United is the Way to Literacy
When United for Literacy launched in 2023, only 32% of third graders were reading at grade level or above. This means only 1 in 3 children read well enough to understand the more advanced material that fourth grade brings - requiring them to read to learn history, word problems in math, and more.
Our BOLD GOAL is for 75% of third-graders to be reading at grade level or above by 2034.
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The United for Literacy Approach
We have identified three key audiences in Winnebago County that require support if we want our children to thrive: the children themselves, parents & caregivers, and the community at large.
Early learning lays the groundwork for a child's future, shaping their ability to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The first five years of life are especially critical, as this period sees rapid brain development, language acquisition, and the formation of essential social-emotional skills. By fostering a strong foundation during these formative years, children are better prepared for school and lifelong success. Early learning initiatives, such as United for Literacy, empower families and communities to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Programs for Children
- Reach Out and Read in all health systems
- Read-alouds and independent reading
- Literacy support in daycares and schools
- Community Storytimes
- Comprehensive book distribution
- Tiny Turners (ages -3)
- Page Turners (early childhood)
- Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Programs for Caregivers
- Family Literacy Nights
- Engagement materials and instruction
- Training and outreach
Programs for Community
- Training and Professional Development
- Advocacy
- Public awareness massaging
- Additional book distribution
$1,000,000+
Invested in Literacy To Date
19
Partner Organizations
116,230
Books Distributed
Total Results since
Initiative Launch
Literacy Partnerships
With such a bold goal, there is no way one organization could make that kind of progress alone. To change something as complex as literacy, you need all hands on deck!
Proposal Process
Each fiscal year we request proposals from local agencies. In these proposals, they explain their connection to literacy and what kind of project they would like to work on for the year. United Way reviews these ideas with a committee of experts and provides funding via grants to the strongest proposals with the greatest potential impact for the community.
Agencies can apply for funding again every year, but previous participation does not guarantee future approval. Every proposal is fairly evaluated by the committee to ensure our donors' dollars go towards the most effective programs possible.
2024-25 Partners & Projects
Alignment Rockford: Partnered with United Way to distribute The Basics Rockford to newborns in Winnebago County hospitals. Also partnering in the Reach Out and Read expansion.
Boys and Girls Club of Rockford: Continued tutoring and academic program focused on children 4–8, including interactive read aloud sessions and empowering parent/caregiver involvement.
Brightpoint, Rockford Crisis Nursery: Added a literacy specialist, book distribution, launching community literacy programs, and using Parents as Teachers curriculum during home visits.
Brooke Road Community Center: Provided consistent, safe events such as Readers’ Night In and Readers’ Theatre as well as early ESL efforts to provide access and opportunity for children and families to learn together.
Discovery Center: Provided classes, play groups, and literary events for Easter Seals clients and staff at the Discovery Center.
Durand Charm: Arranged book and resource distribution, expanding Accelerated Reader resources in classrooms.
Easter Seals: Provided Tiny Turner book distribution at home visits and Parents as Teachers curriculum enhancement.
Grace United Methodist Church: Hosted Reading Tuesday at the Grove focused on ages 0-4 with trained volunteers teaching, following up with, and encouraging parents/caregivers.
Harlem School District 122: 1.) Prevention Initiative 0–3: Home visiting program, Tiny Turner book distribution, play groups, and Family literacy night. 2.) Preschool for All: Family literacy nights, field trips for families to experience literacy in real world situations, book nooks for independent reading, lending library, and professional development.
Holy Family Church: Supported student literacy with increased read-alouds, family literacy nights, and peer-to-peer reading
Junior League of Rockford: Assisted with logistics for United Way’s expansion of Reach Out and Read.
Regional Office of Education (ROE): Created at least 10 classes and 7 individual courses for professional development content for Pre-K through 3rd grade educators and administrators.
Rockford Public Library: Provided training for volunteers to lead storytimes, assembled story time kits for United Way to lend to volunteers who are leading story times.
Rockford Public Schools: Provided Tiny Turner book distribution during home visits.
Severson Dells: Created a summer STEM reading initiative addressing literacy gaps integrated into Readings from the Rookery, Science Saturdays and summer camps.
Trinity Day Care: 1.) Family literacy nights, 2.) Tiny Turners book distribution
YMCA: Infused literacy into their after school care programs.
YWCA: Provided interactive read alouds at daycare centers, staff education, and Family literacy nights.