Seeds Part of “Best of” Groupon Grassroots Campaign

December 26, 2012

Seeds of Literacy and Groupon Grassroots (http://grassroots.groupon.com), the philanthropic arm of Groupon, announce the launch of a local campaign to help 30 adults in Greater Cleveland earn their GED certificates as part of Groupon’s “Best of” Grassroots Campaign.

The Literacy for Life campaign will be available on the Cleveland Groupon Grassroots page beginning on Christmas, Tuesday, December 25th, and running through Wednesday, January 9th 2013. Utilizing Groupon Grassroots’ collective action model, Groupon subscribers can pledge support for the Literacy for Life initiative in increments of $10, with each $10 donation providing one adult the opportunity to enroll in the Seeds of Literacy tutoring program.

Since 95% of Seeds of Literacy students live at or below the federal poverty level, it is imperative that this test and all of the organization’s services remain free of charge. At absolutely no charge to students, Seeds of Literacy provides up to six hours per day of one-to-one tutoring Monday through Thursday, access to computers, assistance transitioning to higher education and job readiness training.

Before beginning their tutoring sessions, all new Seeds of Literacy students take the Test of Adult Basic Education, or TABE. This test determines baseline education levels and helps staff assign a curriculum designed to meet the student’s individual learning needs.

“We are excited to employ the collective action model of Groupon Grassroots to raise support for Seeds of Literacy,“ said Bonnie Entler, Executive Director. “We look forward to creating new awareness for Seeds of Literacy as one of the local organizations in Cleveland to be featured on Groupon Grassroots.“

100% percent of the Groupon Grassroots campaign proceeds will be used to provide assessment tests to at least 30 new students. The “tipping point” of $300 must be reached for Seeds of Literacy to receive the donations.

Last year, Seeds of Literacy served over 1,200 students, making it larger than the average high school.

Congratulations 2012 Graduates!

December 21, 2012

Cleveland, OH, December 21, 2012—- Seeds of Literacy celebrated its 2012 Graduation and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 in the historic US Bank lobby at 3104 West 25th Street in Cleveland. We are proud to present our 2012 graduating class: Sabrina Adams, Ashley Adkins, Christine Antill, Chelsea Bailey, Corey Brooks, Steve Butler, James Drolson, Amon Elliott, Natasha Gant, Megan Gregg, Margo Hudson, Dan Leemars, Jonathan Miller, Justin Moore, Theodore Parker, Topaz Peoples, Benazir Perez, Anthony Rich, Maria Rodriguez, Gaudie Sierra, Brittney Smith, Maurice Smith, Meghan Thorsky, Nada Wells, Tori Welz, Titanisha Westry, and Starliss Young.

Harry Boomer of WOIO 19 Action News was the featured keynote speaker. He gave an uplifting, motivational address to the graduates and their families, Seeds volunteers, and friends and supporters. Two graduates, Gaudie Sierra and Titanisha Westry, spoke about their experiences at Seeds and their plans for the future.

Margo Faulhaber was named Tutor of the Year, and four tutors were recognized for more than ten years of service each to Seeds:  Jane Bohne, Dean Knauss, Bob Manly, and Art Zammikiel. Julie Larsen was recognized for fifteen years of service, having started tutoring in Seeds’ first year of existence in 1997.

Seeds of Literacy would like to thank American Cap & Gown, Bruno’s Ristorante, Half Price Books, Magnificat High School, and US Bank for their assistance with the event.

For photos of the event, click here.