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RTV6 and Scripps Howard Foundation support literacy with School on Wheels

Jan. 27, 2017 By Rebecca McCarter

INDIANAPOLIS – When Felicity was just 4 years old, her family became homeless and had to move into a shelter. While her mother worked hard to save money and find stable housing for the two of them, Felicity was paying attention to what older children at the shelter were doing. They were being tutored by School on Wheels. Felicity was not old enough to participate, but she longed to be included and learn. Every day, she would stand at the door and ask to come in.

“Our staff and volunteers noticed Felicity peeking into tutoring each day, eager to learn,” said Sally Bindley, MSW, founder and CEO, School on Wheels. “Even though Felicity wasn’t yet in school, as a staff we agreed wholeheartedly to welcome Felicity into tutoring and connected her with the resources to prepare her for kindergarten.”

Even after her family found a home and moved away from the shelter, Felicity continued to come back to be tutored by School on Wheels. The staff helped her get into a first-rate magnet school, where she is currently a straight A fifth grade student.

For over 350 children experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis, tutors from School on Wheels might offer the only source of consistency in their young lives. School on Wheels brings more than 400 volunteers to nine partner homeless shelters and four public schools, and provides tutoring sessions up to four days a week.

To serve more children in crisis, Scripps Howard Foundation and RTV6 will further our support of the organization. WRTV has worked with School on Wheels for 10 years. Through the Foundation, the station supports School on Wheels with community grants. The organization is also the beneficiary of the “If you give a child a book…” campaign in Indianapolis.

Through newscasts and social media, WRTV has covered School on Wheels, and provides emcees for the nonprofit’s special events. For the fourth year, the nonprofit will mobilize its volunteers and the Indianapolis community to raise awareness and funds through its “Share the Love” campaign.

The Foundation will match up to $25,000 raised during the month-long campaign. WRTV will run stories to raise awareness of the needs of these children and encourage the community to take action by volunteering as a tutor or donating to the cause.

“School on Wheels has transformed Felicity from a curious little girl to a student who can’t be stopped,” said Liz Carter, president and CEO, Scripps Howard Foundation. “For all of the children like Felicity who crave to learn and succeed, the Scripps Howard Foundation is honored to work with Scripps station RTV6 to match viewers’ support for School on Wheels.”

About School on Wheels

School on Wheels provides Indianapolis children and families experiencing homelessness with academic intervention and support programs as well as uniforms, backpacks and school supplies to school-aged children. We believe that all children, regardless of socio-economic status or housing situation, deserve a proper learning environment and educational support. We’re on a mission to break the cycle of homelessness through education. To learn more about School on Wheels, visit www.indysow.org, follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@IndySOW), LinkedIn (School on Wheels Indianapolis) and ‘Like us’ on Facebook (www.facebook.com/schoolonwheelsindy).

About RTV6

RTV6 is relentless in its pursuit of consumer news to warn our audiences of scams and financial risks in the Circle City. We are humble, helpful and committed to making our local communities better places to live. We provide relevant local news with context and strive to be authentic, real and approachable. We reflect Indiana’s work ethic and are engaged in and involved in the community. We are connected and influential and can get things done. We listen, communicate and expose problems by asking tough questions that get answers.

About the Scripps Howard Foundation

Dedicated to excellence in journalism, the Scripps Howard Foundation (www.scripps.com/foundation) educates, empowers and honors extraordinary journalists who illuminate community issues, and partners with impactful organizations to drive change and improve lives. As the philanthropic arm of The E.W. Scripps Company, the Foundation is a leader in industry efforts in journalism education, scholarships, internships, minority recruitment and development, literacy and First Amendment causes. With a special commitment to the regions where Scripps does business, the Foundation helps build thriving communities.