READING, PA – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced the details of her upcoming Childhood Literacy Resource Fair and Town Hall on Monday, July 31, 2023. Houlahan will be joined by a host of community-based organizations and educational leaders to provide resources to Pennsylvania families and answer questions about improving childhood literacy.

“My father came to this country with his young mother as refugees. They had nothing. He and my mother instilled in me the belief that education is one of the greatest equalizers in our country and world - the one thing that no one can take away from you.” said Houlahan.

“When I became an educator later in life, the importance of a quality education was even further reinforced – especially for our youngest learners. Childhood literacy is a force multiplier for the individual and for our whole society. Literacy is directly connected to positive lifelong outcomes. Particularly over the summer months when school is not in session, we must work together to ensure all families have the resources to support their children to foster curiosity and love of reading! I encourage all educators, parents, students, and community members to join us,” Houlahan added.

This will be Houlahan’s first Literacy Resource Fair and 76th town hall since serving as the representative for Pennsylvania’s Sixth Congressional District. The event will feature the following organizations:

• Sesame Workshop
• Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU)
• Opportunity House
• Yocum Institute
• Literacy Council of Reading
• Centro Hispano
• Reading Public Library
• Olivet Boys and Girls Club
• United Way of Berks County

Details

WHAT: Childhood Literacy Resource Fair and Town Hall

WHO: Chrissy Houlahan – Congresswoman, PA-06

Moderator:

Dr. Susan Looney – President, Reading Area Community College (RACC)

Panelists:

Dr. Jeanette Betancourt – Senior Vice President, U.S. Social Impact at Sesame Workshop

Shante' Brown – PA Deputy Secretary, Office of Child Development and Early Learning

Dr. Michelle Reichard-Huff – Director, Early Childhood and Student Services at BCIU

WHEN: Monday, July 31

Resource Fair – 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Town Hall – 1 to 2 p.m. 

WHERE: RACC’s Miller Center of the Arts, 4 N 2^nd Street, Reading, PA 19601

Constituents are invited to RSVP here. The event is open to the public and seating is first come, first serve.

Community members who RSVP will receive a day-of reminder. If members of the press are interested in attending the event, please email aubrey.stuber@mail.house.gov by Monday, July 31 at 9 a.m.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.

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