The Jewish Coalition for Literacy (JCL) will honor its volunteer reading partners on Wednesday, May 16, at 9:30 a.m., in the JCC’s auditorium in Woodbridge. The event is free and open to the community. Refreshments will be donated by Abel Caterers. Educators from JCL’s seven partner New Haven public schools and other local children’s literacy advocates are invited to attend the event. Melissa Hickey, Connecticut’s statewide reading director, will thank the volunteers for sharing the love of reading, learning and conversation with their elementary New Haven public school students. The Storycrafters of Hudson, NY, will entertain and enlighten participants with their unique musical duo-style of storytelling. With about 175 reading partners, JCL’s diverse group spans different faiths, educational backgrounds and experiences. Each volunteer commits one hour a week to read one-on-one with assigned students, sharing the pleasures of reading, learning and conversation with each other to form nurturing relationships. 

JCL is an award winning-project of the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. For more information, contact Brenda Brenner at bbrenner@jewishnewhaven.org or (203) 387-2424 x308.