LAST YEAR'S YELL GRANTS GAVE BACK MUCH TO THE COMMUNITY

Computers can open a new world for children, especially youngsters with disabilities, says Chuck Martin with the Easter Seal Society.

A $1,650 grant last year, funded with YELL for Newspaper donations, allowed the local Easter Seals chapter to purchase a new computer and color monitor and start a computer resource center.

Martin said once they purchased the computer hardware, other donations were collected to purchase software and adaptive equipment for the children served at the Easter Seal's center.

"There are all kinds of different programs from cause and effect and alphabet recognition to simple mathematics and even reading programs," Martin said.

The computer, with special adaptations, gives disabled children a chance to try something different. Some children may not be able to use a traditional keyboard, but can use a touch screen or even a single switch. "The kids have been very receptive," Martin said.

Without the YELL grant, the center couldn't have made the initial purchase of the hardware.

"This has all grown out of what YELL made possible," he said.

The next step for the computer resource center is expanding the software choices.

A $846 YELL grant to the Otahki Girl Scout Council purchased a series of Girl Scout books for use by Brownie and Daisy Scouts.

Millie Turner with the Girl Scout Council said literacy and reading are priorities for Scouting programs.

To encourage reading among Brownie Scouts, who are girls in grades one, two and three, the council used the YELL funds to purchase "Here Come the Brownies," a series of adventure stories. The books tell stories about girls with a lesson on self-esteem at the end. A series of four was purchased for each troop in Cape Girardeau, Scott City, Jackson, Delta and Oak Ridge. Other areas in the council got one series to share.

In the council, 1,211 Brownies have access to the books, thanks to YELL donations. The council also purchase a similar Scouting book for Daisy Girl Scouts, who are of kindergarten age.

YELL grants were also awarded to:

Cape Girardeau Vocational-Technical School, $1,200, to assist people over age 16 to earn their GEDs.

Jackson Public Library, $750, to purchase the Hooked on Phonics program and books to help build vocabulary skills.

Gibson Recovery Center, $607, to purchase books and materials to improve literacy skills for adult males receiving drug and alcohol treatment.

Lutheran Family and Children's Services, $516, to provide books for single expectant mothers on an easy-to-read level.

Teen Pregnancy and Responsibility Network, $510, to provide books as an incentive for pregnant teens to attend a parenting course.

L.J. Schultz Middle School, $500, to purchase paperback books to encourage student reading.

American Red Cross, $190, to provide first aid and safety materials and instruction for children and teens.

Jackson public schools, $189, to provide a video for sexual maturation education for boys.