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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Indian River County-JUMP Into Reading-CSAC of Indian River County <br /> B. PROGRAM NEED STATEMENT (Entire Section B not to exceed ane page. Box will <br /> ex and as ou e <br /> 1 . a) What is the unacceptable condition requiring change? Every child's future depends on <br /> his ability to read, write and build relationships. But too many children, in Indian River County, <br /> start school at a disadvantage, hindered by a lack of readiness skills and poor socialization skills. <br /> b) Who has the need ? The target population includes 75 students enrolled in Kindergarten, I " <br /> or 2 grades along with BGC clients. The site-based component allows our organization to serve <br /> children year-round. The schools have been selected by the Superintendent and the Director of <br /> Elementary Curriculum based on the number of students on Free & Reduced lunch, the <br /> percentage of children performing at Levels 1 & 2 on FLAT, absenteeism rates and the number <br /> of discipline referrals. Clients are referred by their teachers based on need and a mentor's ability <br /> to make a positive impact. Teachers refer children when they begin demonstrating reading <br /> problems, early academic failure, low motivation for education and risk factors such as poor self- <br /> esteem, excessive absences and/or anti-social behavior. Despite their young age, children are <br /> already struggling academically and socially. Members of the target population are frequently <br /> eligible for free or reduced lunch. Eligibility guidelines are worded carefully to avoid <br /> duplication of services for clients who are already receiving assistance through Exceptional <br /> Education or Federal Programs. c) Where do they live? They live in neighborhoods <br /> characterized by economic and social deprivation such as areas in the 32948, . 3296D, 32962, <br /> 32967 and 32968 zip . codes. d) Provide local, state, or national trend data, with reference <br /> source, that corroborates that this is an area of need. Local statistics show that 39% of Indian <br /> River County's school children are considered "economically needy." However, rate of growth <br /> in the number of impoverished children in the county exceeds state and peer counties. Research <br /> reveals that students living in poverty are more likely to develop problems linked to school <br /> failure, delinquency and teen pregnancy (St. Lucie Hand-in-Hand 14). A high percentage of the <br /> adults (24%) have very limited literacy skills leaving their children with minimal exposure to <br /> books, words and the support they need, at home, to help them read effectively. (Florida Adult <br /> Literacy Survey). Data elicited confirms concerns over academic achievement in 2006-07: <br /> Poverty, illiteracy and excessive absences have led to academic failure as confirmed by 31 % of <br /> the 3rd graders who score at level 2 or below on the FCAT thus indicating limited academic <br /> success. Of particular concern is the apparent achievement gap evident in minority students <br /> scorin at levels 1 or 2. <br /> 2. a) Identify similar nroerams that are currently serving the needs of your targeted <br /> population; b) Explain how these existing programs are under-serving the targeted <br /> population of your program. a) Other mentoring programs, available in Indian River County, <br /> include: Youth Guidance, RSVP, Community Church, Gifford Youth Center and "Take Stock in <br /> Children." We have also implemented an AmeriCorps Florida Reads Program and a BISS "Jump <br /> into Reading" program, funded by Department of Education and BBBSAF. b) Explain how <br /> these existing programs are under-serving the targeted population of your program. Youth <br /> Guidance does no school-based mentoring and the other Indian River mentoring programs, <br /> including "Take Stock in Children" tend to target older elementary, middle and/or high school <br /> children. Despite the presence of 75 BBBS mentor relationships in the State funded BISS Jump <br /> program (at Dodgertown, Glendale and Citrus) and the 60 to be served by AmeriCorps next year <br /> (at Thompson, Fellsmere and Vero Beach Elementaries), we need to be able to continue helping <br /> at Highlands, Sebastian, Treasure Coast Elementary School and Sebastian BGC thru CSAC <br /> funding. This, along with the gap referenced in the Community Needs Assessment, indicates <br /> that we are currently underserving our target population. <br /> 4 <br />