The READ Association of Saginaw County is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to help students improve their reading skills and discover the joys of reading. We accomplish this by providing multiple volunteer opportunities through the following programs.
The READ Mentor Program involves mentors spending one hour per week working with two students from kindergarten thru third grade for 30 minutes each from October thru May. During this time, mentors serve as a positive role model, practice reading skills, provide an encouraging environment to promote the job of reading, and discuss potential long-term life goals as well as how it connects to the need to learn to read. Three times per year, students are able to choose a free, high-interest books through their mentor to build their home library and encourage reading outside of school. There are up to 30 locations and multiple time frames to choose from to volunteer. Digital Mentoring opportunities are also available. No experience is required to mentor students but a one-hour training session, manual, digital tools, books and supplies are provided.
Raising Readers Academy
Raising Readers Academy is an intervention program designed to bring families together to enhance reading skill awareness, practice, support, and child advocacy by focusing on at-risk families with children in grades PreK-3. This program provides incentive-based parent education, family-centered activities, and ideas for extended interaction in the home environment. Online sessions are provided as needed and meals are available at face-to-face meetings. The 6-12 week course is held one day/evening per week for 1.5 hrs. per session. Parents can call the READ Office at 989-755-8402 for session availability.
READing STARS
By partnering with schools, nursing homes, and STARS (Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services) the READ Association provides opportunities for children to read to residents by practicing reading skills as well as forming intergenerational bonds. Five schools travel by STARS buses to five nursing homes on a weekly basis from October thru May to share the joy of reading through picture books, interactive conversations, and special connections. This program is currently suspended due to COVID, but we hope to resume as soon as possible.
READ Book Delivery Program
Parents sign their children up during multiple opportunities throughout the year to receive books delivered to their homes. Volunteers select and package books for children at the READ Office, based on grade level and interest (about 1-2 hrs.); and/or deliver books to children's front porches with a pre-routed map (1-2 hrs.); multiple time slots will be available. Volunteers can sign up for as many time slots to pack/deliver books as they would like.
***COMING FALL 2022***Carolyn R. Otto Family Literacy Center
The Carolyn R. Otto Family Literacy Center will serve as a literacy hub for children and their families. The Barton Reading & Spelling Program will be used to provide free tutoring to help children with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia or below-grade reading performance. Parent workshops will be offered during the day to learn about community resources and receive reading support through speakers, training, make-and-takes, and discussions. Storytime for young children and their parents will be offered during the day, including stories, songs, and crafts. Raising Readers Academy will hold one session out of three at this location in the fall, winter, and summer. All programs are free for individuals and families and free transportation will be provided if needed.
For more information regarding volunteer opportunities or involvement with any of these programs, please call the READ Office at 989-755-8402; email cpape@readsaginaw.org; or click on the following link: Volunteer Opportunities
Online Donations
The READ Association of Saginaw County offers you the opportunity to donate funds using a credit card.
