Are You and Your Children Reading?

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” - Ernest Hemingway A few weeks ago, Michelle Schlindwein entered Mt. Calvary Church’s Head Start program in Camden and was enthusiastically greeted by a 4-year-old boy. “Oooh, are you here to read today?” the boy inquired excitedly as Schlindwein prepared to begin her weekly Born to Read routine. Designed to increase early literacy in children, Born to Read is co-directed by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and Impact Partner Center For Family Services, a Camden-based organization serving youth and families. Through the program, trained volunteers visit early childhood education centers throughout the city to read one-on-one with students. “Reading really is such a fundamental skill, yet so many people take it for granted,” said Schlindwein, an accounting manager with Subaru of America in Cherry Hill. “If a child can read, he or she has the ability to learn anything. That’s why it’s important for adults to participate in programs like this and really help set a child on the right track.” It’s never too early to start encouraging a love of reading. Across the nation, countless children fail to read proficiently by the end of third grade, a trend that is especially prevalent in underserved communities. A young person who isn’t reading proficiently by the end of third grade has a greater likelihood to drop out of high school and have diminished earning potential as an adult. This month, schools will host a variety of events to recognize “I Love to Read Month.” Why not make this the month in which you help a young child develop a love of reading? At United Way, we are committed to improving early literacy, but we can’t do so without engaging people like you. Together, we will create Impact that can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Change won’t happen without you, so please consider being a reader, tutor or mentor and create Impact through our Education Volunteer initiative. Thank you for LIVING UNITED! Sincerely, Jill Michal President and CEO United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey