United Through Reading

Greetings,

Not sure if everyone knows about the United Through Reading Program....


Founded in 1989, United Through Reading is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) public benefit organization.

Our mission is to unite families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud together.

Our vision is that all children will feel the security of caring family relationships and develop a love of reading through the read-aloud experience.

The nationally-acclaimed programs developed by United Through Reading provide opportunities for emotional bonding that relieve the stress of separation and instill a love of reading by providing the opportunity for  family members  to read aloud to children on  DVD. Our programs help bring far-away family members back home for a little while each day, and help turn what might otherwise be tentative, anxious family re-introductions into joyous reunions.

Separation from a parent is one of life’s most stressful events for children, affecting their sense of security, their relationships, and their ability to learn. More than one million American children are separated from one or both parents due to military deployment and nearly double that for children separated from their loved ones due to incarceration, drug treatment, or social services. Still others are separated from their grandparents, and therefore, from generational love and learning

So basically, the sailors make a recorded dvd of themselves reading to their children.  Package the dvd and mail it home.

Harry has been coordinating the program for the ship... and the response has been amazing.

Some of the stories just make you want to cry... how some of our little toddlers will reach for the tv screen just to touch their mom or dad.

Harry has read to our niece and nephew... and he even made me one.  It makes you want to cry, both happy and sad tears.


If you ever run across this organization or have the opportunity to become involved... I highly recommend it!

Blessings,