Reading Buddies (in-person)

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 pre-k through 2nd grade 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 for young children (3-4 years) with special needs in West Orange (times vary) and pre-K through 2nd grade students in Newark. 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."