The Ferst Foundation

Robin Ferst

The Inspiration: 

Originally from Atlanta, Robin Ferst grew up loving books. But when Robin was six years old, books graduated from love to lifeline when a routine auditory exam revealed that she was losing her hearing. 

The Action: 

She learned to lip-read, but turned increasingly to the world of books, where her imagination could soar and a hearing loss was no impediment. 

Wanting to open up the world of books to all children, Robin studied Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Tennessee.   Robin created the Ferst Foundation to give every Georgia child under five a new book of their own each month – free of charge.  By ordering in conjunction with Dollywood, the Ferst Foundation program cost only $35 per year, per child, or $175 maximum per child over the life of the program.   Today, nearly 30,000 books are mailed each month to communities throughout Georgia.There are approximately 650,000 children under the age of five in Georgia and Robin is striving to send free books and literacy support services to each one because Robin knows that “Children who Read, Succeed! 

http://www.Ferstfoundation.org

Next: Roy Gipson

Hands On Georgia | 600 Means Street, Suite 110 | Atlanta, Georgia 30318
info@handsongeorgia.org