SHELBY — Shelby State Bank, in partnership with Great Start Collaborative and the Community Foundation for Oceana County’s Read Early, Read Often program, will soon offer literacy corners in each of its 10 branches.
Studies have shown that having books in a child’s home significantly impacts their future literacy as much as the education levels of their parents, and literacy can improve a child’s trajectory not only in their education and professional outcomes, but their emotional regulation and quality of life outside of their career. That, in turn, will determine the well-being of entire communities.
While parents or guardians are visiting one of the Shelby State Bank branches their child can sit and read; and before they go, children will be encouraged to take a free book. While Shelby State Bank is creating furnished spaces within its branches, Great Start and Read Early Read Often coordinators will supply each branch with books.
“Through the Great Start Collaborative, creating literacy corners in our communities ensures that every child, regardless of where they are, has a space to explore books, build language, and grow a lifelong love of reading,” said Sara Jeruzal, coordinator of the West Shore Educational Service District’s Great Start Collaborative.
“It’s a simple setup with powerful impact: literacy begins with access, and access begins right here,” Jeruzal said.
“It is a wonderful initiative, connecting with our local partners to help promote literacy throughout our footprint,” said Shelby State Bank President and CEO Mishelle Comstock. “Strengthening literacy among our youth is so important and we’re excited to collaborate with some fantastic partners. Stop by your local branch and check it out.”
Shelby State Bank was established in 1931 and has grown to operate ten branches in western Michigan stretching from Fruitport to Manistee. Each branch offers a wide variety of consumer and business banking services. For more information about Shelby State Bank, call (231) 861-2123 or visit www.shelbybank.com.
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