Page 4 - Martin Downs Bulletin - March '24

Page 4, Martin Downs

Kids Corner

When Kids Say, “I’m Better Community Foundation a B rating. With the fail
rates on third-grade reading
Off Dead” Launched Early Literacy assessments rising above

By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Fund At 11th Annual 50 percent, the Community
Foundation was moved to
Licensed School Founders Luncheon create the Early Literacy
Psychologist Fund. The fund is designed
A concerned parent came New Fund To Address Alarming Local to help those nonprofit
to us for testing because on organizations focused on
more than one occasion her Statistics That Show Failing Reading Rates improving youth literacy
son said, “I shouldn’t be alive. For Third-Graders rates in Palm Beach and
I’m better off dead.” Before Martin counties.
contacting us, this mom had The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin “Experts tell us a child’s
already hid all the sharp knives Counties launched its new Early Literacy Fund at the ability to read at grade level by third grade is the single
in her home. She was wise organization’s 11th Annual Founders Luncheon held on Feb. greatest predictor of future success, because this is when
to seek professional support 28 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The Annual they transition from learning to read to reading to learn,” said
rather than dismissing or scolding her child for saying that since Founders Luncheon highlighted Hope for Early Education, Danita R. DeHaney, president and CEO of the Community
suicide in children is a real concern. According to the Center for and celebrated the powerful philanthropic and nonprofit Foundation. “Youth in the communities we serve are falling
Disease Control’s website and Youth Risk Survey Data, among partners making a difference locally in early literacy. The behind in record numbers, with the current third-grade
adolescents aged 12 to 17, 18.8 percent had seriously considered Community Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that literacy rate well below acceptable levels. That is why the
attempting suicide, 15.7 percent made a suicide plan, and 8.9 leads partnerships with donors, nonprofits and community Community Foundation was moved to lead a philanthropic
percent attempted suicide. These percentages are higher for youth members to solve the region’s chronic and emerging issues. response and create the Early Literacy Fund.”
of color and those identifying as LGBTQ. The Early Literacy Fund is the Community Foundation’s Beginning in 2024, the Early Literacy Fund will be
Our school neuropsychological testing revealed he had philanthropic response to the alarming youth literacy incorporated into the Community Foundation’s annual
ADHD and learning disabilities which caused significant school rates in Palm Beach and Martin counties. Specifically, in competitive Community Impact grantmaking cycle –
problems. This boy was viewed as the class clown and became Palm Beach County right now, 52 percent of third-grade specifically in its priority area of education and youth.
the one people pointed to and assumed was the disruptive cause students are not reading at a third-grade level. In Martin Competitive grants are a hallmark of the Community
when there was a problem. This contributed to him feeling County that number is 49 percent. Further, local school Foundation and are a lifeline for those nonprofit partners
rejected by most of his peers and teacher. Furthermore, his districts are seeing a downward trend. The Palm Beach tackling our area’s greatest needs at the grassroots level.
learning disabilities interfered with his reading, writing, and County School District was downgraded from an A to a B Through the grantmaking cycle, donors directly support over
spelling so he was academically behind his peers. This caused rating in December 2023 and Martin County also received 100 community-focused organizations each year.
embarrassment and he felt stupid. His circumstances created the “The Community Foundation has been a voice
perfect storm for him to cry out to his parent that he was better of leadership in supporting local
off dead. This boy had no suicidal plan but he did not have the nonprofits that are working hard
appropriate words to express he wanted help and understanding. to improve education in the
This boy’s mom wanted to know how to help and our testing communities we serve,” said
results report provided recommendations. They obtained a Jeffrey A. Stoops, chair of the
public school plan called an Individualized Education Plan Board of Directors of the Community
which provided specialized instruction. As a family they began Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. “Our
working with a counselor to improve home communication and vision is to make 2024 a transformative year for children’s
understanding. Step by step they made changes to help their literacy with the launch of our Early Literacy Fund.”
child’s mental health and learning. For more information or to donate to the Community
If you or your child have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, call Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin counties, please
or text 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline. You know your child visit https://yourcommunityfoundation.org/give-now/.
best so if you are concerned about a potential learning disability, For more information on the Early Literacy Fund, please
autism, or ADHD, call to discuss your child. Visit JimForgan. visit https://yourcommunityfoundation.org/funds/early-
com or call (561) 625-4125. literacy-fund/.
Treasure Coast Outdoors

The Stuart Sailfish Club Meanwhile, in Stuart Fla., sail fisherman, pledged
to the sport, and not to
the largest sailfish run in
Began The Catch And Release Florida’s history occurred off the wasteful killing of a
species.”
the St. Lucie Inlet and club
Program records show an excess of 5,000 The Stuart Sailfish Club
sailfish were caught with many is one of the oldest sport-
By Jim Weix single boats catching 20 in a fishing clubs in the United
If you like offshore fishing; this might be the club you day. On the peak day recorded, States, and the pursuit of
want to join. more than 200 sailfish were sailfish is one of the original tourist draws to this area. Now, with
The Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation (SSCF) began in boated by 40 charter and private a seven-decade-long history of conservation, The Stuart Sailfish
the 1930s and was incorporated in 1941 as a nonprofit boats. While many sportsmen Club maintains the same strong visions today. From the novice
organization. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious released their fish, far too many fisherman to the saltiest boat captain, SSCF has something to
fishing clubs in the United States. It was the first to were slaughtered. offer everyone.
encourage the conservation of game fish and to promote That slaughter led to an idea that is championed today, 75 Go to https://stuartsailfishclub.com/ for membership
fishing in area waters. years later. Captain Curt Whiticar suggested and later designed information.
a yellow gold and enamel release pin to be awarded for letting a Editor’s note: Jim Weix is an avid hunter, angler,
Southern Exposure Technologies sailfish live and thus began the club’s promotion of conservation conservationist, as well as an outdoor writer. Jim is included
Computer Install/Setup/Repair policies in earnest. The pin had a gold sailfish leaping across in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s Hall of Fame for
helping restore thousands of acres of wetlands. Jim is a broker
the deep blue of the Gulf Stream with white fluffy clouds and
(561) 315-0144 enclosed in a silver band. Ernie Lyons, editor of the Stuart News, associate with The Keyes Company. He can be reached at (772)
getsetgo.annie@gmail.com reported, “Release buttons are worn as a league of honor among 341-2941 or by email: jimweix@jimweix.com.
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