For more information contact: Tameka Lawson 773-459-3541

Chicago, IL I Grow Chicago is partnering with Bernie’s Book Bank and The Chicago Public Library to host a community festival for children, families, and residents of the Englewood community. 3,500 children’s’ books will be given away. “Literacy Fest” will include family friendly activities, including face painting, an art table, and storytelling by Kucha and Baba Tony. A representative from The Chicago Public library will help sign people up for library cards and inform the community about upcoming events and programming. The event will be held at I Grow Chicago’s new Peace House at 6402 S. Honore, on Saturday, June 14th, 2014 from 11am-1pm. The event will be held outdoors.

“Children who are not academically engaged throughout the summer months are at-risk for falling behind grade level. I Grow Chicago is hosting the Literacy Fest to encourage summer learning while children are on break,” says Tameka Lawson, I Grow Chicago’s Executive Director. Bernie's Book Bank facilitates the collection, processing and redistribution of new and gently used children's books to significantly increase book ownership among at-risk children throughout Chicagoland.

Although I GROW Chicago, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, is a newcomer to Englewood, the organization has impressive achievements. Robin Robinson of Fox 32 News called I Grow Chicago “a true partner for peacefulness.” This year, they’ve taught ongoing yoga classes to over 250 pre-K and elementary school students, as well to as seniors and adults in Englewood. They run “I Woof I Read,” a literacy program for young children, in which kids who are struggling with reading have practice sessions with a trained dog. This research-based process aids children in overcoming anxiety and other emotional obstacles in learning to read. I Grow Chicago hosts many community events. They recently hosted an open dinner for the Chicago Community Trust’s “On the Table” Event, engaging 90 residents outdoors in an inspiring facilitated conversation about building community in Englewood and hosted a Community Game Day for WBEZ and Chicago Cares’ Day of Service. In addition to yoga, literacy, art, and urban farming programs, which provide employment opportunities and work training to Englewood residents, IGC holds book, toy, food, and coat drives. Their new peace house will feature intergenerational activities and classes for the neighborhood, chosen with input from the residents

For more information about I Grow Chicago, visit www.igrowchicago.org Facebook www.facebook.com/igrowchicago Twitterwww.twitter.com/igrowchi