Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Marlene Brody Fund Grants $50K to Hudson Family Literacy Program

May 9, 2011

SHEFFIELD, MA—The Marlene Brody Literacy Fund, a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, announced today that it has awarded The Hudson Family Literacy Program a $50,000 challenge grant to continue its work to build literacy among young children in the Hudson Public Schools. The grant was issued after the program raised $50,000 through donations from other funding sources in the community.

“The wealth of a nation resides in a literate educated public,” said Marlene Brody. Childhood literacy has been a one of her lifelong passions. Several years ago, after successfully selling a 50 percent real estate partnership left to her by her husband Jerome Brody, Ms. Brody was able to put her passion into action.

In 2007, Hudson’s Even Start Family Literacy Program was in danger of losing its federal funding and Ms. Brody stepped in with a grant of $200,000 to save the program. Even Start, now called the Hudson Family Literacy Program, is a school-community partnership that combats poverty and illiteracy by integrating early childhood education, adult literacy, and parenting education. Since it began in 1999, the program has served 90 families, including 165 children under age 10. In addition to members of Hudson’s Bangladeshi community, the program has included families from Pakistan, Vietnam, China, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Ukraine and Jamaica.

“The Hudson Family Literacy Program recognizes that literacy is really a family affair that starts at the cradle and grows through family involvement,” Brody said. “I am honored to be able to continue to support the good work the program does in our community. The program plays a unique and wonderful role in nurturing literacy among less-advantaged children and their parents,” she said. “It is truly fulfilling to be able to support literacy and inspire others to do the same.”

“We are grateful to Marlene for recognizing how important the Hudson Family Literacy Program is for low-income families in Hudson,” said Jack Howe, superintendent of Hudson City School District. “Her generous contribution creates a strong foundation for our efforts to raise the additional funding we need from other sources, including individuals, public funds and other foundations.”

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents of northwest Litchfield County, CT; Berkshire County, MA; and Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY, acting as an agent for positive change in the region. Since 1987, Berkshire Taconic has managed a growing collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families and businesses. Each year, the foundation distributes over $7 million through grants and scholarships for programs in the arts and education, health and human services and environmental protection, helping thousands of donors achieve their philanthropic goals and hundreds of nonprofits carry on their good work. Berkshire Taconic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.

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