My hat in the picture says, “Officially Retired.” After 35 years as a teacher and administrator in RPS 205, I stepped away on July 1. Then came the big question: what’s next? When I was asked to consider helping at the Brooke Road Community Center, I wasn’t looking for a new job or career. What I wanted was to volunteer—and hopefully make a difference.
When I retired as principal of Swan Hillman Elementary, the staff gave me the perfect gift: a Little Free Library. Books have always been at the heart of my work. At Swan Hillman, we were one of the first schools to join United Way’s original I Read program, because I believed deeply in getting books into children’s hands.
So, whe
n I accepted the role of volunteer Executive Director at Brooke Road, I was thrilled to learn we had a partnership with United Way of Rock River Valley. Through a book distribution grant, we’re able to connect kids with books and give them the strong start in reading they deserve. The Community Center’s mission is to support families in southeast Rockford, and thanks to United Way, we can reach even more children, earlier.
Building a Culture of Reading at Brooke Road
There’s always something happening at Brooke Road—delicious smells drifting from the Food Truck, Zumba classes full of energy, kids creating in Art Therapy, or new moms stopping by The Baby Bank. But my favorite sight? Kids picking out a new book (or two, or three!) to take home with huge smiles on their faces.
One of my first projects here was making books visible everywhere. A basket at the entryway. A cart in the meeting
space. A stack outside to catch kids passing by. I’ve even read at the laundromat next door. Now, at every program—Compassion Camp, Art Therapy, Teen Group—children leave with a book in hand. Nothing beats the moment when a child asks, “Miss Carolyn, I can really keep this?” Absolutely, yes! Thank you, United Way.
Supporting Families Beyond the Books
Our Baby Bank, held once a month, has already supported more than 500 families with free diapers and baby essentials. And because of United Way’s grant, every family can also choose books to bring home. Kids light up when they realize the stories are theirs to keep.
We’re also making sure families see themselves in the books we offer, with stories available in Swahili, Spanish, and English. Literacy is at the heart of everything we do—and it’s the part of retirement that brings me the most joy.
This fall, we’re adding a Little Free Library right outside the Community Center. Thanks to United Way, I’ll be able to keep it stocked with children’s books in multiple languages. Don’t be surprised if you find me outside, reading with neighborhood kids in the front yard.
Volunteering to Make a Difference
In just a few short months, I’ve met so many people in Rockford who want to make a difference. United Way is helping us do just that for the children and families we serve. If I had to put a quote on my new business cards, I think it would be: “Volunteer… Make a Difference. It’s FUN!”