Educator Lonny Villalobos reads to his children.
Make A Difference VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP KIDS READ
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elp local kids learn to read at grade level by volunteering for United Way California Capital Region’s Students & Tutors Achieving Reading Success program. STARS pairs volunteers and
JL By Jessica Laskey Out & About
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students through sixth grade for online literacy tutoring. Tutors and students work through a variety of games, books and lessons provided in an online portal to build vocabulary, fluency and comprehension skills. “We know that if kids aren’t reading at grade level by fourth grade, they will have a hard time keeping up across multiple subjects for years to come,” says Amber Lovett with United Way California Capital Region. “Our STARS volunteers make a world of difference in a child’s life by giving just one hour a week,” she adds. “Our tutors not only help them read, they act
as positive role models that improve children’s overall confidence in school.” No prior tutoring experience is needed. Volunteers must commit to at least one hour each week split into two 30-minute sessions for three months. Volunteers are especially needed between 3–5 p.m. For more information or to sign up, visit yourlocalunitedway. org/stars.
NEW UNITED WAY CEO Dr. Dawnté Early has been named president/CEO of United Way California Capital Region on the eve of the local chapter’s centennial.
“I am excited to lead this amazing organization of passionate regional leaders committed to reducing poverty and investing in the education of our most vulnerable community members,” Early says. “As we near the 100th anniversary, I look forward to growing our partnerships to help the region emerge from the pandemic with an even sharper focus on increasing economic security and reducing disparities.” West Sacramento resident Early previously served as chief of research and evaluation for the Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission. She also was a West
