ReadingPals Make a Difference — One Mentor Shares His Meaningful Experience ReadingPals, one of United Way of Broward County’s programs, is a literacy initiative in our community connecting volunteers/ mentors with students from pre-k to third grade who may need extra help. Our ReadingPals volunteers have been paired with thousands of young children in Broward County, and they are building meaningful relationships with young students, supporting their social-emotional development and improving their skills with reading and overall learning. Brendan — a volunteer at Gulfstream Academy in Hallandale Beach — is one of nearly 2,000 mentors who have participated in the ReadingPals program since its inception in 2012. “When I learned about the opportunity with ReadingPals, I jumped on it. I always wanted to help kids, and ReadingPals targets the schools and the kids who need the most assistance. It is so meaningful to know I am helping children, seeing improvements and making education fun.” says Brendan. “I have worked with several kids since 2021, and they always are eager and excited to get started. When I returned to Gulfstream Academy this year to help new students, I saw a former student in the hallway, and he ran to me, gave me a hug and proudly told me he still is reading every day. It means so much to me that I can be a part of children’s excitement and joy about education.”
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