I know that traveling stories sets up libraries in areas where kids have no access to books internationally, but here in San Diego where there's a library in every town, Traveling Stories is attempting to get kids excited about reading, and I have seen the results of this in City Heights and El Cajon. At the Farmers' Markets you will find the 2 canopied booth of traveling stories jammed with kids of all ages reading aloud, sprawled out comfortably on the carpet rolled out over the asphalt or grass. Before the booth is set up kids are arriving to help and look over the books they want to read for book bucks. It is quite a scene, and awakens the hope that reading is not a lost art, but an enjoyable pasttime, and one that will help these kids enjoy success in school and life.
294 Pageviews Read Stories
- EIN 32-0298884
- info@travelingstories.org
- 1240 E. Plaza Blvd Suite 604-430 National City CA 91950 USA
- www.travelingstories.org
- Facebook page
- trvlingstories
- Add to Favorites
Volunteering
Promote This Nonprofit
Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Children & Youth, Children & Youth Services, Education, Educational Services, Literacy, Remedial Reading & Encouragement
Mission: We are Traveling Stories, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps kids fall in love with reading by the 4th grade. We believe books are a necessity, not a luxury, and that strong literacy skills are the most empowering gift we can give someone. Our StoryTent programs deliver a sustainable, family-focused solution for improving literacy rates before the 4th grade. We cultivate a joy of learning, and a sense that reading is pleasurable. We are experts at making reading fun!
Results: Traveling Stories is a 501(c)(3) organization founded to promote the love of reading among children so that they have a greater opportunity for success in school and in life. Studies show that children who do not read at grade level by 4th grade are 15 times more likely to drop out of school. Since our founding in 2010, Traveling Stories has impacted more than 7,000 students in San Diego, Calif. Traditionally we’ve provided services in-person, but due to COVID-19 we pivoted to an online model in 2020. Our new Virtual StoryTent program matches students in 1st-3rd grade with trained reading mentors for weekly, one-on-one reading sessions via video. In its first 18 months (June 2020-December 2021) the Virtual StoryTent served 158 children. In 2022, the program is on track to serve 272 children. Children who participate in the program grow their reading level, increase their affection for reading, and increase their self confidence. With increased awareness about the program and more volunteer support, we will be able to serve 1,200 or more children each year by the end of 2025. This growth is possible due to the investments we’ve made in our custom program platform and program systems. Founder’s Story Emily Moberly was teaching high school English in Honduras when she first realized that not all children grow up with access to books or a love for reading. By helping her students discover the joy of reading for the first time, Emily realized her own passion for empowering young people through books. In 2010 she started Traveling Stories in San Diego, her hometown. She continues to serve as the organization's CEO. Emily has a degree in Journalism from John Brown University and a certificate in African Studies and Community Development from Uganda Christian University. She is the author of the bilingual children’s book, “Watch Out for Mr. B.” Emily is a former foster parent. She lives in SouthEast San Diego with her two daughters and three cats.
Target demographics: Empower children to achieve their dreams
Direct beneficiaries per year: 158 children get the 1-on-1 support they needed to grow their reading levels, increase their confidence, and discover the joy of reading!
Geographic areas served: San Diego County
Programs: one-on-one literacy support and mentorship!