Tools to Succeed

School readiness is a critical issue to the children of the women and teens we serve.  Children who experience housing instability and homelessness usually test much lower on reading comprehension tests, often due to missed coursework.  Studies also indicate that children born to mothers under the age of 17 enter kindergarten with lower levels of school readiness as measured by test scores, language skills, and emotional well-being.  To help overcome these barriers, the YWCA has partnered with several funders as well as community groups to offer ongoing literacy workshops.

Each year, the National Council of Jewish Women hosts a "Books, Mommy & Me" event.  NCJW volunteers read to the children of women taking part in the YWCA's programs and lead various craft activities.  Volunteers also provide new books for the children and their moms to take home and read together. 

Also, through generous donations from Barnes & Noble of Greece, children taking part in the YWCA's programs have brand new books to call their very own.  Interested in getting involved?  New books for toddlers or children are always in need.