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Neighbors | Submitted .Volunteers with the Mahoning County Educational Service Center posed at the Veterans Outreach "Ohio Flags of Honor" event at Boardman Park. Many volunteers will spend time volunteering to assist school age children with reading skills at both the Boardman and Michael Kusalaba Libraries.
By JESSICA HARKER
The Ohio Reading Corps is offering free reading tutors for children kindergarten through third grade at the Boardman and Michael Kusalaba libraries.
The program, which began the first week of February and lasts for six weeks, is run entirely by volunteers according to ORC Regional Coordinator Sarah Laite.
“We focus on the lower grades because that is where the need is,” Laite said. “If you can catch a struggling student early enough, you can change the whole trajectory of their life.”
The program focus’ on students who don’t qualify for special assistance, but still need help with reading skills.
“What about those students that are just below level in reading? With no one to help them bridge the gap, they fall further and further behind,” Laite said. “This is where we come in.”
She said that the Ohio Reading Corps is an AmeriCorps program, with all volunteers serving with Americorps for at least a year.
“We work to fill needs that are not otherwise being met,” Laite said. “Some students do great with whole-classroom instruction, and some students have more complicated needs that are met through other services.”
Serving at the library are eight volunteers, with four serving at each branch.
Volunteers spend two hours every Wednesday at each branch, working with students in one-on-one tutoring or in small groups.
“As an AmeriCorps program, our philosophy is all about service. I think this has created a culture in our programs that is both kind and driven,” Laite said.
Along with reading tutors, volunteers spend time doing a variety of charitable work throughout the year.
Laite said that volunteers serve at the Rescue Mission, animal shelters, veterans out reach programs and more.
“We believe in supporting our communities, and engage in many volunteer opportunities throughout the year,” she said.
Volunteers are hired through a competitive process, including background checks, and reading tutors receive phonics training.
“Additionally, we provide trauma trainings, growth mindset and many others that assist members in supporting the districts we serve,” Laite said.
She explained that volunteers spend 30 hours per week volunteering in local schools, and the new library program is in addition to that work.
“The goal is to meet individuals where they are at in order to support their success in school and to foster a love of reading,” Laite said.
To apply, go to OMCK5.com or ORCK3.com or contact Laite with any questions at s.laite@mvrcog.org.