he Student Education Association spent time with the kids of Hope Haven Wednesday. Thirty-five members of the SEA read books to the children of Hope Haven, a homeless and abused persons shelter, at 1145 Rushmore Drive.

Karen Lubbers, public relations officer for the SEA said $500 worth of books were purchased with the help of grants from the state.

The SEA is using this grant, requested from the National Education Association/Illinois Education Association, toward buying books, educational games and crafts.

Kay Speckhart, co-adviser for the SEA, said the purpose of the grant is to build a library of books for the children.

“It’s just shocking that there is no library here,” Speckhart said.

Hope Haven is a state and county funded shelter for the homeless and abused and welcomes those of any age and sex. They are staffed with social workers who train those living there with basic life skills, including childcare and job skills.

Speckhart’s Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA family lives at Hope Haven.

She represents the children and is the eyes and ears for the judge. Speckhart reports to Judge Klien specifically on the health and well-being of the children under her care.

The SEA will run programs like this again and buy more books around the holidays, Speckhart said.

Jennifer Klostermann, president of the SEA, said any students who want to help can call Lisa at 758-3166 Monday through Thursday at 4:30 p.m.P.J. Kim photo

Alicia Gregerson, a senior elementary education major, reads with a child at Hope Haven for a program run by the Student Education Association.