Girls mentorship in the Chattahoochee Valley helped six-year-old Sage transform her reading skills and discover her confidence. At the start of the school year, Sage struggled to focus during reading time, and homework was frustrating. She wanted to succeed but was beginning to believe she wasn’t good at reading.
United Way supports programs like Girls Inc. of Columbus & Phenix-Russell to give children the mentorship and learning tools they need to thrive.
How Girls Mentorship Supported Sage’s Learning
Sage’s teacher, Mrs. Webster, noticed her struggles and partnered with Girls Inc. staff and Sage’s mother to create a consistent plan. Through afterschool mentorship programs, Sage was introduced to Lalilo, an interactive literacy platform that teaches reading and spelling through play-based activities.
Lalilo allowed Sage to practice sight words and high-frequency words in a way that felt fun instead of frustrating. Her first assessment showed a 62 percent success rate, providing a baseline to track progress.
Growth and Confidence Through Literacy
As Sage worked with Lalilo, reading began to feel achievable. She started smiling during reading time and proudly shared her progress with mentors and friends. By September, her success rate jumped to 93 percent, and her spelling scores climbed into the 90s. Her behavior chart also improved, showing that confidence in academics can positively influence overall engagement.
Her mother said:
“Thank you for helping Sage find her love for reading and spelling.”
Mrs. Webster added:
“Sage celebrates every level she passes in Lalilo with the biggest smile. She’s proud of how far she’s come.”
The Impact of Youth Mentorship in the Chattahoochee Valley
Girls mentorship in the Chattahoochee Valley bridges the gap between school and afterschool programs. United Way’s Youth Opportunity impact area advocates for children like Sage to receive consistent guidance, support, and enrichment opportunities.
Through mentorship, literacy programs, and engaging learning activities, young girls build confidence, develop essential skills, and gain the encouragement they need to succeed in school and life.
Supporting Literacy and Youth Opportunity
United Way invests in programs that help children thrive academically and personally. By connecting students to mentorship, educational programs, and supportive environments, we help every child reach their potential.
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