Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Dreams Do Come True



Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating a place to share our Slice of Life. Read more slices or add you own here.

Today is a day I have been looking forward to for a long time.  It is the beginning of what I think will be a wonderful experience.  Today we had our first meeting for the Next Chapter Book Club.  Those of you who read my blog regularly know how much this means to me.

The Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) was established in 2002 by the Ohio State University Nisonger Center.  NCBC is a community literacy program for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The program provides them with opportunities to be part of a group activity and to build social connections within bookstores, coffee shops, and cafés.  The book clubs consist of five to eight members with disabilities and two volunteer facilitators.  There are over 100 book clubs in North America and Europe.  Now there is one in Vincennes, Indiana.

I heard about NCBC on Jaana's Writing Blog, and last March I was trained to be a program coordinator.  Our path to launch this book club has contained many bumps, but my dream finally became a reality today.  There are five ladies in our book club, and each one brings her own specialness to the group.  There is Carolyn loves to swim at the YMCA and enjoys reading biographies.  Suzie who loves children, especially babies.  Maria who works five days a week, has a boyfriend and listens to mystery audio books.  Becca who loves to go bowling rounds out the group.

I get to share my love of reading with my students each and every day.  It is the best part of being a teacher of reading.  But sharing my love of reading to people with disabilities has brought a new joy.  The best part of the meeting was when one of them said, "This was fun!  I think I want to do it again."

Literacy should have no boundaries or limits, whether it be age, poverty or ability.  It should be literacy for life - every life. ~ Leigh Anne Eck

7 comments:

  1. I can tell from your slice just how much this means to you. What an exciting time, not only for you, but for those five women who have joined your group. Congrats on getting the group started and I pray that it will continue to grow and be enjoyed by many.

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  2. Wonderful! Your passion and excitement for this project shines through with every word you write. I wish you much succcess with this.

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  3. Very special that you have persisted through all those 'bumps' Leigh Anne, & realized your dream, & one for others too. Congratulations on your accomplishment. I hope it is a wonderful time.

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  4. A wonderful dream, so glad to read that it has come true for you. Your excitement and joy comes through!

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  5. All the effort and hard work has paid off. You made a difference in these ladies lives. Way to go Leigh Ann!

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  6. "Literacy for life - every life." I love that you're sharing this journey with us, Leigh Anne.

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  7. Wonderful. I remember how you were dreaming and hoping. I am glad it is happening. You change lives.

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