Greenwich United Way Will Host Open House For Reading Champions Literacy Program

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich United Way will hold ite Reading Champions Open House on Sept. 24 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Greenwich Town Hall to highlight the town’s largest volunteer-driven early literacy program and encourage community participation.

The event will feature remarks from Greenwich Public Schools K-8 English Language Arts Coordinator Kimberly Paladino, who will speak about early literacy goals and the program’s success across the district’s elementary schools.

Reading Champions provides one-on-one volunteer support aimed at improving reading comprehension and fluency, tailored to individual student needs.

"Greenwich Public Schools is incredibly excited to have Reading Champions volunteers continue to work in all our elementary schools," Paladino said in a news release. "For more than a decade, they have been unwaveringly committed to support GPS students in attaining important reading fluency skills while building a positive connection. Our dynamic volunteer partnership creates powerful relationships in a wonderful community atmosphere between GPS, Reading Champions volunteers, students, and families."

The program has grown since its 2008 pilot at North Mianus School to include all 11 public elementary schools and five after-school sites. In the 2024-25 school year, 120 volunteers supported 350 students through one-on-one tutoring sessions. New sites include the YMCA after-school program and the Family First program at New Lebanon School, which offers evening sessions for families learning English as a second language.

"The success and effectiveness of Reading Champions is a testament to our incredible team of literacy volunteers," said Greenwich United Way CEO David Rabin. "The program is rewarding for both students and volunteers alike and we hope to grow our team of volunteers this year to make even more of a positive impact on the young learners in our town – whether we reach them during the school day or outside the classroom at one of the five after-school programs we will serve in the upcoming school year."

"Reading Champions exemplifies the mission of the Greenwich United Way to find it and fix it," said Cecile Meunier, the program’s manager. "This incredible program brings together literacy specialists with dedicated volunteers who are trained to provide reading support, fostering literacy skills and a love of learning in their students."

Those interested in attending the open house or volunteering can contact Meunier at cmeunier@greenwichunitedway.org or 203-869-2221.