On April 6, LINC lost a true literacy advocate and role model for our families, Herman Pereira. Mr. Pereira was a pastor, a beloved member of the South Jamaica community, and a beacon for those who followed him both here in the United States and in his home country Guyana. As the father of LINC’s Very Involved Parent (VIP) Amanda Pereira, and the grandfather of Gabriella H. Balram, (4 years old) and Armando A. Balram (1 year old), Mr. Pereira was actively engaged in LINC programs and proudly promoted LINC events to his extended family and friends. Throughout the pandemic, he attended LINC’s virtual Toddler, Tales, and Tunes program regularly with Gabriella while his daughter tended to her newborn, Armando, and he read to the children daily both inside and outside the home. His favorite children’s story was Little Blue Truck by authors Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry, and it’s no surprise why. Known for his kindness, generosity and welcoming nature, Mr. Pereira was much like the main character of this heartwarming tale. “Blue knows just the thing to help his friends, old and new, feel at home!” A trusted leader, he mobilized resources for families and connected them to each other by building their confidence and spreading love among the Guyanese community. He welcomed and influenced other Caribbean cultures as well, known to lend a hand to anyone in need. With sadness, a number of LINC staff, VIPs, and partners attended his memorial. “I met Amanda's dad last June at our Below the Branches program and his jovial spirit was infectious. He was caring, he loved to sing and dance, and he brought a lot of positive energy to the other families. That day, we read Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle and he recited the lines with enthusiasm. Before he left, he made sure that he had a copy to read to his grandchildren at home which I am sure they will always treasure.” – Reishmi Brijmohan, Queens Family Engagement Specialist We are grateful to Mr. Periera for the light he brought to LINC families and the wonderful example he set for others. He was a reader and a leader that we won’t forget. If you are interested in learning more about LINC’s VIP program, please contact: Wilkarlys Zaman, VIP Manager, at wzaman@lincnyc.org or 212-620-5462, ext.142. To register for LINC’s latest literacy programs, visit us at www.lincnyc.org/onlineprograms .