ReadFresno is committed to getting students reading and succeeding at under-performing Fresno County schools. Through one-on-one relationships, we read with students to develop their proficiency skills and encourage the love of reading. The children in our After-School Literacy Program are referred by their teacher. Contact your school today and see if your child qualifies!

In elementary schools:

• Volunteers read to children in grades 1-3 who do not read at grade level for 30 minutes, 1 time a week.
• We supply our volunteers with books to give away to their kids upon mastery.
• We currently have 128 volunteers in 13 schools.

In middle and high schools:

• We provide weekly enrichment programming 1 time a week.
• We are currently in 2 middle schools and 4 high schools.

How you can help:

• Volunteer with us!
• Commitment of one hour a week
• Contact us to organize a book drive, so we can continue giving away books to our children
   

 

We offer workshops to help parents communicate with their children and instill the love of reading. We give books to all participating families to build their children’s home libraries. Contact your school and ask about attending a workshop given by ReadFresno!

How it works:

• We invite the parents of our children in the After-School Literacy Program to weekly workshops given at 10 of our schools.
• Each workshop is presented in 3 languages: Spanish, English, and Hmong.
• Since Fall 2009, we have reached 312 parents.

How you can help:

• We need volunteers to help ReadFresno staff and facilitators to prepare for and conduct workshops
  
• Donate bilingual books for us to give the parents so they can read with their children at home

Our newest program! With our BLAST program (Buddies, Laughs, Activities, Support, and Trust), we match children with an adult who will provide them with the support and activities they need to thrive!

How it works:

• One child is matched with one adult based on interests, hobbies, etc.
• Mentoring sessions are held either at the child's school, or a church/community center.
• The purpose of mentoring activities center on positive social skills development and self-esteem building.
• Possible activities include; art projects, playing board games, sports, etc.

How you can help:

• Become a mentor! (18 years and older)
• Commitment of one hour a week 

Volunteers read with children while they wait to visit their incarcerated loved one. Children choose a book and after they read it, they get to take the book home with them!

WHERE: Men’s Jails in Downtown Fresno (“M” & Fresno Street)
WHEN: 2nd and 4th Saturdays every month.  11am-1PM.

How you can help:

• Become a volunteer reader and be a positive influence in a child’s life.