Youth Behavioral Health Programs and Safe Streets

Reading aloud to children has been determined to be “the single most important activity for building knowledge for their eventual success in reading.” [citation] That’s compelling at Villa Maria School, where children are largely working below grade level in reading -- sometimes by multiple grades. Besides academics, VMS school children are addressing emotional and behavioral challenges that keep them from participating in general education settings, therefore the psychological and relational payoffs of listening to stories are also a boon to treatment.

Reading partners, or “Book Buddies,” will partner with one child in a third grade classroom to read stories aloud and build a positive relationship. Once a week, during the school day, volunteers will join a student either in-person (preferred) or in a virtual setting (backup) to share a story by reading aloud and engaging in conversation.

Volunteer candidates must be consistent, positive, patient, flexible, and adept at appreciating “What’s strong” instead of “What’s wrong.” If engaging virtually, we require individuals who are tech-competent, comfortable using the full-functionality of the Zoom platform; who are expressive, and possess clear diction – qualities that will be essential when engaging children through a virtual platform.

Commitment: 45 minutes total, once a week for two school semesters (mid-October through mid-June). Tentatively, Book Buddies will arrive Tuesdays at 12:20. Children arrive 12:30 PM. Active reading time is up to 30 minutes, ending by 1:00 PM. 

Pre-Service Training (orientation for all new volunteers): Weeknight from 6-8PM - opportunities are scheduled quarterly

Mentor Trauma Training (required for all volunteers who serve in one-to-one roles with children): Weeknight 6-9 PM via Zoom (opportunities are scheduled 3/year)

Book Buddy Training: September 2024, two 1-hour sessions at Villa Maria School

To apply, please click where prompted "I would like to volunteer." Background checks will be required as well as influenza vaccination.