My Brother's Keeper seeks commissioners' support for summer 'book-and‑pizza' reading program

Gene Brown, program manager for My Brother's Keeper, presented a summer reading program to Portage County commissioners and asked for the board's support in promoting the initiative.

Brown described a 10‑week program that aims to improve early‑grade fluency and comprehension by encouraging participants to read a book a week and tracking progress with pre‑ and post‑assessments. Partners identified in the plan include local agencies and sites such as King Kennedy, Vernon Matthews Skills Center, Portage County Community Action Council and Amanda's Garden. Brown said program elements will include registering kids, issuing library cards and documenting learning gains so the group can report results to the community.

Brown said he was not asking the commissioners for direct funding: "Today, I'm here not asking for dollars and cents. I'm asking for your support in, the community as a whole." He noted local sponsorships already secured for rewards (including pizza from Giannino's) and asked the board to help publicize and photograph the program when it launches.

Commissioners expressed support and interest in helping publicize and partner where appropriate; county staff offered to follow up on logistics and contact information. The program's organizers plan to accept registrations online and to work with partner organizations that have cutoff dates for participation.