Ballard’s Reading Buddies is a part of United Way of Delaware’s Reading Angels initiative. The program pairs dedicated community members with elementary school students who need extra help with their literacy skills. Volunteers read to the same child weekly throughout the school year. The progress of each student is tracked and measured. This one on one approach gives the young reader the focused attention they need to succeed. Community members directly impact the future of a young Delaware student.

Ballard’s Reading Buddies was created by Louise Ballard, in the spirit of her late husband Delaware State Trooper Stephen Ballard. Officer Ballard  gave his life honorably in the line of duty. The program’s kick off was at Southern Elementary and was comprised of teachers, community leaders, volunteers, and United Way of Delaware staff, who all have a passion for early education success.

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