Volunteer Profile: Garrett Dempsey
"As I walk down the Prescott Elementary hallway, during just my second visit to the school, I hear a young voice call out behind me, "Hi Mr. Dempsey!" I swing around and see Lee, whom I recognized from last week's Science Horizon's program. He must have seen me walking past and decided to risk his teachers scolding so that he could duck into the hall and offer a greeting. And with that, Prescott felt like home…"

Succeeding by Reading Spreads Literacy!
"We have just broken ground in West Contra Costa County. Last Thursday, we launched an Excel Reading Clinic (pairing trained literacy tutors to work one-on-one with struggling 2nd graders) at Downer Elementary in San Pablo..."

President's Corner: Real vs. Second-Hand Presence
"Westmont College Professor Greg Spencer writes about 'authenticity' in his book, Awakening the Quieter Virtues. He notes that authenticity demands courage – the courage to be real with ourselves and with others. And being real calls for Real Presence..."

Upcoming Events:
Tutor training: For those interested in becoming a reading tutor or current tutors who need a refresher, please join us!

Who: You! Your investment of an hour or two per week can open the world of learning to a second grader.
Reading is the key!
What: Literacy Specialist Carolyn Piraino will introduce the building blocks of reading and how to guide a child into becoming a successful reader.
When: Saturday, February 11 9:00 - 11:30 am
Where: Faith Network Office, 2633 Telegraph Avenue, #409, Oakland

Save the Date:
Join us for an evening of fine dining, live entertainment, and inspiration at Faith Network's Annual Hope for Childre NOW Gala. Sunday, May 20th at the Claremont.