United Way's Women's Initiative -- Making a Difference

Last night a group of 10 or so women gathered in Southfield to hear a report from Dr. Ty Partridge of Wayne State University on the early results of work the group has been focused on for over two years: early childhood literacy.

When you have the reality that:

- 60% - 70% of 4th grade children in Detroit DO NOT meet the MEAP English Standards

- 35% to 40% in Macomb

- 55% to 65% in Pontiac

- 45% to 55% in Downriver Wayne County

And:

- 30% of adults in Detroit do not have minimal literacy levels

- 35% do not have high school diploma's

And:

- when research reminds us over and over that early reading skills are the BEST predictor of overall academic achievement:

You then realize that the beginning kernel of work taking place in the United Way's Woman's Initiative is critical.

This is a group of leaders who came together to encourage and celebrate women philanthropists who are leading community change. The work of increasing home visits by professionals to encourage reading was paying off.

One simple stat to me stood out. The 100 kids in the program at the start asked to be read to once a WEEK. By the end, the kids were asking to be read to once a DAY. There are some early indicators that tell these dedicated woman the path they chose is having a tangible impact on the children AND their parents.

This is just one other example of when a group of concerned citizens get focused and act upon a common purpose, more can be accomplished together than alone.

To learn more about the Women's Initiative, you can go to the United Way Web Site at www.uwsem.org/getinvolved/wi.html