for immediate release mayor wharton launches literacy ...€¦ · mayor wharton launches literacy...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayor Wharton Launches Literacy Initiative in Collaboration with International Paper

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Memphis, Tennessee (September 24, 2013). Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, Jr., today, announced theL.I.F.E. (Literacy Is Free Expression) literacy initiative, offering a literacy curriculum, job readinesstraining and mentorship to at-risk young males. Operating at the Pine Hill, Riverview, Ed Rice andHollywood Community Centers, this innovative program is made possible through generous fundingfrom the International Paper Foundation.“Memphis Gun Down is so thankful for International Paper’s investment to improve the lives of somethe City’s most disconnected and vulnerable youth. The L.I.F.E. literacy initiative is much more thanjust a literacy program. These young men will be exposed to positive role models invested in theirsuccess, and equipped with the tools for intellectual advancement, gainful employment andresponsible citizenship,” said Mayor Wharton. Part of Memphis Gun Down’s Youth Opportunities initiative, the L.I.F.E. program will target youngmen between the ages of 13-24 who read between fourth and eighth grade levels, and will employScholastics’ ID Curriculum, delivered by trained volunteer mentors and designed specifically toimprove African-American male literacy. In addition to improved literacy, L.I.F.E.’s goals includeincreasing educational attainment and expanding the employment opportunities available to theseyoung men. “International Paper is pleased to collaborate with Mayor Wharton and Memphis Gun Down’s effortsto reduce youth gun violence in the City of Memphis,” said Deano Orr, Executive Director of theInternational Paper Foundation. “Research proves that there is a direct link between low literacy andcrime. One of our philanthropic focus areas is literacy, and we are excited about the potential impactthis program will have on the lives of participants.” About International PaperInternational Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global leader in packaging and paper with manufacturingoperations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businessesinclude industrial and consumer packaging and uncoated papers, complemented by xpedx, thecompany's North American distribution company. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the companyemploys approximately 70,000 people and is strategically located in more than 24 countries servingcustomers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2012 were $28 billion.For more informationabout International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com. About Memphis Gun Down

Kerri CampbellMayor’s Innovation Delivery Team901.515.7742Kerri.Campbell@Memphistn.gov

Deano OrrInternational Paper901.419.4080Deano.Orr@ipaper.com

customers worldwide. International Paper net sales for 2012 were $28 billion.For more informationabout International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com. About Memphis Gun DownLaunched by Mayor A C Wharton in February 2013, Memphis Gun Down is an evidence-based youthgun violence reduction plan with five core prongs: Suppression; Community Mobilization; YouthOpportunities; Intervention; and Organizational Change and Development. Plan goals includereducing youth gun violence by 10% citywide and by 20% in selected focus areas of South Memphisand Frayser. For more information please visit www.memphisgundown.org.

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