Ready for Reading Book Club targets medical illiteracy and literacy in 29 Palms

The City Council of Twentynine Palms convened on May 27, 2025, for a regular workshop meeting focused on community initiatives and funding requests from various local organizations. The meeting featured presentations from several nonprofits, each seeking financial support to enhance their programs and services.

The session began with Lynette Ramirez, founder of the Ready for Reading Book Club, who highlighted the issue of medical illiteracy costing taxpayers approximately $230 billion annually. She emphasized the need for community education, particularly in CPR and first aid, and announced plans to train over 300 individuals through free classes funded by grants and private donations. Ramirez also discussed her efforts to improve literacy among children at Oasis and Palm Vista Elementary Schools, where reading scores have been alarmingly low.

Next, Ian Farris and Leon McNeltier from Inspiration's Edge, a new nonprofit community theater, presented their achievements in making theater accessible in the Morongo Basin. They requested $10,000 to purchase portable lighting equipment to enhance their productions and expand their reach within the community.

Molly with a Comb, representing Girls on the Run Riverside County, shared the program's success in empowering girls through physical activity and mentorship. They requested $10,000 to continue offering their after-school program, which has already served 25 girls in Twentynine Palms.

Gary Daniel from Theater 29 detailed the organization's history and community impact, noting their need for $20,000 to upgrade aging equipment and improve their facilities, which have hosted numerous productions and served thousands of patrons.

Susanna Barnett from Morongo Basin Unity Home discussed the organization's critical services for domestic violence victims, reporting that they have assisted 264 families in the past year. They requested $16,000 to continue their outreach and shelter services.

Sherman Tam from 29 PSP highlighted the nonprofit's role in providing transportation for military families, requesting $3,800 to fund rental vans and improve their service efficiency.

Reach Out Morongo Basin's representative outlined their extensive support for seniors in the community, including transportation and meal services, and requested $20,000 to sustain their operations.

The 29 Palms Community Food Pantry sought $30,000 to continue providing emergency food assistance to over 700 families, emphasizing their commitment to addressing food insecurity in the area.

Molding Hearts, a nonprofit focused on housing services for the unhoused, requested $10,000 to support their programs specifically in Twentynine Palms.

The meeting concluded with a call for community support for these initiatives, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing local needs. The council will review the funding requests and consider the potential impact of these programs on the community in future sessions.