Washtenaw Promise

Washtenaw Promise's mission is to empower children in our community who are facing serious obstacles, to help raise their potential for success in the family, in school and in their world. We work with children, young families, schools and the community, to remove barriers such as the stresses of poverty, social injustice, and emotional challenges. We are a volunteer based non-profit agency.

Washtenaw Promise believes making meaningful connections with students along with promoting literacy should be at the forefront of our volunteer opportunities. Therefore, we have created programs that we feel highlight this goal. In partnership with The Children's Literacy Network, the "Read With Kids" program is designed to give students an opportunity for more one-on-one or one-on-two reading time with an adult. Our intention is to work in collaboration with volunteers and teachers to reinforce reading skills and to help kids develop an even greater love of books and written language. We have built a unique preschool mentoring team of community volunteers who offer weekly support to children in need with our "Big Friends" mentoring program. Our trained mentors provide social and emotional support for children ages 3 and 4, and help connect their families with resources necessary to build a healthy foundation for lifelong learning. The "Penpal" program connects volunteers with a preschool student to exchange hand-written letters and drawings. Penpals encourage language development, the practice of writing, and recognition of letters, as well as inspiring imagination, creativity and self-confidence. Washtenaw Promise also sponsors Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. They provide the magic of books right to children's doorsteps. Each month, a brand-new, carefully selected book will be sent directly to your child, sparking their imagination and fostering a love for reading. 900+ children in our local area are now covered. That's 900 young minds embarking on a literary adventure!