YMCA Uses Books to Build Emotional Awareness for All Ages
By Megan Larson-Freeman,
Grant Specialist, YMCA of Rock River Valley
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Making a Difference with I READ in Harlem Schools
By Jason Blume,
Assistant Superintendent of Communications and Community Relations
At Harlem School District, we believe that reading opens doors—to knowledge, to confidence, and to endless possibilities. Thanks to our partnership with United Way of Rock River Valley, nearly 30 dedicated volunteers are making a powerful impact through the I READ program at Parker Center, Ralston Elementary, and Olson Park Elementary.
United for Literacy Initiative
United is the Way to Literacy
When United for Literacy launched in 2023, less than 1 in 3 Winnebago County third grade students were assessed to have reading scores that met expectations. Fourth grade ushers in a period requiring them to read to learn history, word problems in math, and more. In 2025, 36.75% of County third grade students were assessed as being reading proficient.
Our BOLD GOAL is for 75% of third-graders to be reading at grade level or above by 2034.
Leaders In Giving
Leading the Way
United Way Brings Reach Out and Read to Winnebago County
United Way of Rock River Valley (UWRRV) has mobilized the community to action by bringing Reach Out and Read (ROR) to Winnebago County, a groundbreaking initiative to enhance pediatric literacy. ROR benefits 4.4 million children nationwide and is the only national pediatric literacy model endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Local healthcare partners Crusader Community Health, UW Health, Mercy Health, and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center support this effort.