Emerson is a bright 3-year-old girl who loves reading. Her mother Valeenia works two jobs and doesn’t always have the time or funds to buy books for her daughter. Growing up as an active participant at Girls Inc., a United Way community partner with programs funded by United Way, Valeenia learned early about the important role that parents play in their children’s development through reading. When she saw the Ferst Foundation’s reading program registration form included in her hospital materials when Emerson was born, she immediately knew she wanted to register Emerson for the program.
“We read every night before bed and randomly throughout the day when I am off. She likes to ‘read’ to me after I read to her,” says Valeenia. “Her vocabulary and comprehension are advanced for her age. I believe that reading has played a major part in that. This program is amazing and a true gift for parents and children.”
