Peabody student group aims to use reading as healing device for kids

PEABODY – Members of a Youth Advisory Klatch, a student group formed at the Peabody Institute Library, are hoping to bring out the “bookworm” in everyone through their new program “Words Open Readers’ Minds,” playfully known as “WORM.”The program seeks to use the power of reading to help children whose mothers are suffering from substance abuse, physical abuse or any other difficult situations. The idea came from the thoughtful mind and kind heart of one group member, Sarah Leach.”I’ve always been the biggest one into literacy in our program,” said the Peabody High School sophomore. “I just really wanted to get younger generations interested in literature so they can keep it with them their whole lives.”Leach narrowed down her idea and decided to focus the group’s efforts on children residing at Citizens for Adequate Housing’s Inn Transition, sober-living housing for homeless families with a parent in recovery.”My mother has always donated things to the Inn,” she explained. “I wanted to give them a different resource to help them in their school and stuff.”Through WORM, high school students, known as “Big Worms,” will pair up with “Little Worms,” children from the Inn, and meet each Monday night at the library to read together and participate in activities related to their book. The program kicks off the first Monday in March and will continue for six weeks. On the last night, the students will host a Book Ball featuring dancing, food, games and, of course, books.Funding for the program is made available through the Youth Leaders for Literacy Grant in the amount of $500. Sponsored by the National Education Association and Youth Service America, the grant encourages students to participate in community service through innovative, literacy-inspired pilot programs that benefit others in the community. Peabody’s students were one of 25 groups awarded the grant.”When we saw this grant, we were really excited to apply for it,” said young adult librarian Melissa Rauseo. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”The Inn’s Program Director, Kim Alford, said she’s looking forward to the start of WORMS.”Oftentimes, (the children) here don’t have a lot of peer support and a lot of times they don’t have family support,” she said. “To be able to reach out and be a part of the community this way is real nice?It’s a good thing.””There’s such shame that goes along with being in a shelter,” she continued. “This gives them a chance to kind of enjoy their life?It’s a wonderful outlet for them – it gives them a chance to be little children.”There are 21 children lined up to participate in the program, said Rauseo. If need be, students from the high school will be asked to volunteer their time to ensure that each child has a partner.”Reading has always been a very big part of my life,” said Leach. “I’ve always loved it. Sharing it with other people, especially children, is just really touching for me. I want to spread it as much as I can.”