Impact Stories

Impacting Literacy Through Colorado Reading Corps

United Way of Larimer County is continuing to support local literacy programs across our communities to help ensure that kids stay on track after a year filled with learning disruption.

After seven years in Thompson School District and four years in Estes Park School District, our local Colorado Reading Corps program is currently used in 24 elementary schools in Larimer County, serving 3,688 local children with an average 70% above target growth in literacy skills.

In 2021-22, United Way of Larimer County is also funding a new literacy program, Readers Are Leaders, in Lincoln Middle School. This after-school and summer program will provide a transformational experience for students who are reading three and four grade levels below average.

Exposure to structured, individualized literacy tutoring is required to close these literacy gaps. Typically costing thousands of dollars, these programs are often out of reach for many families. Program administrators have seen significant increases in reading proficiency in students using this program and expect to see positive changes in behavior as well. The program will create a safe space for students to gain confidence and feel a sense of belonging.

"My favorite part of being a tutor is getting to hear about everyone's day. I love when the kids tell me they feel like they have gotten a lot better at reading. I love making the students feel confident and watching them grow," says Alexus Scott, an Estes Park Elementary tutor.

Alexus is starting her second year with Colorado Reading Corps, a UWLC funded program, in Estes Park Elementary School. After tutoring both online and in-person last year, Alexus also supported Estes Park students over the summer with literacy coaching through our partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County. Her consistent support of children both in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities is a huge benefit to the Estes Park Elementary School community.

Your support of UWLC enables investment in important programs like these that elevate youth in our Larimer County communities and give all kids the opportunity to thrive. Contact Doug Hay at dhay@uwaylc.org or 970-443-3335 to learn about your giving options.

Making an Impact Through Childcare, WomenGive Program

The average cost of full-time, center-based child care in Larimer County is nearly $1,200 per month, per child. United Way responded to that high cost by developing our WomenGive program in 2006. The program addresses the high cost of childcare and the barrier it creates to self-sufficiency by providing child care scholarships and financial assistance for single mothers pursuing their higher education degrees. To date, we have celebrated 122 WomenGive graduates!

Meet one of our WomenGive graduates Yaricza (YOUR-exia) Serrano and her son.

Yaricza received both her bachelor's degree in Sociology and master's degree in social work with a focus in Public Health from Colorado State University because of the WomenGive program and support from people like you.

To learn how you can provide future support to programs that help local families, contact Doug Hay at dhay@uwaylc.org or 970-443-3335.