BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition is in full swing, helping students improve their reading skills.
But this year has been challenging since teaching has been occurring virtually since mentors and tutors usually meet in-person.
However, Stanley Steemer hopes their cleaning technology will bring people together again.
Kortney Brothers and other AmeriCorps members help students through the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County.
"The biggest thing that is different this year is that we really don't have that connection with each other," Brothers said.
AmeriCorps members would spend together building friendships and sharing ideas.
Last year AmeriCorp members spent more than 36,000 hours teaching, mentoring and tutoring students and adults.
But due to the pandemic, the leaders cannot meet together; even training is done virtually.
"It's really key to have them meeting in person and having the space where they can comfortably meet and do that one on one, and that's where you see that effectiveness," said Kristin Calder, CEO of the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County.
Mike Scalera, who works for Stanley Steemer, is using a new disinfection product at the coalition's location to help them return to normalcy.
"It can be sprayed on doorknobs, door handles, any high touch points, light switches, desks, of course," he said.
They donated their services and are using the product inside the coalition's building, hoping this will bring the mentors and students back into the facility.
"It's a two-step process that will create a barrier on high touchpoints for up to 90 days," Scaler said. "So, it does not allow any microbials or bacteria to live in the environment."
Calder is thankful for the donation.
"We are grateful to have Stanley Steemer dedicate a service like this and donate this to us. How remarkable is that to have someone in the community that wants to do that to help children and families work on their literacy skills."
More facts on this new surface antimicrobial provided by the company:
- Water-based and EPA approved
- Alcohol-free, non-flammable and long-lasting residual protection
- Active ingredient is the world's only patented organosilane compound that has been stabilized in water with a surface penetrating compound, providing great protection.
- Prevents deterioration of substrates caused by bacteria and fungi such as mold and mildew
- Approved for use in health care facilities and homes
