On Nov. 24 Kaitlin M. Roig-DeBellis, inspirational teacher from Sandy Hook Elementary and author of Choosing Hope, visited Greenwich United Way to meet with Founder of Reading Champions, Joan Lowe. Kaitlin and Joan talked about the innovative after school program that was established by United Way in 2011 and works to narrow the achievement gap among elementary school youth in Greenwich.
About 400 students currently work with more than 100 Reading Champions volunteers each week and on Dec. 14 a new location will open at Old Greenwich Elementary. “Reading Champions is special because it focuses on building students’ fluency skills while building their confidence” explained Joan. She continued, “this program is designed to celebrate growth and our kids are proud of their own progress.”
Greenwich United Way is currently looking for new Reading Champion volunteers, residents can learn more about this program by contacting the Greenwich Youth Services Coordinator, Jenny Byxbee (jbyxbee@unitedway-greenwich.com).
