Gambrills, Md. — Arundel Bay Area Chapter members of Jack & Jill of America partnered with local organizations to install a reading room in the child care center at Sarah’s House, a supportive housing program offering emergency and transitional housing for homeless families in Anne Arundel County.
Child care is among an array of services offered to residents at the facility.
In addition to building a culturally diverse reading corner, ABA members painted the space, replaced office furniture, and with support from the Target Corporation refinished the flooring with colorful, kid-friendly rugs. The space was decorated to provide a cozy environment for children to gather and read.
Earlier this month, the space was dedicated to Harriett E. Smith, the beloved director of child care for 10 years who passed away suddenly in November 2016.
“It is a delight for Sarah’s House Child Care to have received such a useful and beautiful donation,” A. Tucker, Sarah’s House school age liaison declared.
The President of the ABA Chapter, L.T. Harden reported, “children’s literacy is a national focus of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Literacy is inextricably tied to children’s success in life. As a Jack and Jill of America Chapter, we are elated that we can help support children’s literacy in our community. We thank everyone who helped make the reading corner a reality. We hope the reading corner will be in existence for years to come.”
The ABA chapter was formed in October 1990 and its mission has not changed. Since its inception, the ABA Chapter (formerly known as the Greater Glen Burnie Chapter) has been involved with community initiatives. This past year Chapter children and members volunteered at a shelter, donated books to reading program, made sandwiches for the homeless, caroled for senior citizens and made weekend food backpacks for needy children.
Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. The organization aims to seek for all children the same advantages which Chapter members desire for their own children and support all national, regional and local legislation aimed at bettering the conditions of all children.
The ABA Chapter looks forward to continued involvement and support of children in the Anne Arundel County community.