"People have been promising things to this community all my life. I never thought I'd live to see the day when those promises finally came true." That was one grandmother's reaction on the first day she stepped foot into the new Early Learning & Literacy Resource Center (ELLRC), managed by Sheltering Arms at Dunbar Elementary School in Atlanta. The ELLRC is one result of a long-term neighborhood redevelopment initiative in five south Atlanta communities that have long been plagued by unemployment, poverty, and crime. Facilitated by The Annie E. Casey Foundation, community residents and numerous public and private partners have come together to address everything from employment to housing to education, bringing about comprehensive, long-range change and investment. The ELLRC is providing a world-class early childhood education program in an elementary school, creating an "education ecosystem" that integrates children's education and parental support in a seamless continuum from prenatal care through 5th grade.

The link provided here will tell you more about the ELLRC, its groundbreaking innovations, and the partnership that has made it a reality. You can also see some of our young ELLRC students enjoying their new school.

Thank you so much for being a part of the work for families and children at Sheltering Arms.

Thanks again!
Paige

Links:

• Early Learning & Literacy Resource Center

Pictures:

• ELLRC at Dunbar Elementary School (JPG)
• Getting Acquainted in the Housekeeping Area (JPG)
• Learning the Alphabet (JPG)