Description

First Source Federal Credit Union has funded a reading program to help kids, dogs, and cats in our area.

The Paws & Pages Reading Program will officially kick off on Wednesday, June 11^th, marked with a ribbon cutting at the Anita’s Stevens-Swan Humane Society. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. and is open to the public. If parking at the humane society reaches capacity, please use the Beacon Auto Supply lot next door.

Paws & Pages was a concept developed by First Source’s Community Engagement Team in collaboration with Anita Vitullo, Board Chair of the Humane Society when they saw a similar program implemented in Missouri with astounding success. The program allows for parents to register and schedule their kids to come to the shelter and read books to the cats and dogs. Kids who may not feel comfortable reading aloud find this to be a safe environment to practice in, and after a few sessions their reading skills end to improve. For the animals who may be anxious at the shelter, it helps to calm them. Dogs who may be barking upon arrival tend to settle in and come to front of their cage or lay down and relax a few sentences in. Cats will stop playing in their area and tend to relax as well.

“It’s a huge win for all parties involved,” said Anita Vitullo, ASSHS Board Chair. “The animals have been reacting very positively during our pilot testing of the program and the kids love it and can’t wait to come back.” Executive Director of Anita’s SSHS, Trisha Barone added, “This also helps us with different people coming through our doors who may not have before, to meet the animals up for adoption. I’m thrilled to say that even just during the pilot phase we’ve had both cats and dogs adopted because of the reading program. We could not be more grateful to First Source.”

The program requires a $10 annual donation which goes right to the animals’ care. Each child registered goes through training before meeting the cats or dogs, receives a name badge and a punch card. They learn things like the animal may be frightened when they first arrive so sit in front of their area slowly and sit sideways. When they arrive, they choose a colorful cushion from the wall and a book from the shelf, or they can bring their own. Each session they participate, the child earns a paw punch on their card. Once filled they earn collectable pins.

“This has been a true labor of love,” said Pamela Way, First Source Community Engagement Manager. “We started developing this program over a year ago and to see it finally launch knowing the good it will do for the animals, kids and their families is so rewarding. These are the kind of sponsorships and collaborations we love to undertake.”

For more information, please contact Trisha Barone at tbarone@anitas-sshs.org or 315-917-1510.