The Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Be a Reader (BeAR) program is out of hibernation and heading back into schools at the end of October.
Returning to the classroom means BeAR needs more volunteers. Just an hour a week can change a child’s life. For those who are concerned about the time commitment, consider the BeAR Share volunteer option where two volunteers are paired to share the weekly time obligation for their student.
BeAR students need great trainers, mentors, and friends—and volunteers never regret helping a child learn to read.
If it’s not possible to donate time, the BeAR program always accepts donations of supplies, books, and more. BeAR is in nine local Title 1 schools and assists more than 100 students each year, providing books, workbooks, pencils, erasers, crayons, sketchpads, and other materials to help build the students’ personal libraries.
Interested in learning more? Contact Robin Ford, BeAR program coordinator, by October 19 for details on how to get involved at
757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org or visit JewishVA.org/BeAR.