Jan has been volunteering at the Dixwell site in early 2020. She began working with students just prior to the pandemic. It was a new experience for her and the students, but she has continued to tutor throughout distance learning. One reason she wanted to volunteer at NHR is the importance of literacy. “Literacy is essential to navigate comfortably through in every aspect of life for native speakers of English and non-native English speakers.” About a year ago she began teaching ESOL to adult students in addition to working with children in NHR. What keeps her coming back is the students, who she describes as a joy to work with. Since the pandemic she feels there is an importance to make up for that lost time from school. “It is a wonderful experience to help them discover their strengths and celebrate their wins.”
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Sarah has been volunteering at the Dixwell site for since September 2020. Sarah started volunteering because she wanted to give back to her new community after moving here in 2019. She loves being involved and has always had a passion for helping others learn, having previously worked as a substitute teacher. “NHR appealed to me more than other tutoring programs as it was clear that tutors were able to form a meaningful relationship with students, one that resembles more of a mentorship than simply a tutoring session. I could tell immediately that the other volunteers were proud of their work and were making a difference and I wanted to also be a part of that,” she explains.
Sarah enjoys seeing the immense growth in her student and their excitement to read and learn. “I know I am helping to make a difference in the youth of my community and I think that helping to further education is one of the best volunteer pursuits one can take on.”
Lynda Paul has been volunteering at Bristol Street for over four months. In December of 2020 she was adamant about finding volunteer work to make a difference in others’ lives. She has had a lifelong passion for reading and language. “For me, reading has been a personal love since my earliest memories.” She would read at any moment during the day. Reading is a social passion for her because it offers so much. “I believe that literacy is a skill that gives its learner literally endless possibilities in the world.” What keeps her coming back is her student and seeing the growth. She enjoys learning from the staff as well. Not only is her student learning, but she is learning as well.
The New Haven Reads Creative Writing Club has been busy! The students from all four sites, including Saturday at Bristol St., in grades 3 and up have put together an amazing newsletter. They worked for three sessions to create the “New Haven Reads Chronicle.” The talented writers included stories about current events, breaking news, and even super heroes!
Check out the full New Haven Chronicle here.
We are so grateful for your support for New Haven Reads in the Great Give 2021!We had a record-breaking Great Give and raised over $20,000 in donations before any matches and prizes! Your support will help support our summer literacy programs that are being offered in person and online! Thank you so much for supporting our students as they work hard this summer to prepare for the next school year! |
This spring our students have been busy sharing the joy and power of reading in new ways. Take a look at our video below to see for yourself!
Here at New Haven Reads we want to share some data and testimonials about the IMPACT our tutors are making as volunteers with us!
Our volunteers continue to be the heart and soul of New Haven Reads. NHR tutors currently tutor a total of 454 hours with 279 students each week! Their impact is immeasurable. Enjoy this video of students expressing how much their tutors mean to them. Their smiles speak volumes!
Andrew Nguyen has been volunteering with New Haven Reads for two years at the Bristol Street location. He started volunteering back in 2019. He has always enjoyed working with the younger generation. Andrew states volunteering here has been a privilege because he is able to connect with the amazing children and help play a role in their education. He remembers having someone there for support when he was learning to read as a child and wanted to be there for someone else, because that experience was pivotal to his growth. “Being a volunteer tutor with NHR was a chance for me to give back, even if in the smallest way possible, and that’s important to me because it’s the small interactions that shape us into who we are and who we will become,” Andrew explains.
Something that keeps Andrew coming back is witnessing the growth in the children. “Seeing the moment they learn something new is an awesome feeling,” he says. Each of his students have helped him become a better teacher and a better human being. He doesn’t hesitate to come back because the site directors make it positive and stand for a mission he fully support.
Thank you to Andrew and all our volunteers for their dedication to our mission!
Volunteers are the heart and soul of New Haven Reads! The month of April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. Although we celebrate you everyday, we are excited to have a whole month dedicated to celebrate YOU!
From all of us here at New Haven Reads, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!
