The Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Be a Reader (BeAR) program held its Kickoff/Workshop for the 2022/2023 school year on October 24. It was the first meeting of the group since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
It was a full house and everyone was excited as important topics were discussed, including navigating the school year, mentoring struggling second graders (many of whom have not been in school since their kindergarten year), health-safety in a post pandemic world, building individual libraries for BeAR students, and reading, reading, reading!
Gail Flax opened the meeting with, “We are so happy to be out of hibernation and back on track!” New volunteers heard from returning BeAR mentors and captains about their personal experiences with BeAR. There were meaningful discussions about how BeAR mentors can change a young person’s life, contribute to a strong self-esteem, and help these young students develop reading skills that will serve them throughout their entire life.
Being a BeAR mentor is rewarding and easily accomplished. BeAR provides the students with five books for their at-home library, school supplies, and a commitment of one hour per week with a BeAR mentor throughout the school year.
To join the team of amazing volunteers and participate in the BeAR program in one of its Norfolk or Virginia Beach schools, contact Robin Ford, BeAR coordinator, at 757-321-2304, or rford@ujft.org.