Local Nonprofit 'Read With Me' Boosts Literacy Across Riverside County

The organization partners with schools to help students develop reading and English skills while fostering confidence and a love of learning.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:06am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph in soft, blurred focus showing the silhouettes of several elementary school students reading books together in a classroom, conveying the nurturing and supportive environment of the literacy program.A local nonprofit's volunteer-driven literacy program is making a tangible difference in the lives of young students across Riverside County.Palm Springs Today

A local nonprofit called Read With Me is working to improve literacy rates in Riverside County, California. The organization partners with schools to provide individualized support to young readers, with volunteers spending time in classrooms alongside teachers. At a recent appreciation event, the nonprofit celebrated its impact, noting that over 100 children received support this year across 29 local schools.

Why it matters

Literacy is a fundamental skill that provides access to education and opportunity. By supporting early literacy efforts, Read With Me is helping to empower students and cultivate future leaders in the community.

The details

Read With Me combines classroom support with mentorship to make literacy accessible and engaging for students across Riverside County. Volunteers work one-on-one with students to develop their reading and English skills, fostering confidence and a love of learning. Educators have praised the nonprofit's work, noting that its presence makes a measurable difference in early literacy efforts and helps students achieve greater academic growth.

  • The recent appreciation event was held on April 2, 2026 at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas in Riverside County.

The players

Read With Me

A local nonprofit organization that partners with schools in Riverside County to improve literacy rates and provide individualized support to young readers.

Erin Heinlein

A spokesperson for Read With Me who highlighted the program's reach, noting that over 100 children received support this year across 29 local schools.

Dr. Kelly May Vollmark

An educator who praised the nonprofit's work, stating that its presence makes a measurable difference in early literacy efforts.

Dr. Edwin Gomez

An educator who noted that the volunteer support provided by Read With Me helps students achieve greater academic growth.

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What they’re saying

“Reading is more than fundamental—it's access.”

— Erin Heinlein, Spokesperson, Read With Me

“The organization's presence makes a measurable difference in early literacy efforts.”

— Dr. Kelly May Vollmark, Educator

“Volunteer support helps students achieve greater academic growth.”

— Dr. Edwin Gomez, Educator

What’s next

Organizers hope the appreciation event will inspire more volunteers to join Read With Me, as the nonprofit continues to work towards making literacy accessible and engaging for students across Riverside County.

The takeaway

By combining classroom support with mentorship, the local nonprofit Read With Me is making a meaningful impact on literacy rates in Riverside County, empowering students and cultivating future leaders in the community.