N.J. All 5,000 of the children his RIF program serves in schools, recreation centers, public housing projects, and tutoring sites are considered at-risk of academic failure. In the community where Chip works, children who want to read have few avenues.
Public libraries are a long bus ride away, and many are closed on weekends.
Most school libraries have eliminated their lending programs because too many books are checked out and never returned. Little wonder that the RIF program in Newark has taken on increasing importance in recent years. Kids need access to books, and a safe haven after school. Chip stretches his RIF budget as far as possible. With a matching gift from the Turrell Fund, he is able to invest in culturally diverse books that reflect the largely minority population the RIF program serves.