Program highlight:
Family Literacy
Providing the best possible start for early childhood development through innovative programs
80% of the children who started at Atkins Elementary in the Fall of 2018 were not kindergarten ready
The vast majority of children are far behind when they enter our local elementary school, and many never catch up. We must empower and support their caregivers, so they can provide the best possible early childhood development to their children. Common Ground addresses this critical need through the Rotary Learning Bus and Atkins Outreach.
Rotary Learning Bus
Thanks to a generous grant from the Rotary Club of Shreveport Foundation, we go out into the neighborhood and find the moms and children where they are using the Rotary Learning Bus. Along with our partners – the Shreve Memorial Library Bookmobile, Step Forward and the MLK Clinic – we set up a fair with fun, simple, hands-on activities that will equip caregivers to further their child’s development. In order to encourage participation, we offer incentives such as diapers, formula, and books for caregivers to take home.
Atkins Outreach
We support the children and staff at Atkins Elementary whenever we can! We provide literacy bags to the children to take home at least 4 times a year with books, activities, healthy snacks and hygiene items in them. We volunteer to read to the children and help with special events. On Fridays, we provide 50 bags of kid-friendly food to make sure the children who need it have something to eat over the weekend.
Atkins does not have a PTA so we act in that role when we can. We provide meals and goodies several times to the staff and try to make sure that they get some sort of treat once a month.
Get involved!
We need volunteers and financial contributions for this program to be successful. Please consider supporting our efforts to address a vital need and give our children a chance for a brighter future.
Address
Physical Address (click for map)
6806 Southern Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71106
Mailing Address
4830 Line Ave. #117
Shreveport, LA 71106
Contact Us
Lisa Cronin:
lisa@commongroundshreveport.com
Sarah Shoup:
sarah@commongroundshreveport.com