Ollie Webb Awarded $13K Grant to Grow 3rd Largest Book Club Program in the Country

Coffee, cupcakes, and conversation are frequently part of the evening’s offerings.  So are laughter and books when one of the Next Chapter Book Clubs meets.  About 150 people with developmental disabilities across the Metro take part in the groups every week.  And thanks to the generosity of the United Way, even more people who are on waiting lists will get the chance to take part.

Almost 95% of participants in the Next Chapter Book Club have annual incomes less than $10,000.  Studies show illiteracy contributes to poverty.  That’s where the book clubs make a difference.  Three-quarters of participants say the time spent reading and discussing books increase their literacy skills.

The Next Chapter Book Club is a national program and Omaha has the third largest in the country.

Ollie Webb Center, Inc. (www.olliewebbinc.org) is made up of two organizations: The Arc of Omaha and Career Solutions, Inc.  Both are focused on enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through support, programs and advocacy.