CREATING CONNECTION: NANCY AND JANALYN Every volunteer at Reading Partners tutors a student for their own particular reason. For Nancy Jarrell, a third-year tutor in the 2016-17 school year, it’s because the Reading Partners mission holds very personal significance. As a child born during World War II, Nancy faced significant challenges learning to read, so significant in fact that she was held back in second grade. But despite those challenges, Nancy’s mother, who believed in her and in the power of literacy, routinely took Nancy to the library over the summer and worked with her until she got back on track.
“Programs like Reading Partners really help kids long term. When you help a child learn how to read, you help them through their whole life.”
— Nancy Jarrell, third-year Reading Partners volunteer
Because of her own experience as a child, Nancy, who now lives in Colorado, was eager to get involved when she learned about the Reading Partners program. In fact, Nancy tutored two students that first year, including a young girl named Janalyn. Nancy and Janalyn formed a strong bond during their many reading sessions together, and they were paired with one another again the following year. In their time together, Nancy has proudly watched Janalyn’s reading skyrocket. When Janalyn started with Reading Partners, she was more than two years behind grade level in reading and she doubted whether she would ever catch up. Over time, Janalyn’s reading skills have blossomed, and she is now a confident student and a voracious reader who is on a fast track to reading at grade level.
“Reading Partners is not just a reading program to boost my level—it’s kind of like my family. Everyone here is so sweet. We’re in it together to help build each other up.”
— Janalyn, Reading Partners student
11,422 community volunteers
95
%
Ninety-five percent of volunteers are satisfied with their experience. 3