United Way of the Coastal Empire is asking for volunteers for this year’s “Read United Buddies”

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – United Way of the Coastal Empire is seeking volunteers as they prepare to expand Read United Buddies this upcoming school year.

The United Way of the Coastal Empire is efforting this expansion in partnership with the Rotary Club of Savannah and the Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS).

Read United Buddies is a volunteer-based structured reading tutoring program that focuses on building a connection with students and advancing their reading ability by focusing on fluency.

Volunteers work with select second and third-grade students at A.B. Williams, Otis J. Brock, and Windsor Forest elementary schools for one hour twice a week throughout the school year. Literacy specialists from the school system provide comprehensive training to volunteers before the program begins to help ensure effectiveness. The public schools conduct a thorough background check of each volunteer as a prerequisite for participation.

“Volunteers are at the heart of Read United Buddies because of their dedication to the program and the connection they make with their student buddies. This winning combination fosters a supportive environment that motivates students to improve their reading skills,” said Cheri Dean, Vice President of Direct Services and Impact, at United Way of the Coastal Empire.

The program was launched last fall for second-grade students on the cusp of reading proficiency. All students who participated in the program saw an increase in literacy scores and 70% of the students increased one or more grade levels.

“One of Rotary International’s seven areas of focus is literacy. By joining the Read United Buddies program, Rotarians and our community will volunteer to read to students. Research shows that this act of reading together can help children build confidence in their reading skills so they can step forward, express themselves, and engage meaningfully in the world. We are seeing measurable results from this program and are excited to be one of the sponsors for this important initiative in Savannah,” said Captain Lakshman, President of the Rotary Club of Savannah.

“We have been impressed with the results of the Read United Buddies program and the impact it is achieving through the caring power of our volunteers and partners by investing time and energy into our Title I schools. It’s inspiring to see the community step up to provide crucial learning support and build meaningful relationships that instill confidence and advance literacy outcomes in some of our youngest learners. I’m hopeful we will continue to get dedicated volunteers and strong sponsors to advance this program so we can ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed,” said Leia Dedic, Chief Impact Officer, United Way of the Coastal Empire.

Read United Buddies is part of United Way of the Coastal Empire’s READ UNITED initiative, a year-round series of programs and services to improve early language and literacy for all children throughout Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties.

Volunteer with Read United Buddies:

· No experience necessary

· Volunteers will attend a volunteer training conducted in partnership with SCCPSS

· Time commitment: Twice a week for one hour each (Volunteers have the option to attend both weekly READ UNITED Buddies sessions (preferred), committing to two days per week or they can arrange with another volunteer to share the weekly responsibilities for the paired Student Buddy)

· Volunteers will need to clear the background check with SCCPSS