About – Comics Appreciation Project

the Comics appreciation project

We're on a mission to inspire a joy of reading.

Our Belief

Although graphic novels feature less text on each page, they can deliver rich, age-appropriate stories with complex themes and characters.

For struggling or reluctant readers, the reduced text load eases the reading process and builds confidence, inviting them to explore narrative and visual detail at their own pace. By blending vivid art with focused dialogue, graphic novels open a gateway to literacy that’s both accessible and deeply engaging, helping readers discover the joy of stories in a format that meets them where they are.

Our History

Founded in 2022, the Comics Appreciation Project (CAP) is a 501c3 nonprofit created to provide award-winning graphic novels to comfort children in medical crisis and foster care. Since then, we’ve grown into a literacy advocate—partnering with local comic shops, schools, and libraries to create hands-on programs, support reluctant readers, and champion the power of comics as tools for learning and self-expression.

Testimonials

"Comics Appreciation project is passionate about their mission, and we are honored to be part of this most deserving effort - supporting children in crisis. Jason is a pleasure to work with - empathetic, compassionate and dedicated to serving this community. We wholeheartedly stand behind what they do and will continue to do so every chance we get."

"Thanks Jason Kelley for your vision to provide children in foster care with books they can relate to. Foster children of Northeast Georgia have benefitted from the comic books. They are relatable and entertaining. The foster care system appreciates your donations and look forward to future reads. Thanks again for all you do."

"The Comics Appreciation Project has worked with our Annual Heroes Convention for a couple of years now. They are a wonderful group working to enrich the lives of foster children and children under medical care. They donate their time and money to making the world a better place for children from all situations and circumstances."

"I have known Jason Kelley for almost 30 years. We met through comics. Jason was working at a local comic shop and I was a customer. He has always been passionate about comics but even more about helping others. Through CAP he is able to combine both while inspiring others to do the same. I am proud to have donated to CAP and I am sure anyone else that donates will feel the same."

Meet Our Board

Jason Kelley, Founder/Director

Jason is PhD student in Literacies and Children’s Literature at the University of Georgia (UGA). He specializes in the educational and literary value of visual/multimodal storytelling.

Matt Bozeman, Board Chair

Matt has a Masters in Education from the University of Florida (UF). He teaches 8th grade Social Studies for Pacetti Bay Middle School in St. Augustine, Florida.

Davina Swaim, Board Member

Davina has a Masters in Education from the University of West Georgia in Educational Technology, Media, and Design. She is a Media Specialist at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School in Athens, Georgia.

Lee Snelling, Board Member

Lee has a Masters degree from Georgia College and is a former Adjunct Professor at Georgia College & State University (GCSU). He currently serves as the Senior Director Development for the University of Georgia (UGA) Libraries.

Erik Rodriguez, Board Member

Erik is an instructor in emergency medicine and career paramedic in the U.S. Armed Forces. He is a lifelong friend of CAP’s founder, Jason, and shares a passion for comics and promoting literacy initiatives for underserved youth.