Dear friends of Noble County literacy:

 

Over the past nine years, LEAP and its students have enjoyed more than our share of great moments!

 

Ø      We have watched adults proudly accept their GED certificates in graduation ceremonies. 

Ø      We have heard the voices of children excitedly tell their tutor that they earned on “A” on their spelling tests for the first time. 

Ø      We have watched children and their parents learn together and develop a joint love of learning that offers them a better opportunity for success. 

Ø      We have celebrated test scores, successful job interviews, report cards, most improved student awards, and citizenship ceremonies. 

 

President John F. Kennedy reflected on the nature of crises by reminding the world that

 

As LEAP of Noble County enters the fourth quarter of the 2009 fiscal year it is faced with an equal measure of each. The events of the past year have underscored the need for a high functioning community based literacy organization to serve Noble County residents. LEAP also enters this period of unprecedented opportunity facing grave danger. Economic conditions have placed LEAP in the most difficult financial situation it has ever faced. LEAP has taken great strides to avert a financial collapse, yet there is the very real possibility, that if it is to exist at all, LEAP will have to do so in a greatly diminished capacity.

 

Over the past seven years, LEAP has positioned itself as a premier provider of community based literacy services. Between July 2005 and April 2009, students have spent 280,130.75 hours in LEAP programs across Noble County. Between July 2007 and June 2008, 1,556 unique students attended LEAP programs. In other words, nearly 3% of Noble County’s population attended a LEAP literacy program during the 2007-2008 program year. The vast majority demonstrated significant academic success:

 

Through ten months of programming in the 2008-2009 program year, 1,376 students have spent 68,912 hours in LEAP programs, which puts LEAP on pace for another record year of attendance!  It is said that customers vote with their feet. If that is true then we can believe that students continue to attend LEAP programs because they are achieving academic gains.

 

 

 

LEAP foresaw the ensuing financial danger and began to act during the first quarter of 2009. LEAP management asked for suggestions for cost savings in each of its programs and implemented the best suggestions, including reductions in pay for some key staff members. As a result, LEAP cut its expenses by 22% between the second and third quarters without closing any programs. LEAP cannot save its way into a better financial position. If LEAP cannot generate additional operating dollars, it will be forced to cut some vitally needed programs in our community.

 

… recognizes the difficulties facing too many families and businesses in our community.  

… is a mission driven organization at every level.

… finds a way to do more with less each and every year.

… believes that a prosperous future in Noble County hinges on increased levels of literacy and    

     education. 

… has witnessed the impact its programs have had on toddlers, children, teens, adults and families. 

… has watched its students achieve things they never believed possible.

 

  

Click filename below to access file

Pledge_Card.pdf