This week we had the chance to sit down with three of our fund representatives, Marg Coker-Nelson, Dori Jury, and Lorraine Avery. Together in 2020, these three women decided they wanted to take action and help the children of Portage County better understand diversity through the power of books. They knew that books played a big role in the knowledge and information children receive. “A child holding a book is just so positive,” said Marg Coker-Nelson. With that in mind, the Inclusivity Starts with Kids fund was created. Through this fund, professional library staff are given the means and opportunity to select and purchase books and media for schools around Portage County with the purpose of bringing new ideas and knowledge surrounding diversity and inclusion to our students. In 2020 alone, the fund granted almost nine thousand dollars to schools in our community.
Marg Coker-Nelson retired from Sentry as the Director of Employment and Development Services, Lorraine Avery retired from Associated Bank as the Senior Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, and Dori Jury who is a retired teacher from the Stevens Point Area Public School District. Together, with their different specialties and skills, they created the best team for the job. “We just hope the kids and people in the community are reaping the goodness of it.” Said Dori Jury regarding children learning and growing through the power of books. When these three put their minds to something, great things happen.
If you want to make a gift to the Inclusivity Starts with Kids Fund, please visit the fund page here.