Vision Now Nurturing Young Readers: The Power of Mentorship Through ReadingPals
In the June edition of Listen Lakeland, host Ileana Kniss, Board Chair of Lakeland Vision, speaks with Ruthie Teets, ReadingPals Program Manager, and Katelyn Bruce, Senior Director of Marketing at United Way of Central Florida, about the impact of early childhood literacy initiatives in our community. They discuss how the ReadingPals program connects volunteers with kindergarten students to build foundational reading skills and supportive relationships, and share data showing improved literacy outcomes, attendance, and behavior. The episode also highlights the 30th Anniversary Summer Readathon, a community effort encouraging children to read daily throughout June to prevent learning loss during the summer break. The conversation emphasizes how local involvement in early education contributes to student success and long-term community well-being.
Related Vision Focus Area and Goals:
- Lifelong Education
Lakeland will have quality educational opportunities for all.
Goals - Funding and Community Support
Lakeland will support quality education through collaboration among schools, businesses, and other institutions in the community. - Programs and Curriculum
Lakeland will support quality curriculum, teaching, mentoring and hands-on experiences to prepare students to succeed in college, in vocations, the workforce, and in life. - Early Start
Lakeland will prepare every child to succeed. - Activities for a Diverse Community
Lakeland will offer activities for all community members.
Goal - Volunteerism
Lakeland will promote volunteer opportunities that allow all citizens to be actively involved in community service.
- Lifelong Education
What We Do
Lakeland Vision collaborates with a broad range of community stakeholders to implement a comprehensive action plan shaped by the community’s own vision of its future.
