Story Adventurers, a free summer reading program, takes place all summer long at the Joseph’s Run Apartment Complex
The Story Adventurers Summer Reading Program recently kicked off in commemoration of United Way Worldwide’s Day of Action, where thousands of people in communities around the world volunteer with United Way to make their community a better place.
The Story Adventurers Summer Reading Program is designed to encourage K-5th grade students to keep learning throughout the summer with games, prizes and special community guests. The program will be held from noon–1pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through August 23 in the Joseph’s Run Apartment Complex Community Room. Snacks are provided for students on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and they receive a free lunch on Wednesdays.
Story Adventurers is designed to decrease the risk of “Summer Slide,” which is the learning loss that can happen when children do not engage in educational activities during the summer months.
“A group of Siebert staff members began discussing the possibility of a program to support families with a focus on literacy to prevent the “summer slide” for students living at the Joseph’s Run Apartments,” stated Paul Schroll, Principal at Siebert Elementary. “We had worked with the management at Joseph’s Run in the past and were pleased that they were eager to renew a summer reading program. As we began to make plans for the summer, we shared the idea with the folks at United Way and their support led the way to materials, corporate sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities. Our goal is to provide literacy resources and promote healthy habits around reading,” added Schroll.
Corporate partners will volunteer each week to provide students with books and literacy activities. Members First Credit Union generously sponsored the lunch program, providing a boxed lunch for students each week.
“We believe strongly in the power of education, and we’re proud to partner with United Way to launch this Summer Reading Program so local students can keep their reading skills sharp during the summer months,” shared Eric Brubaker, CEO of Members First Credit Union.
Additionally, representatives from United Way of Midland County, Three Rivers Corporation, SYM Financial, Northwood University, Ieuter Insurance Group, Bricks Real Estate, Ernst & Young and Midland Center for the Arts will participate in Story Adventurers as weekly corporate partners.
“As we know that reading at grade level is critical to academic success, this program is aimed at students at or below grade level that could benefit from additional literacy skills over the summer months, shared Ann Fillmore, Executive Director at United Way of Midland County. “Story Adventurers provides a fun, enriching environment for the kids and the volunteers alike,” added Fillmore.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF MIDLAND COUNTY
United Way of Midland County works to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a good life – Education, Health and Self-Sufficiency. They recruit the people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. They invite everyone to be a part of changing out community by giving, advocating and volunteering.
