United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and the West Hartford-based Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford have joined forces to close child literacy gaps.

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United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford on July 22, 2024 announced the merger of their volunteer youth reading programs. Effective immediately, Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford’s Children’s Reading Partners Program will join forces with United Way’s existing United Way Readers program. The summer transition will allow United Way to absorb and amplify the strengths of both programs, setting the stage for a strong beginning this upcoming fall.  

“Closing gaps in child literacy is a critical strategy within United Way’s Onward860 strategic vision to end poverty in all its forms. Given both programs’ great synergy, there is no doubt that the enhanced United Way Readers program will help deepen our collective impact and ensure more children achieve academic success,” shared Eric Harrison, president and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We are honored that Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford entrusts United Way to continue their legacy of child literacy.”  

Children’s Reading Partners has spent more than 25 years cultivating the reading skills of educationally at-risk students in Greater Hartford’s public schools, serving children from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. The program, powered by Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, has connected more than 7,000 students with 1,800 volunteers across 20 program sites, creating better readers and stronger students. Additionally, the program provided more than 9,000 new and gently used books to students and their classrooms.  

“Since 1998, it has been our privilege to steward the Children’s Reading Partners program, enhancing literacy for thousands of young people throughout Greater Hartford,” said David Waren, President and CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. “I look forward to watching this program cast an even wider net under United Way’s guidance.” 

The expanded United Way Readers program, which has operated since 2012, will be managed by United Way and implemented with support of Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford. The program will remain active throughout the region, both virtually and in-person. United Way Readers pairs a caring volunteer reader with a student on a weekly basis throughout the academic year, supporting children who struggle to read at grade-level. On average, the program helps 91 percent of participating students increase their literacy skills each year. 

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