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Family Literacy event brings community partners, families together

Photo of a woman leading craft activities

More than 200 families attended last month’s 4th annual Family Literacy Event – sponsored by the HFC Children and Families Program – making it the biggest and most successful event in its short history at the College.

The purpose of the event was to engage families in the Dearborn and neighboring communities with opportunities to play, read, sing, move, and learn in fun, creative ways with their children. Parents received hands-on ideas and resources to enhance their children’s literacy skills and to help their children continue to learn over the summer.

Wayne State football players join the party

Also attending were about a dozen Wayne State University Warriors football players, Carissa Orr (a.k.a. the Music Lady), as well as many members of the HFC faculty and staff. An officer from the Dearborn Police Dept. greeted families and passed out honorary police badges to the children.

The vendors did a wonderful job in entertaining the families. There was an opportunity for the families to move around as they listened and sang along to their favorite songs. The children, parents, and Wayne State football players sprang into action, joining in Zumba dancing. The children read to licensed therapy dogs, while the parents made nutritional smoothies and salsa dip at the nutrition activity table.

Partnership from multiple communities

The festivities concluded with a raffle. The event was supported by generous donations from businesses and families located in Dearborn, Detroit, Southfield, Taylor, Wyandotte, and Allen Park. Businesses and organizations who donated either tickets, coupons, or family activity baskets included:
• Wayne State University
• Dearborn Police Dept.
• Detroit Police Department
• Ford’s Garage
• Ford Lanes Bar & Grill
• Skore Lanes
• Midway Sports
• Detroit Historical Society
• Art Basket
• Siena Heights University

HFC Children and Families Program faculty members are committed to enhancing literacy skill-building opportunities in all families and supporting Dearborn Public Schools in educating children and their families. Look for announcements about next year's Family Literacy event!

Members of the Wayne State University football team dance along with kids at the 4th Annual Family Literacy Event.
Many area businesses donated generously to make the 4th annual Family Literacy Event a success.