The BeAR Literacy Project concluded another meaningful school year with its annual End-of-the-Year Mentor Luncheon, a celebration of the extraordinary volunteers whose time, patience, and compassion continue to change children’s lives.
Approximately 140 students participated in BeAR during this school year. Some of the students proudly reached their reading goals and “graduated,” while others continued progressing steadily week by week. New students also joined the BeAR family, each paired with a caring mentor who offered encouragement, consistency, and confidence along the way.
For 26 years, under the leadership of Gail Flax, BeAR has connected dedicated adult mentors with local Title I elementary school students. The success of the program is rooted in the commitment of these volunteers who faithfully give their time every week, building relationships that often become just as important as the reading lessons themselves.
One especially moving moment at the luncheon came from a 90-year-old mentor who shared that older adults are no longer truly heard. BeAR reminds both children and adults how important it is to listen with care. When mentors take time to listen, students feel seen, valued, and important. In addition, the students learn to offer that same respect to others.
This year also marked meaningful milestones. BeAR welcomed its first deaf mentor, whose student not only improved his reading skills but also learned some sign language skills and the importance of respectful communication. The luncheon also recognized volunteers and school partners who continued mentoring through personal hardships and even government shutdowns.
BeAR is about far more than reading levels. It is about trust, kindness, confidence, and connection. Most importantly, it is a reminder that every mentor matters, and every hour they give leaves a lasting impact on a child’s life.
Those who would like to join BeAR in the upcoming 2026/27 school year should contact Robin Ford at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org.