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Turning Grief Into Purpose Through Literacy
00:30
“Reading connects generations — just like my grandmother and me.”
The Heart Behind It All
We talked every day, several times a day.
She passed after a fall at age 94 — I was devastated.
I struggled with depression and getting out of bed.
“Grandma was my daily joy and biggest encourager.”
Her lesson to me:
When you’re sad, do something kind for someone else.
I brainstormed with my mom, my aunt, and two close friends.
I asked: "How can we honor grandma's legacy and her love of and reading?"
Answer: Start a literacy nonprofit serving young readers..
The Birth of a Nonprofit
Inspiring a Love of Reading
- Focus: 1st–3rd graders (confidence-building years).
- Provide NEW books for home libraries.
- Offer FREE summer tutoring to prevent the summer slump.
Children who read over summer retain 84% more of their skills.
Impact: Two NEW books per 1st grader.
Where It Began — Jan 2023
40+ volunteers
Sorority-led book drive at Akron Children’s Museum.
100+ students
Collected enough books for every 1st grader at David Hill CLC & Barber CLC Schools.
200+ books
First graders at David Hill CLC and Barber CLC Schools received their very own books
Six Students, Infinite Possibilities
5 first graders + 1 third grader.
Teacher mentors, structured curriculum.
3 days/week, 1 hour, completely free.
Imagine what we could do with double the support.
"This opportunity was a God-send! My daughter found a new love for reading thanks to Ms. Jennie and this amazing program." -Melanie Montgomery, parent
Growing the Work (2024–2025)
Expanded book drive with raffles+ face painter + curated list via local bookshop.
Book Drive
Donated 200+ books to Access Shelter for Women & Children.
Growing the Work (2024–2025)
Moved the program to July program: ~30 applicants; funding allowed 15 seats — turning kids away hurts.
Summer Literacy
Invited guest author Amber Hawthorne-Spratlen, who read stories featuring children living with disabilities and inspired empathy and inclusion.
Funding With Joy
Because giving should feel joyful.
- Once Upon a Brick — brick painting experience (community + fundraising).
- Michaels Cuyahoga Falls — crafting afternoon: book bouquets & bookmarks.
- Raising Cane’s fundraiser — dining for a cause.
- Flower Power fundraiser — flower bulbs
The Next Chapter — Stories & Sweets (Dec. 13)
Every recipe tells a story.
Intergenerational activity: kids + elders cook, share stories, and write.
Partnering with a community center to create holiday recipe books.
Volunteers needed for setup, greeting participants, cookie making and crafting.
In partnership with Akron Recreation & Parks. Sponsored in part by Huntington Bank, Giant Eagle, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC, and Bright Star Books
Join Us.
The Next Chapter — MLK Day Bookdrive (Jan. 19)
Every book changes a life.
In honor of Dr. King’s legacy: literacy, service, community uplift.
Collecting NEW children’s books to support early readers in Akron.
Volunteers needed for sorting, social media, greeting donors, & setup
In partnership with Akron Children's Museum
Join Us.
The Next Chapter — For the Love of Music, Art & Reading — Howard Hewett (June 5)
A powerful evening of inspiration, conversation, and live performance.
Celebrating creativity, culture, and literacy — together.
Honoring Akron roots + building community through art, song, and story.
Volunteers needed for setup, guest check-in, event flow, and design.
Get Involved.
Be Part of Marion’s Legacy
Just as those books shaped your life, we’re shaping Akron’s young readers.
Thanks
contact@queensproject.org https://linktr.ee/QueensProject
Scan for website
Turning Grief Into Purpose Through Literacy
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Transcript
Next
Turning Grief Into Purpose Through Literacy
00:30
“Reading connects generations — just like my grandmother and me.”
The Heart Behind It All
We talked every day, several times a day.
She passed after a fall at age 94 — I was devastated.
I struggled with depression and getting out of bed.
“Grandma was my daily joy and biggest encourager.”
Her lesson to me:
When you’re sad, do something kind for someone else.
I brainstormed with my mom, my aunt, and two close friends.
I asked: "How can we honor grandma's legacy and her love of and reading?"
Answer: Start a literacy nonprofit serving young readers..
The Birth of a Nonprofit
Inspiring a Love of Reading
Children who read over summer retain 84% more of their skills.
Impact: Two NEW books per 1st grader.
Where It Began — Jan 2023
40+ volunteers
Sorority-led book drive at Akron Children’s Museum.
100+ students
Collected enough books for every 1st grader at David Hill CLC & Barber CLC Schools.
200+ books
First graders at David Hill CLC and Barber CLC Schools received their very own books
Six Students, Infinite Possibilities
5 first graders + 1 third grader.
Teacher mentors, structured curriculum.
3 days/week, 1 hour, completely free.
Imagine what we could do with double the support.
"This opportunity was a God-send! My daughter found a new love for reading thanks to Ms. Jennie and this amazing program." -Melanie Montgomery, parent
Growing the Work (2024–2025)
Expanded book drive with raffles+ face painter + curated list via local bookshop.
Book Drive
Donated 200+ books to Access Shelter for Women & Children.
Growing the Work (2024–2025)
Moved the program to July program: ~30 applicants; funding allowed 15 seats — turning kids away hurts.
Summer Literacy
Invited guest author Amber Hawthorne-Spratlen, who read stories featuring children living with disabilities and inspired empathy and inclusion.
Funding With Joy
Because giving should feel joyful.
The Next Chapter — Stories & Sweets (Dec. 13)
Every recipe tells a story.
Intergenerational activity: kids + elders cook, share stories, and write.
Partnering with a community center to create holiday recipe books.
Volunteers needed for setup, greeting participants, cookie making and crafting.
In partnership with Akron Recreation & Parks. Sponsored in part by Huntington Bank, Giant Eagle, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC, and Bright Star Books
Join Us.
The Next Chapter — MLK Day Bookdrive (Jan. 19)
Every book changes a life.
In honor of Dr. King’s legacy: literacy, service, community uplift.
Collecting NEW children’s books to support early readers in Akron.
Volunteers needed for sorting, social media, greeting donors, & setup
In partnership with Akron Children's Museum
Join Us.
The Next Chapter — For the Love of Music, Art & Reading — Howard Hewett (June 5)
A powerful evening of inspiration, conversation, and live performance.
Celebrating creativity, culture, and literacy — together.
Honoring Akron roots + building community through art, song, and story.
Volunteers needed for setup, guest check-in, event flow, and design.
Get Involved.
Be Part of Marion’s Legacy
Just as those books shaped your life, we’re shaping Akron’s young readers.
Thanks
contact@queensproject.org https://linktr.ee/QueensProject
Scan for website