My Nonprofit Reviews
lindah621
Review for Reading to Kids, Los Angeles, CA, USA
I first became aware of Reading to Kids several years ago when they applied for a grant from an organization I was involved with. I'd been sent to do a review and report back. I was impressed to see a couple hundred students dressed in their school t-shirts or good school clothes coming out to a reading event on a Saturday morning. When I was their age, I was home watching cartoons on Saturday morning. The group has since grown from two elementary schools in the downtown Pico/Union area, to eight schools. Volunteer slots for this organization fill up quickly because it is such a fun and rewarding way to spend a few hours a month. We read, do arts and crafts, and most importantly, have conversations with the children to improve their English language skills. If they had additional funding, Reading to Kids could take advantage of their large volunteer pool and spread this excellent program to more elementary schools.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
It's been a joy to be a part of this organization as it has grown from two schools to eight. I've been able to recruit volunteers from my company and to help steer corporate donations their way.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I'd like to see continued growth of the program, which is very well-organized with mostly volunteer labor. Some months, I haven't been able to volunteer because the 500+ volunteer slots have been quickly filled.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Spending Saturday mornings with the third or fourth graders that I read to. They are curious, engaged and look forward to coming back every month. I leave there feeling uplifted and grateful that I am able to contribute to their reading development.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Committed volunteers and staff who are always interested in gaining feedback from volunteers on any ways that they can improve the experience for everyone. It is truly a labor of love.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Increase the number of schools where this program could be offered. They don't seem to have any problem getting the volunteers to staff the school reading clubs, but it does take money to be able to grow the program.
Ways to make it better...
Ben Affleck were my reading partner. Seriously, this group is so well-organized that I don't see how they could improve on the current formula.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Funding. It costs money to provide prize books for the students to take home each month, and the hardcover books to be read at the Reading Clubs and later donated to the school libraries.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I've volunteered with many organizations throughout the greater Los Angeles area through my corporate volunteer program. Reading to Kids is undoubtedly the best one that I have worked with.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
