Reading Buddies engages older adult volunteers in promoting childhood literacy in public schools. Volunteers aged 55+ read to the same small group of students each week throughout the school year using a read-aloud format that supplements the school’s regular reading curriculum. Reading Buddies is a one-of-a-kind program that uses volunteers to support children in grades PreK-2 and educators in the classroom.
The Reading Buddies program has full-time openings available in several schools:
- Elementary based in Newark – Multiple age groups available in Early Childhood (Pre-K), Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade classrooms, gated parking available
- Early Childhood (Pre-K) for students with disabilities based in West Orange – Multiple opportunities at different days and times
Reading Buddies is a one-hour commitment once a week for the school year. All volunteers must be age 55+ and submit to a background check. Books and training are provided. Substitute reader positions are available for those who cannot commit to weekly sessions.
Contact Julie Cramer-Le at jcramer-le@jfsmetrowest.org or (973) 637-1761 to participate.
Reading Buddies is run through RSVP, an AmeriCorps Seniors program. The RSVP Center of Essex & Hudson Counties is sponsored by Jewish Family Service of MetroWest. RSVP enables individuals 55+ to give back to their communities through meaningful volunteer opportunities. To learn more about our other volunteer opportunities, please visit the volunteer page.
