Bridging the Gap

Reader to Reader is teaming with the Salvation Army's Bridging the Gap program in Holyoke, Massachusetts to bring books into their classrooms.

Bridging the Gap works with at-risk boys and girls ages 12-17. This twelve-week program develops life skills and works with participants to improve behavior, reduce criminal activity, provide mentoring and positive role models, improve learning skills and work towards a successful adulthood.

Bridging the Gap has just begun its work in Holyoke, and currently serves teens from the city as well as Granby, South Hadley and Chicopee.

Three boxes of books were brought over last week, and more are on their way.

In addition to books, our innovative mentoring program (Read, Think, Share) will be integrated into the program at Holyoke to improve the students' interest and ability in reading and to provide college student role models.

Together, we hope to show these teens the joy of reading and the possibility of their own future. We're looking forward to a very fruitful partnership!