by Sherri Wisoff
The BE A Reader or “BEAR” program is a literacy project that needs more volunteers to read to young children in area public schools.
BEAR operates during the 39-week school year, September through June. Children in grades 1–3, are helped to acquire the reading and literacy skills necessary to lead happy and productive lives. BEAR students, who might be reading below grade level, are referred by their teacher, principal or reading specialist to work one-on-one with BEAR mentors. Each volunteer is a member of a team led by a volunteer captain. Volunteers meet weekly for one hour with their assigned BEAR student, lovingly referred to as a BEAR cub.
The BEAR Program is a wonderful way to reaffirm one’s commitment to ‘tikkun olam,’ repairing the world, one child at a time. If interested in participating in this mitzvah opportunity, contact Sherri Wisoff at swisoff@simonfamilyjcc.org or 757-321-2304 for more information.