AmeriCorps Week, celebrated annually during the second full week of March, is a time to recognize and give thanks to the millions of Americans who have committed to giving back to their communities through national service programs. At the core of service is a shared goal – to make a difference. AmeriCorps members serving in local communities across the nation set out to address some of our nation’s greatest challenges, like poverty and access to quality education.
Since 2020, Hindman Settlement School has partnered with the AmeriCorps federal agency and the state service commission to address childhood literacy in southeastern Kentucky through the power of members serving in the ReadingCorps project. Our team of 40 members provides opportunities and forever changes lives by removing barriers to reading at 21 partner school sites across the region. These are just a few of the stories of service shared by our members when asked to reflect on their time with ReadingCorps.
Joe, Carr Creek Elementary, 4 years of service
Thanks to Hindman Settlement School and AmeriCorps I now have an aim in my life! I have met and worked with so many great people that I hope not to lose touch with after my last year of service. It took me about 6 months of service to realize that this isn’t just ‘some job’ and that what we are doing for children really does make a difference in their lives. I have a new found passion to teach and to continue my service to our community!
Grace, Buckhorn Elementary, 4 years of service
I love getting to serve people in Eastern Kentucky! I have met so many wonderful people through my service, especially these last three years at Buckhorn School. Though we only got to live in Buckhorn proper for less than a year due to the flood in ’22, the community has made us feel so welcomed and cared for.
I love the work I do with the ReadingCorps. Reading, stories, and language are great loves of mine and being able to use my degree and my interests to help kids develop their own ability to read and communicate is amazing! I didn’t imagine I’d get to use what I love in such a hands-on, practical way and yet here I am. I am tremendously blessed!
Kayla, East Perry Elementary, 2 years of service
In the two years I have been with ReadingCorps, my service has helped me reach one of life long goals of going back to school and becoming an elementary teacher. What excites me the most is I get to help students who have struggled in the classroom overcome their reading challenges. When a student comes to me and hugs me with a smile telling me they now have a “A” in their English or Reading class makes me know my work has a purpose.
Kimberly, Hayes Lewis Elementary, 3 years of service
I have found nothing more rewarding than helping a child learn to or improve their reading skills. It is so rewarding to see the smiles on their faces when they get something right! I am so incredibly blessed to get to work with my students and consider it a great privilege to be a part of this school and their lives. One of my students, whom I have had for the past three years, told me on multiple occassions that she couldn’t read. I pulled out a book one day and had her read a passage for me. After she did, I looked at her and said “you just read! Don’t ever doubt yourself. You CAN read!” It encourages me that what I am doing is important.
Being a teacher has been my dream since I was a little girl. I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree and plan to use my Segal Education Award towards classes for my master’s degree. My dream is to become an elementary teacher and I am hoping to achieve that dream in the near future.
Thank you to these and all of the AmeriCorps members serving students across our Reading Labs! Their work changes lives and strengthens our communities.
