It's a fact:
In the first six years, children learn at a much faster pace than at any other time
in their lives, which is why exposing them to reading at a young age is critically important.
It's also a fact that Women UNITED is dedicated to ensuring that low income children have access to books in their homes through the Sprout into
Rea
ding Program. Since the program's launch in late 2016, over
2,500 books have been distributed by seven partnering agencies in the Iowa counties served by United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States.
The program, developed through research on similar programs in other areas of the state and in discussion and collab
oration with multiple organizations, targets children ages birth to five years of age.
Just a sprinkling of the positive comments coming in from the partnering organizations, parents and children include:
From a partnering organization:
"The kids we serve love to be read to but oftentimes their access to books is limited. Thanks to Women UNITED, we can help our families expand their collection of books at home."
From a parent:
"We enjoy receiving the wonderful books because it gives me the opportunity to read with my children and spend time with them while reading"
From a happy four-year old:
"I love the book
Corduroy
, my mom read it to me when I was younger!"
The fact of the matter:
Women UNITED members are delighted with the Sprout into Reading results to date and look forward to expanding their literacy activities in the future.
