F.I.R.S.T. Receives Coquille Tribal Grant, March 28

Myrtle Point, Oregon- Friends Inspiring Reading Success Together will provide free books to students at Myrtle Crest Elementary School in Myrtle Point thanks to a recent $2000.grant from the Coquille Tribal Community Fund. Students who participate in the F.I.R.S.T. Reading Program choose some of their favorite books to take home and treasure. Their choices empower them, and help create happy memories. “Our goal is not just helping kids learn to read – it’s about developing a love of books and reading that they will carry in them forever. A reader will read to their own children someday,” said Debbie Martin, F.I.R.S.T. Program Manager. Founded in 2001 by the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Tribal Community Fund has distributed more then $6.1 million to support projects in the areas of education, health, public safety, arts and culture, problem gaming treatment and historic preservation, in a five-county region of Southwestern Oregon. This year the Fund awarded 57 grants totaling $291,163.90. For organizations wishing to be considered for the next round of funding, the deadline for applications is Nov. 30, 2018.  For more information, visit the Fund’s website at www.coquilletribalfund.org. F.I.R.S.T. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit established in 2008 and has provided  reading assistance to more than 600 kids , donated more than 8200 free books to participating students and volunteers have given more than 15,000 hours of reading support. The Coquille Tribal Community Fund reflects the commitment of the Coquille Indian Tribe to take a proactive ,positive role in the community’s wellbeing.  Supported by a percentage of revenue from The Mill Casino, the fund is managed and distributed by a board of community leaders and Tribal representatives. For more information about our reading program, contact Debbie Martin @ 541-572-2060 or firstprogram@yahoo.com.