Every new year brings new hopes and dreams for a prosperous future. While many decide to make resolutions regarding physical health and wellness, others might focus on improving their financial wellbeing or personal relationships. At United Way, we have also made resolutions, and one of those is to expand our ReadingPals program by increasing the number of volunteers. If one of your resolutions is to become more involved by helping others, this opportunity just may be for you.
ReadingPals currently has 198 volunteers who spend one-hour per week in a preschool or kindergarten classroom working with students who are struggling with early literacy skills. There are currently 288 children enrolled in this program in 15 schools and 69 classrooms throughout Citrus County. This school year alone, ReadingPal volunteers have delivered 4,032 additional hours of reading instruction and distributed 1,728 brand new books to children.
Even more important than the program’s success is the vital need it is filling amongst our youth. Studies show that if children are not reading on grade level by third grade, they likely never will. Our ReadingPal volunteers work with these students so that they receive the fundamental literacy skills that will enable them to be successful in school. In fact, this program has such an effect in the lives of children that it was voted the “Most Impactful” ReadingPals program out of 17 others in the state of Florida, and that is because of our dedicated volunteers. And with more volunteers, we could reach even more children by expanding into more classrooms, schools, and potentially more grade levels.
Thanks to Cheri Simek, the coordinator of ReadingPals, becoming a volunteer is simple and easy. Cheri provides all necessary training for our volunteers, as well as all the curriculum and supplies needed, so a background in teaching is not necessary. When it’s time to enter the classroom to work with a student, our volunteers feel comfortable and confident.
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When I started at the United Way almost five years ago, I was eager to become a ReadingPal volunteer. As a former elementary school teacher who changed careers, I was looking forward to being back in a classroom setting, even if only for an hour every week. The young boy I read to wasn’t able to identify any letters or sounds when we started the school year. Gradually, I began to notice his interest level was increasing, and he began showing signs of improvement. I’m happy to share that by the end of the school year, he was able to recognize sight words and read small children’s books. Seeing his dramatic improvement convinced me of the powerful effectiveness of this mentoring program in these children’s lives.
Will you join us in our efforts to encourage and nurture a love of reading to our youngest residents? One hour per week has the possibility to change a young life — and to change yours. For more information, please call our office at 352-795-5483.
Whatever your resolutions may be, I wish you much success and happiness in 2020.
Meghan Pitzer is CEO of United Way of Citrus County.
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