Welcome

Together, we can make a real difference in our schools.

The “I READ” Initiative is a partnership between United Way of Rock River Valley, Rockford School District 205 and Harlem School District 122.   The initiative recruits, trains, and matches volunteers with kindergarten students to become Reading Mentors. Mentors can tutor 1 to 3 kindergarten students in reading for 20 minutes per student for as little as one hour per week.  Mentors meet with the students during the school day in the classroom or other convenient location. 

The initiative targets the lowest readers indicated by kindergarten baseline data.  In the second year, a new group of volunteers begin with incoming kindergartners as current mentors “roll up.”  Volunteers will meet face-to-face with district staff and receive training.  All volunteers will be required to pass a background check.  The initiative will launch in October of 2011. Volunteers for the 2011-12 school year will be accepted until December of 2011.

Anyone with passion and commitment can help a young person achieve greater academic success.  Volunteers can make a difference.  Join with volunteers in the community, and show the power of Living United.

Please look at the following information:

• I READ Job Description
• Expectations of Volunteers
• I READ FAQ's
• About Parker Early Learning Center (Harlem School District 122)
• About Rockford School District 205 Schools
• UW Day of Action Volunteer Form
• DCFS Form
• Thank you letter

Fill out the UW Day of Action Form and the DCFS Form and submit forms:

FAX: 815.968.5878
Email: VolunteerCenter@unitedwayrrv.org
Mail: United Way of Rock River Valley
          Attention: I READ Program

          612 North Main Street, Suite 300
          Rockford, Illinois 61103
 (Forms can be dropped off at the above address.)