides at least one program in every Birmingham City elementary school as well as in other school systems including Bessemer City, Jefferson County, Shelby County, Clay County, and Talladega County. Funding for Better Basics comes from below-cost program fees, United Way and donations from individuals, corporations, government and foundations. For more information about Better Basics visit www.betterbasics.org. or call 205.944.2928.

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Better Basics Partners with The Altamont School for Fall Project Week

Birmingham, Ala. (October 3, 2007) - Better Basics, a local United Way agency helping school children improve reading skills, was selected by The Altamont School as one of the designated service projects students could choose to participate in during the school's annual Fall Project Week.

Altamont students Josh Harbison, senior from Gardendale; Chris Giordano, junior from the North Shelby County area; and Margaret Collins, sophomore from the North Shelby County area; plus several faculty members (Constanza A. Bello, Emily Payne and Lia Gerety) spent about 20 hours in the Better Basics office assisting program directors in final preparations to provide Reading Intervention and MORE reading enrichment to public school students during the 2007-08 school year.

"Working with student volunteers and The Altamont School is a great way to expose these typically fortunate students to more typical Alabama students, the ones we serve," said Better Basics Programs Executive Karen Kapp.

The Altamont School's Fall Project Week is a rich tradition in which fifth - ninth grade students take educational class trips, while the tenth - twelfth grade students select from a choice of educational trips and various service projects. Project Week is another way Altamont School exposes its students to new experiences and enriches their learning.

Better Basics advances literacy by providing reading intervention and reading enrichment in public schools. Better Basics provides at least one program in every Birmingham City elementary school as well as 14 schools in other school systems including Bessemer City, Jefferson County, Shelby County, Clay County, and Talladega County. Funding for Better Basics comes from program fees, United Way and donations from individuals, corporations, government, and foundations. For more information about Better Basics visit www.betterbasics.org. or call 205.994.2928.

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Better Basics Trains Volunteers for Start of New Year of Programs

Birmingham, Ala. (September 2007) - Better Basics, a local United Way agency helping school children improve reading skills, is currently training over 100 new and returning volunteers. These volunteers, coordinated by Better Basics program staff, will go into public schools throughout the greater Birmingham area to provide Better Basics' Reading Intervention program and MORE enrichment programs to first through fourth grade students.

At Better Basics, volunteers are considered the heart of the reading programs. "Our volunteers make such a difference in the lives of our school children. Helping a student improve his or her reading skills gives the child a real chance at school success," states Ginny Bugg, Better Basics Executive Director.

Valerie Finney, an eight-year volunteer with Better Basics, and a busy RN at a local hospital makes time for Better Basics students. "I look around and see a generation that could be lost if individuals don't intervene and make a positive difference. I don't ever want to write off a child," says Finney. "It's all about showing them the possibilities."

Conducting reading programs in over 50 schools in and around the Greater Birmingham metro area, Better Basics requires over 400 volunteers yearly. Most of these volunteers commit to an hour per week to work one-on-one with a child who is struggling to read or to visit a fourth-grade classroom to encourage and reward the students for reading.

Sandra Edwards recruits Better Basics volunteers for each school year. "Our volunteers are so wonderful. Many of them come back year after year. They just really have the heart of the children in mind when they continue to say ‘Yes' each year," she said. To volunteer with Better Basics, please contact Ms. Edwards at 994-2928, ext. 329.

Better Basics Reading Intervention provides help in small groups or individually to students in first, second, and third grade. The MORE enrichment program motivates fourth grade students to establish the habit of reading with rewards, including prize books for the children to take home.

Better Basics advances literacy by providing reading intervention and reading enrichment in public schools. Better Basics provides at least one program in every Birmingham City elementary school as well as 14 schools in other school systems including Bessemer City, Jefferson County, Shelby County, Clay County, and Talladega County. Funding for Better Basics comes from program fees, United Way and donations from individuals, corporations, government, and foundations. For more information about Better Basics visit www.betterbasics.org. or call 205.994.2928.

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Better Basics Teams Up With AT&T Pioneers to Make Reading Fun

Birmingham, Ala. (September 2007) - Better Basics and the AT&T Pioneers (formerly Bellsouth Pioneers) are teaming up to bring Birmingham families fun cooking and craft activities that reinforce reading and math - skills that all children need for school success.

Better Basics Parenting Workshops teach parents how to use reading and math activities in an engaging way. Led by a teaching professional, these hour-long workshops are active, hands-on learning experiences. Parents take home a finished craft, a starter bag of materials and a booklet with directions for more family activities. This makes it easy for them to conduct their own cooking and craft activities with their children. To schedule a workshop at your school, church, or organization, contact Karen Kapp, Better Basics Program Executive, at 994-2928, ext. 306.

 The Pioneer's Calling All Kids book is a collection of hundreds of kid-friendly crafts and cooking ideas. Again, these activities give children an opportunity to read and use math while interacting with family and friends. This 500-page book contains such recipes as "Dogs in a Sweater" and crafts like making "Homemade Playdough." All proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Better Basics MORE Program. To order a book, send a $12 check (payable to AT&T Pioneers), along with your mailing address, to 2427 Tahiti Lane, Alabaster, AL  35007. Calling All Kids will be mailed to you and Better Basics will receive a donation.

The AT&T Pioneers are current and former employees who provide volunteer service and support for a broad base of community programs centering on education, the environment, health, human services and life enrichment.

Better Basics advances literacy by providing reading intervention and reading enrichment in public schools. Better Basics provides at least one program in every Birmingham City elementary school as well as in other school systems including Bessemer City, Jefferson County, Shelby County, Clay County, and Talladega County. Funding for Better Basics comes from program fees, United Way and donations from individuals, corporations, government and foundations. For more information about Better Basics visit www.betterbasics.org. or call 205.994.2928.

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