Vista Member to Work on America Reads Initiative with Retired & Senior Volunteer Program and Foster Grandparent Program

Todd Berger from Lake Benton, MN has been recruited as a VISTA member to work with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Foster Grand Parent Program (FGP) on President Clinton’s America Reads Initiative. Berger is a graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, and has a degree in elementary education. He will be working in local communities promoting and developing literacy partnerships, and recruiting volunteers to work with children to improve their reading ability.

President Clinton announced the "America Reads" initiative in 1996 with a vital national service component. The goal of this campaign is to ensure that every child can read independently by the end of the third grade. To achieve this goal, the President called for a substantial increase in the number of tutors and mentors available to young children. He proposes that VISTA and other national service programs (RSVP and FGP) play a key role in recruiting, training and supervising this new army of volunteers in our communities and schools.

Forty percent of all children are now reading below the accepted level on national reading assessments. Children who do not read early or read well are held back at the start of their education—and for the rest of their lives. Their chances of later success are significantly diminished, including a greater likelihood of dropping out of school, fewer job options, and increased delinquent behaviors.

With Todd’s background in elementary education and his interest in children, he will be a real asset to RSVP and FGP in working with America Reads, according to Deanna Patenaude, RSVP director. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is sponsored by the University of Minnesota-Crookston and the Foster Grandparent Program by Tri-Valley Opportunity Council.

Persons interested in helping a child learn to read through volunteering, may contact Berger at 218-281-8289 or 1-800-232-6466, ext. 8289. Disability Accommodations available upon request.

Posted: 05-28-98

Contact Barb Weiler for more information.

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