Making a Difference One Book at a Time

"I went through this when I was a little kid.  Nobody was around.  I didn't have anybody at home to help me out," said Avila.

Being a kid in a school without English as a second language classes growing up made him feel uncomfortable.  That's why Avila signed up today to volunteer in the United Way's "I-Read" program.

"It was very hard for me," said Avila. "I didn't want to go back to school at that time because it was very hard for me."

The program pairs mentors with kindergarteners.  Mentors read to their students for at least one hour a week.  "I-Read's" goal is to have children proficient in reading by third grade.  Right now Rockford Public Schools look for 80% proficiency.  Jennifer Jump, Assistant Principal of Learning Elementary Literacy, says with the United Way's program they've surpassed that.

"Our kindergarten students have met 85% proficiency in their basic skills in our I-Read schools," said Jump.

That's in comparison to scores in the 70^th percentile from years past.  Jump says the program is a win-win for the community. 

"I think there are so many different things that it's impacting.  It's impacting our students, it's impacting our teachers," said Jump.  "But the other thing I want to share is that it's impacting the people who are coming in and volunteering.  They're able to make connections with students and that is a lifelong blessing for the both of them."

In total 85 people signed up on Thursday during the United Way's Day of Service.  Their goal is 200 volunteers.  You can still sign up to be a volunteer until August 1^st.  Just visit the United Way's website.