Since 2008, Reading Champions has delivered consistent early literacy support with the largest volunteer driven program in town with 120+ volunteers in 11 schools and five after-school programs reaching 400+ students.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 – GREENWICH, Conn. – The Greenwich United Way will host a Reading Champions Open House for the community on September 26, 12:30-2:30 pm at Town Hall, providing a great opportunity to learn more about the largest volunteer-driven early literacy program in town and how to get involved. The event will feature guest speakers from The Windward Institute, Dr. Danielle Gomez and Alexis Pochna, who will present evidence-based research about early child literacy to better understand and navigate the stages of reading development. This informative presentation is free and open to the public. Additionally, Greenwich Public Schools’ K-8 English Language Arts Coordinator Kim Paladino will discuss the success of Reading Champions throughout all Greenwich public elementary schools.

“Greenwich Public Schools is incredibly excited to have Reading Champions volunteers continue to work in all our elementary schools,” said Paladino. “For more than a decade, they have been unwaveringly committed to support GPS students in attaining important reading fluency skills while building a positive connection. Our dynamic volunteer partnership creates powerful relationships in a wonderful community atmosphere between GPS, Reading Champions volunteers, students, and families.”

As Reading Champions has expanded to all 11 public elementary schools in town in addition to five after-school sites, the need for volunteers has grown dramatically. Reading Champions volunteers make a significant impact on young learners, helping elementary students improve their reading skills. Training and materials are provided, ensuring that new and veteran volunteers alike are all well-prepared to support the students. Volunteers are supported by dedicated on-site teams and GPS literacy specialists. Committed to its valuable volunteer team, Greenwich United Way hosts events throughout the year to nurture volunteer skillsets and honor their work.

The spring marked Reading Champions’ 16^th year of literacy support, helping improve reading fluency among Greenwich elementary students. A committed partner to Greenwich Public Schools (GPS), in the 2023-2024 school year Reading Champions had 120 volunteers supporting 350 students with one-on-one tutoring sessions in all Greenwich Public Schools and three after-school programs. Two additional Reading Champions sites debut this month with the YWCA after-school program and the Family First program at New Lebanon School, where evening sessions will serve students of families learning English as a second language.

“The success and effectiveness of Reading Champions is a testament to our incredible team of literacy volunteers,” said David Rabin. “The program is rewarding for both students and volunteers alike and we hope to grow our team of volunteers this year to make even more of a positive impact on the young learners in our town – whether we reach them during the school day or outside the classroom at one of the five after-school programs we will serve in the upcoming school year.”

Reading Champions began in 2008 with a pilot program at North Mianus School with eight reading tutors trained by literacy specialists to work with 24 students in first and second grade.

“Reading Champions exemplifies the mission of the Greenwich United Way to find it and fix it. As a committed partner to GPS for 16 years, we receive guidance from the district in how to provide consistent support for young readers who can benefit from the extra attention,” said Cecile Meunier, program manager of the Greenwich United Way. “This incredible program brings together literacy specialists with dedicated volunteers who are trained to provide reading support, fostering literacy skills and a love of learning in their students.”

Since its inception, Reading Champions has positively impacted the lives and strengthened the academic confidence of more than 5,000 students. The program will expand this summer to provide year-round support, enabling students to compound their progress and meet grade standards before the upcoming academic year.

Those interested in attending the open house on September 26^th should contact Reading Champions program manager Cecile Meunier at cmeunier@greenwichunitedway.org or call 203-869-2221 for more details on how to join this impactful initiative.

About Greenwich United Way

The Greenwich United Way (GUW) is a privately incorporated, locally governed, non-profit agency. It shares its mission as one of more than 1,100 United Way chapters around the world. A volunteer-driven organization, the Greenwich United Way exists to help identify and address the health, educational and self-sufficiency needs specific to the local community and to create and affect meaningful, lasting solutions. Through various fundraising efforts and ongoing research, the organization directly grants the funds necessary to accomplish this goal. The Greenwich United Way also invests in and conducts collaborative efforts to address broad-based community needs with partnering nonprofit agencies. For more information, visit greenwichunitedway.org or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.