Spread the Word Nevada Announces Partnership with Nevada Mining Association

Spread the Word Nevada Announces Partnership with Nevada Mining Association

Reno, Nevada (April 8, 2020) – Spread the Word Nevada (STWN), the largest children’s literacy non-profit in the state, announces a partnership with Nevada Mining Association to provide books and literacy programming to children in Elko, Ely, Winnemucca, and Yerington.

The “Mining for Books” fundraiser aims to raise a total of $65,000 to support book distribution to four Boys and Girls Clubs in the state’s rural communities. This program will provide nearly 20,000 books, access to over 130 virtual/live story times (with one week specifically dedicated to stories about mining), backpacks, reading logs, incentive prizes and more!

“Bringing books to children in every corner of Nevada has been our goal from the very beginning,” says Lisa Habighorst, Executive Director and Co-Founder. “With the help of the Nevada Mining Association, we are one step closer to the reality of statewide literacy by third grade.”

Children living in our state’s rural communities often do not have the resources to accumulate age-appropriate books in the home. Funds raised by members of the NVMA support the book distribution to 1,300 students throughout 2021.

“Reading literacy is a vital component to a successful life,” said Tyre Gray, President of the Nevada Mining Association. “Books teach, inspire, and encourage young readers to dream. Historically, it has been difficult to establish reading programs in rural Nevada, a challenge Spread the Word Nevada is happy to accept. NVMA and our 500+ member companies are thrilled to partner with them to bring Spread the Word Nevada programs to young Nevadans in Yerington, Winnemucca, Ely, and Elko.”

About Spread the Word Nevada
Spread the Word Nevada, Inc., is a children’s literacy nonprofit, 501(c) (3) corporation, dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy by placing books into the hands and homes of children within Nevada’s at-risk, low-income communities. While developing a love of reading, these libraries promote future academic achievement and self-confidence, which impacts lifelong success. Since 2001, Spread the Word Nevada has distributed more than six million gently used and new books to approximately 672,885 low-income youth in Nevada. Please visit www.SpreadTheWordNevada.org to learn more about program details or call at (702) 564-7809. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About the Nevada Mining Association
The mission of the Nevada Mining Association is to unite, educate, advocate, and serve as the public voice of Nevada’s modern mining industry. From advocacy on major policy issues to developing innovative ways to connect members with opportunities, the Nevada Mining Association builds recognition of the mining industry’s contribution across the silver state. The Nevada Mining Association is committed to leading environmental stewardship and the health and safety of workers, residents, and communities. We envision Nevadans embracing the mining industry as forward thinking, respected, and essential for a vibrant future. For more information, visit www.nevadamining.org. Stay up to date with all Nevada Mining Association activities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube pages.

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Media Contact
Samantha Picazo
Events & Marketing Manager
samantha@spreadthewordnevada.org

Spread the Word Nevada Announces First Junior Board Members

Lincoln and Lucy Kieckhefer Join Spread the Word Nevada Junior Board of Directors

Las Vegas – Henderson (December 17, 2020) – Spread the Word Nevada (STWN), the largest children’s literacy non-profit in the state announces the appointment of its first junior board members.

“We are happy to extend our warmest congratulations to Washoe County Kid Mayor Lincoln Kieckhefer and his sister Lucy Kieckhefer as our first ever Junior Board Members,” says STWN Executive Director Lisa Habighorst.

Starting Jan. 1, 2021, Lincoln and Lucy will serve on the new junior board by exploring ideas to help raise awareness and funds to help more children. On behalf of STWN, the Kieckhefer twins will attend events and media opportunities throughout the year.

“I am so proud to continue working for such a wonderful organization. I’m very excited for this next chapter. Reading has been such a gift to my life,” says Lincoln.

“I love being able to help kids here in Nevada. These books are changing lives,” Lucy continues.

About Lincoln Kieckhefer
Washoe County Kid Mayor Lincoln Kieckhefer is proud to partner with Spread the Word Nevada in his mayoral platform of childhood literacy. Lincoln was elected Kid Mayor in 2019 by the children of Washoe County for a one-year term and looks forward to continuing his work with Spread the Word Nevada when his term expires. He was a guest speaker at the Spread the Word Nevada 18th Annual Storybook Gala in February 2020 and has spent the past year working diligently to help share the mission of childhood literacy. When his nose is not buried in a book, Lincoln can be found attending Depoali Middle School in Reno, swimming, wrestling, fishing, or staging a lightsaber battle with his brother.

About Lucy Kieckhefer
Lucy Kieckhefer is excited to serve as a youth ambassador for Spread the Word Nevada to share her love of reading, particularly spy stories. Lucy has served as a behind-the-scenes partner in her twin brother’s efforts to raise money and books for Spread the Word Nevada and is happy to take a leading role moving forward. Lucy is in the 6th Grade at Depoali Middle School and loves basketball, swimming, and hanging out with her friends.

About Spread the Word Nevada
Spread the Word Nevada, Inc., is a children’s literacy nonprofit, 501(c) (3) corporation, dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy by placing books into the hands and homes of children within Nevada’s at-risk, low-income communities. While developing a love of reading, these libraries promote future academic achievement and self-confidence, which impacts lifelong success. Since 2001, Spread the Word Nevada has distributed more than 5.8 million gently used and new books to approximately 650,877 low-income youth in Nevada. Please visit www.SpreadTheWordNevada.org to learn more about program details or call at (702) 564-7809. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Media Contact
Samantha Picazo
Events & Marketing Manager
samantha@spreadthewordnevada.org

Spread the Word Nevada Announces New Board Member

April West-Kieckhefer Joins Children’s Literacy Nonprofit Board of Directors

Las Vegas – Henderson (November 17, 2020) – Spread the Word Nevada (STWN), the largest children’s literacy non-profit in the state, is pleased to announce the appointment of April West-Kieckhefer to its Board of Directors.

“I am thrilled to welcome April as a board member of our organization,” said STWN Executive Director Lisa Habighorst. “Together we hope to bring the joy and magic of books to more children in Washoe County.”

A Nevada-native, April has spent the majority of her adult life investing in children, her own and others who need assistance. After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno and attending law school at the University of San Diego, April started a family with her husband Ben in 2006 with their first set of twins, followed by their second set of twins three years later. While dedicating her time to raising her four children, April has continued investing in the community and the children of northern Nevada, serving on the Board of Directors of the Give Hope Foundation and previously serving on the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Spread the Word Nevada holds a special place in April’s heart because the passion to read runs deep in her family, particularly amongst her children.

Current Board Members include:
Chairman of the Board – Chad Leavitt – Findlay Automotive Group
Vice Chair – Adrianne Burke – Caesars Entertainment Corporation
Secretary – Daniel Philippus – RSM US LLP
Treasurer – Monte Smith – Brown & Brown Insurance of Nevada
Carol Cline-Ong – MDL Group
Ryan Draney – Children’s Community Advocate
Vic Gallo – PlayAGS
Kris Hanson – Collage Tile
Melissa Joseph – PlayAGS
Jean LaPlaca – Majestic Realty Co.
Mary Madden – Southern Nevada Water District
Garrett Smith – Toyota Financial Savings Bank
Jodi Stephens – Stephens Consulting
Vincent Telles – Bank of Nevada
Agnes Zadlo – Bank of America

About Spread the Word Nevada
Spread the Word Nevada, Inc., is a children’s literacy nonprofit, 501(c) (3) corporation, dedicated to advancing early childhood literacy by placing books into the hands and homes of children within Nevada’s at-risk, low income communities. While developing a love of reading, these libraries promote future academic achievement and self-confidence, which impacts lifelong success. Since 2001, Spread the Word Nevada has distributed more than 5.8 million gently used and new books to approximately 650,877 low-income youth in Southern Nevada. Please visit www.SpreadTheWordNevada.org to learn more about program details or call at (702) 564-7809. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Media Contact:
Samantha Picazo
Events & Marketing Manager
samantha@spreadthewordnevada.org

