Local nonprofit to receive makeover

THE RETIRED & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Essex County is seeking volunteers for its Reading Buddies program, which connects volunteers age 55 and older with elementary school students in Essex County.

Reading Buddies seeks to introduce the love of books and increase the literacy of young children. Early literacy is linked with academic achievement, higher graduation rates, and enhanced productivity in adult life. The program has shown to be effective in increasing literacy, reading comprehension, and understanding in children in grades K-2.

Reading Buddies schedules volunteers to spend one hour per week reading books to elementary school students at the Washington Elementary School and Mount Pleasant School in West Orange, the Lincoln Avenue School in Orange, and the South Mountain Annex in South Orange/Maplewood. To participate in the program as a volunteer or school, please contact Julie Cramer at 973-765-9050, ext.1761, or jcramer@jfsmetrowest.org.

RSVP of Essex and Hudson Counties is sponsored by Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey (JFSMW). One of the largest volunteer networks in the country, RSVP is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) as part of Senior Corps.

Get New Jersey Jewish News's Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up

JFSMW is a comprehensive social service agency providing mental health counseling and support services on a non-discriminatory basis. For more information, call 973-765-9050 or visit jfsmetrowest.org.