Literacy Project with Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club

Twin City Kiwanis Club Awards $24,000 Grant to The Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club for Innovative Mentorship and Literacy Program

“Enhancing Job Readiness and Academic Success for Local Youth”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Winston-Salem, NC (May 22, 2024) – The Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club is thrilled to announce a $24,000 grant from the Twin City Kiwanis Club. This generous grant will fund the “Empowering Youth through Mentorship and Literacy” program, an innovative initiative to engage older teens in paid mentorship roles to support younger children in the summer camp program.

The funding, disbursed over three years, aims to empower teens with job readiness skills and leadership opportunities while fostering literacy and educational growth among younger campers.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Twin City Kiwanis Club for their support,” said Sylvia Adams, Area Director of The Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club. “This grant will allow us to expand our mentorship program, providing invaluable opportunities for teen mentors and summer camp members. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in our community.”

The structured program will run for eight weeks each summer, employing teens for 15-20 hours per week at a wage of $10 per hour. Teen mentors will engage in activities such as reading to younger campers, assisting with educational games, and helping with coursework. The rigorous interview process and comprehensive training will equip mentors with valuable job readiness skills.

“Supporting the youth in our community is a core mission of the Twin City Kiwanis Club,” said George Munford, President of Twin City Kiwanis Club. “We are proud to partner with The Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club, with funding from the Harold T. Southern Endowment, in this important initiative. The ‘Empowering Youth through Mentorship and Literacy’ program not only enhances literacy among young children but also prepares our teens for future success.”

The program is designed to address the need for structured educational support and employment opportunities for teens in Winston-Salem. By providing older teens with a platform to develop professional skills and enhancing the academic abilities of younger children, the initiative bridges the summer learning gap and ensures continuous academic engagement.

For more information about The Salvation Army Ken Carlson Boys & Girls Club, please visit SalvationArmyWS.org or Communications Director, Kayanah Alexander.

Contact Information

Kayanah Alexander

Director of Communications

(336) 245-2085

[email protected]

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About the Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem

Established in 1907, The Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem has been a pillar of support for thousands of individuals in Forsyth, Davie, Stokes, and Yadkin counties. As the only shelter in Forsyth County catering to individuals and homeless families, The Salvation Army provides programs tailored to meet the community’s most pressing needs. For more information about programs or to donate, visit www.salvationarmyws.org. Stay connected with The Salvation Army on Facebook and Instagram.

About Twin City Kiwanis Club
The Twin City Kiwanis Club is dedicated to improving the lives of children and communities in Winston-Salem. Through service projects and partnerships, the club strives to create a positive and lasting impact on the local community.

Photos Courtesy of The Salvation Army

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