Direct Care to Kids Initiative Expands Reach to Nonprofits Serving At-Risk Youth

Direct Care to Kids Initiative Expands Reach to Nonprofits Serving At-Risk Youth

Partnership Between The Public Education Foundation, Spread The Word Nevada and Communities In Schools of Nevada aims to provide children hygiene products, books, academic materials with convenient and safe “drive-thru” service

The goal of Direct Care to Kids is to help meet basic immediate needs relative to prevent students from falling further behind academically. The initiative provides books and educational materials to students, so they may continue learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic while schools are closed. While recipients include students who are considered most at-risk and case managed by Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS) site coordinators at high poverty schools throughout Southern Nevada, the program is now being expanded to local nonprofit organizations who serve families with school-age children.

Kits include:

  • An age appropriate book for readers at elementary grade levels PK-5 donated by Spread the Word Nevada
  • Science/Technology/Engineering/Math (STEM) workbooks for various ages donated by The Public Education Foundation
  • Other items which may include dental kit, hygiene kit, school supplies and activity worksheets

To request kits please complete the donation form here.
(https://form.jotform.com/stwnprograms/dctkkitrequest)

Nonprofits requesting kits will need to pick up kits from Spread the Word Nevada located at 1065 American Pacific Drive Suite 160, Henderson, NV 89074. An email confirmation will be sent to the person completing the form and Spread the Word Nevada will contact you to schedule your pickup.

A Message from Lisa Habighorst, Co-Founder & Executive Director…

Dear community partners, donors, and volunteers –

Some of the greatest literary masterpieces boast some of the most unexpected plot twists. The protagonist never senses what’s happening until they are brought face-to-face with untimely and often unsettling circumstances. We write to you today feeling a little bit like that protagonist, standing toe-to-toe with a formidable opponent. The impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has left our community confused and a little anxious. But as with all good stories, the more difficult the obstacle the more triumphant the ending. We will get through this obstacle. It is a twist in our story that we certainly didn’t expect, but Spread the Word Nevada has never been afraid of a challenge.

With that said, all great warriors abide by the law (and the health code), and we would like to update you – our STWN family – on the steps that we are taking to address this challenge. We continue to monitor the situation closely and want to make clear that the safety and health of our STWN family is paramount to us. As such, STWN has implemented the following changes to our operations:

As of Friday, 3/13/2020 all school-based STWN programs (Breakfast/Snack Time with Books, and Books and Buddies) have been temporarily suspended until further notice per the guidelines and restrictions set forth by the Clark County School District and Nevada Governor’s office.

As of Monday, 3/16/2020 all volunteer activities and fingerprinting services were suspended until further notice per the guidelines set forth by the CDC, WHO, and SNHD. The suspended volunteer activities include:

  • All book cleanings
  • Private volunteer events
  • Books & Buddies mentoring
  • Breakfast/Snack Time with Books volunteering
  • Amazon scanning and listing

As of Wednesday, 3/18/2020 the Spread the Word Nevada staff will be operating on a “work-from-home” basis per the direction of the Nevada Governor’s office. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email if you have questions or concerns. We are here for you!

While this has, and continues to be, a new challenge each day, please rest assured that we will resume our normal programming as soon as it is safe for our team and those we serve. We hope this letter serves as a beacon of hope in a dark time. With our friends, family, and community partners by our side, we will be victorious in our drive to take down this unwelcomed foe. And until we are allowed to wrap our arms around each and every one of you, we would like to offer you a few pieces of advice taken right from some of our favorite literary classics. Feel free to share these with your friends and family and encourage them to find peace and hope within the pages of a good book during this break.

With heartfelt wishes for good health and happy days ahead,
Lisa Habighorst
Executive Director
Spread the Word Nevada