Rockford Reads
The "Rockford Reads" program was started by Rockford Rotary and is now in its 23rd year. The program offers volunteers in the Rockford area a chance to read to second graders in the Rockford School District. Rockford Rotary coordinates the volunteers and gets them set up with schools. We also partner with the Rockford Public Schools and the Rockford Public Library in offering the program.
Kathy Kwiat-Hess has been a member of Rockford Rotary since 1998. She served as club President in 2009/10. She also served as Membership Chair and Youth Exchange Officer. She currently serves as Literacy Chair and liaison for Rockford Reads. At the district level, Kathy has served as Youth Protection Officer and District Trainer. In 2018/19 she served as District Governor. By accident I also found out that she is President of the Board of Directors of the Paul Harris 711 Club.
Kathy Is a retired Clinical Social Worker having had a private practice for many years. She is married to Bob and has two stepsons and 5 awesome grandchildren.
Kathy will talk about the history of the Rockford Reads program and we will hear from some Rockford Reads volunteer readers about the joy they get from just reading to 2nd graders.
This will be an interesting and informative program especially for some of our newer members and also a refresher course for our members who have been around for a long time. You will also want to bring a guest or prospective member so they can see one of our important community projects.
Bob Presman who was one of the founders of Rockford Reads will introduce Kathy and might share his experiences reading to the children.