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| Frequently
Asked Questions |
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What
is United Through Reading?
Why
is United Through Reading's
work important?
Who
does United Through Reading
serve?
How
is United Through Reading different
from other literacy organizations?
What programs
does United Through Reading
offer?
How
is United Through Reading funded?
What
costs are involved for program
participants?
How
can I help United Through Reading?
I
want to tutor children. Can I volunteer
with United Through Reading?
Why
should I read aloud with my children?
What
is United Through Reading?
Founded in 1989 by Betty
J. Mohlenbrock, M.Ed., United Through Reading is a non-profit 501(c)(3)
public benefit organization whose
mission is to facilitate supportive
relationships for children through
families and friends reading aloud
with them.
Why
is United Through Reading's
work important?
One in three American kindergartners
arrive in school unprepared to learn
and only 50% of infants and toddlers
are routinely read to by their parents
(Carnegie Corporation, 1994).
"The single most important
activity for building the knowledge
required for eventual success in
reading is reading aloud to children." (National
Commission of Reading, 1985)
"The time a parent spends reading
aloud with his or her children will
result in a higher level of attachment,
a sense of security, and knowledge
by children that their parent feels
they are worthwhile people with whom
to spend time." (E.K. McEwan,
1987)
Who
does United Through Reading
serve?
The Inmate Program reaches out to children
and families San Diego County. The Military Program is available
to deployed service members and their
families around the world.
How
is United Through Reading
different from other literacy
organizations?
United Through Reading is
unique in the following ways:
- We take a preventive approach
to the problem of illiteracy.
- We focus on parents and caregivers
as our most important adults to
promote the read aloud experience
in homes.
- We emphasize the emotional benefits
of bonding and self-esteem that
develop through the read aloud
process.
- We promote the use of libraries.
- We instill a love of reading
in children in their very early
years.
- We collaborate with a variety
of agencies to reach underserved
children and families.
- We do extensive follow up and
evaluation of our beneficiaries.
- We are cost-effective though
the use of volunteers and replicable
program models.
What
programs does United Through Reading offer?
Our community outreach programs
are volunteer-based and include:
An underway quality-of-life program
for military families that helps
keep parents and children connected
during deployment through the medium
of reading aloud on video tape.
A program designed
to benefit children of incarcerated
parents who are experiencing a
difficult separation and a possible
lack of literacy support in the
home.
How
is United Through Reading
funded?
United Through Reading
is supported by investments from
corporations, foundations, individuals
and fee-for-service with over 80%
of the funds going directly to program
expenses. We are proud members of
the Combined Federal Campaign (#11393). more
funding info
What
costs are involved for program
participants?
No fees are charged to United Through Reading's program participants.
How
can I help United Through Reading?
1. You can read aloud to
your children, grandchildren and
other special children in your life.
To learn how you can begin reading
aloud with children, visit Read
Aloud Resources.
2. You can become a program volunteer
and/or assist us in our office. Find
out how at Get Involved.
3. You can be a financial supporter. Find
out how at Get Involved.
I
want to tutor children. Can I
volunteer with United Through Reading?
United Through Reading
appreciates your interest in helping
children. Our programs promote reading
aloud with children. We do not provide
tutoring nor do we teach people how
to read. If you are interested in
volunteering with United Through Reading's programs visit Get
Involved. If you are looking
for tutoring opportunities, please
consult your local yellow pages for
other literacy organizations.
Why
should I read aloud with my children?
In addition to the educational
benefits, reading aloud instills
the joy of reading and allows for
meaningful communication that enhances
self-esteem and family relationships.
For more benefits and information
on reading aloud, check out Read
Aloud Resources.
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