The Robert F. and Eleonora W. McCabe Foundation Presents Check to The Learning Alliance

Vero Beach, FL, September 23, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Ellie McCabe, President of The Robert F. and Eleonora W. McCabe Foundation, recently presented a check for $25,000 to The Learning Alliance. Barbara Hammond, Executive Director, and Barbara Becker Hurley, Founder, received the generous donation. Dr. Lillian Torres-Garcia, Principal at Highlands Elementary School, and Kelly Palmer, Reading Coach at Highlands Elementary School, were also present. Ellie McCabe remarked, “Teaching a child to read is one of the most important things we can do, not only for academic success, but for the child’s overall well-being. A child who can’t read by third grade often feels shame that can lead to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues that linger into adulthood. The Learning Alliance is changing lives with the programs they offer and the McCabe Foundation is honored to support their mission.”

Funds will be used to support the literacy programs implemented by The Learning Alliance in all 13 elementary schools in Indian River County. Programs include small-group intervention for students who have fallen behind in reading, and whole class prevention programs in kindergarten, first and second grades. The Learning Alliance will reach 1600 children in Indian River County this school year. Barbara Hammond remarked, “Such generous donations enable The Learning Alliance to create literacy experts in our own community, a resource for all of our community partners. We are so grateful to The McCabe Foundation, and to our Founders like Barbara Becker Hurley.”

The Learning Alliance is dedicated to dramatically improving student literacy in Indian River County, Florida. Through innovative, evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning, we empower teachers to transform children’s lives. Through partnerships with the School District of Indian River County, Indian River State College, and civic youth organizations in our community, we hope to create local solutions that can serve as a model for the nation. All programs of The Learning Alliance are made possible through the generosity of our Founders, including Ray & Jean Oglethorpe, Don & Patsy Riefler, Barbara Becker Hurley, King & Dace Stubbs, and Whitney & Betty MacMillan. For more information, please visit www.thelearningalliance.org.

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