Laughter and the sound of turning pages filled the community center at Sunset Heights as children gathered to celebrate Read Across America. Volunteers from Women of Hope spent the afternoon reading alongside children, encouraging a love for books and learning and creating moments of connection that extended far beyond the pages.
For many volunteers, the day was a reminder of how meaningful something as simple as reading together can be. Similar programs were held at 28 National CORE affordable housing communities across California and Texas as part of Hope through Housing’s focus on literacy.
Lucy Bender, who has volunteered with Women of Hope for five years, said Read Across America is one of the most rewarding opportunities to spend time with the children.
Children read stories and created their own rhymes, inspired by the playful style of Dr. Seuss.
“Watching the kids come up with their own rhymes was my favorite part,” Lucy shared. “They were so silly and creative. You could really see their imaginations working.”
That spirit of encouragement continued throughout the afternoon as volunteers and students turned pages together. Sonja Coffee, also a five-year Women of Hope volunteer, reflected on the deeper impact of these moments.
“Reading with the kids is so important. It teaches them patience and compassion, and it allows them to help each other,” she said. “Some of the kids are at different reading levels, so they’re learning to teach and support one another. It’s so fulfilling to volunteer with an organization that really makes a difference.”
At Sunset Heights, service coordinator Stephanie Joseph has helped shape the after-school program into a place where children feel supported and encouraged to grow.
“I like to refer to these kids as world changers because that’s what they are,” Stephanie said. “Whether they become entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, whatever they choose, they’re going to change the world.”