RIBBLE NAMED 2011 LITERACY FUNDERS NETWORK PRESIDENT

Corinne L. Ribble, director of philanthropy for The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Inc. has been named president of the Literacy Funders Network for 2011.
The Literacy Funders Network is a national peer learning group affiliated with the Council on Foundations whose mission is, “To increase the philanthropic community’s knowledge and understanding of literacy as a systemic issue and a tool for community change.” The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is a member of Council on Foundations and a founding member of the Network.

Network members work to share best practices, strengthen accountability and impact measurement, and coordinate dialogue among people working in such literacy sectors as health care, workforce development and finance. Members represent a broad cross section of the philanthropic community including community, corporate, private and family foundations that are both national and local. Of her appointment, Ribble said, “It spotlights our local community’s literacy efforts on a national stage. Every day in our community, dedicated professionals and volunteers devote time to help people learn how to read, manage their finances and navigate the health care system. I’m honored to be in a position to share what works in our area with others across the nation, and in turn bring best practices to our community. We know from the recent Community Indicators project for Herkimer and Oneida counties that student performance in Grade 8 English is somewhat below the state level and that 14 and 15 percent of adults in Herkimer and Oneida counties, respectively, do not have high school diplomas or GEDs.

Literacy is a skill that every person absolutely needs in order to be successful. We are making inroads, but there is still progress to be made. This appointment will assist in bringing valuable information and resources to the community in support of much-needed progress.”
Ribble was selected by the Network’s executive leadership team and she succeeds Clotilde Perez-Dedecker of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo as president and remains on the executive board as past-president.

The Community Foundation has been a force for improving lives and promoting philanthropy throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties since 1952. The Foundation has made more than 4,700 grants totaling over $37.2 million in support of causes ranging from education to health care, the arts to the environment. Grants are generated by the more than 270 funds that comprise The Foundation’s endowment, established and advanced by area individuals and families. For more information about The Community Foundation’s work in Herkimer and Oneida counties, visit www.foundationhoc.org or call (315) 735-8212.