A Donor Rescues a Literacy Program
A successful restaurateur and horse breeder, Marlene Brody’s true lifelong passion has been her commitment to childhood literacy.
Participants in the Hudson Literacy Program
The wealth of a nation resides in a literate educated public” is a firm belief of Marlene Brody. Childhood literacy has been a lifelong passion of hers. Two years ago, after successfully selling a 50 perecnt real estate partnership left to her by her husband Jerome Brody, she finally had the funds to do something about it. Something local, small and meaningful.
Her close friends of long standing, Carmi and Marilyn Rapport, advised creating the Marlene Brody Literacy Fund, a donor advised fund, at Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. Carmi is chair of Berkshire Taconic. Marilyn had taught kindergarten for many years in Hudson, NY.
The Rapports learned that Hudson’s Even Start Family Literacy Program was in danger of losing its federal funding. Even Start, now called the Hudson Literacy Program, is a school-community partnership that combats poverty and illiteracy by integrating early childhood education, adult literacy, and parenting education. Since it began in 1999, the program has served 90 families, including 165 children under age 10. In addition to members of Hudson’s Bangladeshi community, the program has included families from Pakistan, Vietnam, China, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Ukraine and Jamaica.
The program seemed a perfect match for Marlene’s passion. “The Hudson Literacy Program recognizes that literacy is really a family affair that starts at the cradle and grows through family involvement,” she said.
Once the Rapports and Berkshire Taconic got in touch with the superintendent of Hudson’s schools, things moved quickly. At the June Board of Education meeting, the superintendent announced that Marlene would contribute a community challenge grant of $200,000 to the program, allowing it to continue despite the termination of its federal funding. The announcement was greeted by standing applause. The community has responded to the challenge grant by raising almost $100,000 to date.
“The Hudson Literacy Program plays a unique and wonderful role in nurturing literacy among less-advantaged children and their parents,” said Marlene. “It is truly fulfilling to be able to support literacy and inspire others to do the same.”