Reading Buddies (in-person)

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Reading Buddies, a program of the RSVP Center of Essex and Hudson Counties at Jewish Family Service MetroWest, engages older adult volunteers in promoting childhood literacy in public schools. Volunteers age 55+ read to the same small group of students each week throughout the school year using a read-aloud format that supplements the school’s regular reading curriculum. Reading Buddies is a one of a kind program that uses volunteers to support children grades k-2 and educators in the classroom.

This is an in-person volunteer opportunity, based in public school systems. Reading Buddies is a one hour commitment once a week for the school year. All volunteers must be age 55+ and submit to a background check. Volunteers must live in our service area: Essex and/or Hudson Counties, NJ. Books and training are provided.

We are currently seeking readers to read to students pre-K-3rd grade in a small group format in the Newark/Vailsburg area in the afternoon (3-4PM). We are also seeking readers for young children (3-4 years) with special needs in West Orange (times vary). If you are interested in signing up to read to children or would like more information, please contact Julie Cramer-Le at jcramer-le@jfsmetrowest.org or 973-637-1761."