United Way is calling for volunteers to read with children this summer through United Way Reading Adventure and for books to be given to children through a variety of United Way programs.
To connect children with a reading volunteer during the summer, United Way will partner with the following programs 1) InterServ school-age child care program at Wesley Center; 2) InterServ school-age child care program at Sojourn Church; 3) Noyes Home for Children; 4) YMCA school-age child care program at Buchanan County Fairgrounds; and 5) Bartlett Center Youth Program. Each program is held at a different time, and volunteers are needed in July and August to read with students. At each session, volunteers will read with small groups of students for approximately 40 minutes. Volunteers can sign up to read once, a few times or on a regular schedule. Children in the United Way Reading Adventure program will also receive books throughout the summer to encourage reading at home, and United Way distributes books through several programs to help build home libraries, so new and gently used books for children ages 6-12 are needed as well.
Launched in 2011, United Way Reading Adventure helps students maintain their reading skills over the summer months when school is out and improves them during the school year.
More than 800 people have volunteered for United Way Reading Adventure since 2011. The program follows a model that has been successfully used by HOPE Outreach Ministries, Inc. for many years.
Individuals and organizations interested in volunteering to read or donating books can contact Jodi Flurry at 816.364.2381 or jodi.flurry@stjosephunitedway.org.