Erie House Benefits from Million Dollar Round Table Foundation Grant

June 30, 2017 (CHICAGO)—The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Foundation has awarded a $2,000 grant to Erie Neighborhood House in support of the agency’s READS literacy intervention program in the Little Village community.

Through its global grants programs, the MDRT Foundation is committed to building stronger families and communities around the globe. This year, the MDRT Foundation will award over $1 million in MDRT member-endorsed grants to more than 200 charitable organizations worldwide.

Paul Gassel, ‎managing partner at WWM Investments and a member of the Erie House board of directors, presented the grant on behalf of the MDRT Foundation at a small reception with READS participants at the agency’s Little Village site (4225 W 25th St) on Wednesday, June 28.

“Our READS program is making a significant impact on students in Little Village,” says Erie House executive director Kirstin Chernawsky. “This grant from the MDRT Foundation will help sustain this effort to provide our kids with the tools they need to succeed in school.”

Students are referred to the READS program because they are reading far below grade level and additional intervention is deemed necessary. Last year 96% of students in the READS program improved their reading skills by an entire grade level.

The after-school program operates Monday through Thursday, pairing students with volunteer tutors to work on a variety of activities to support literacy growth. It also operates during the summer months to aid with retention and provide a safe, engaging environment for neighborhood kids.

“We’re grateful for the support of the MDRT Foundation,” says Chernawsky. “With the ongoing state budget crisis, community partnerships are more important than ever to ensure our programs continue meeting the needs of our participants.