Away with Words is an innovative mobile library program designed to promote early literacy and provide a safe, interactive space for supervised visits between children in state custody and their parents. In collaboration with Western Carolina University interior design students, Aspen Roots, Inc. is repurposing a school bus into a Book Bus that will travel across Sullivan, Washington, and Carter County DCS offices in Tennessee.
The Book Bus will offer a collection of diverse books, allowing parents to engage in shared- book reading with their children while also receiving training in dialogic reading to enhance language development. By fostering positive family interactions and supporting early childhood development, this initiative aims to reach 3,500 families annually, improving literacy outcomes and strengthening family bonds.
How to Get Involved
At Aspen Roots, we believe in the power of community collaboration to make lasting change. There are several ways you can get involved with the Away with Words Book Bus project:
Donate
Your financial support will help fund the Book Bus transformation, purchase books, and provide training for parents. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in fostering early literacy and supporting family engagement.
Volunteer
We are always looking for passionate volunteers to assist with the Book Bus operations. Volunteers can help with events, assist families during visits, and support literacy programming.
Partner With Us
If you represent an organization or business, consider partnering with Aspen Roots to expand the reach of the Away with Words project. Whether it's through donations, resources, or services, your partnership can make a significant impact.
Spread The Word
Help us raise awareness about Away with Words by sharing our mission with your network. Follow us on social media, attend events, and talk about the project to help us engage more families and potential supporters.
In-Kind Donations
In addition to financial support, we welcome in-kind donations such as books, educational materials, or resources that can enhance the experience of the families we serve.
To get started, simply reach out to us via the contact form below or email us at info@aspenrootstn.org. We would love to connect with you and discuss how you can contribute to this meaningful initiative!