The REACH Shelter READ ALOUD Program

When REACH was established in 1998 the initial program involved a simple model - reading and crafting with children living in homelessness. The first shelter established was the HER Shelter in Portsmouth. Now, REACH programs are conducted weekly at twelve shelters throughout Hampton Roads.

The program is a team-based read-aloud. Teams attend once each month at the shelter where they are assigned. Training is provided to all of our volunteers. Training includes tips for reading to children and book and craft suggestions. We also offer insight into shelter living and how we are working to impact children's lives through reading aloud.

Once trained, volunteers are assigned to a team that will take responsibility for one night each month at the shelter of their choice. The program typically starts between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and volunteers spend about one hour with the children reading and doing a support activity. Team captains set up the schedule for who is responsible for the books and the crafts on their night.

We will be glad to share ideas on activities, but it is the team's responsibility to develop and supply your own crafts.

If you need help with ideas, please contact us the week before your READ ALOUD.
Please don't do it the day of your reading session.

Shelter Information

The REACH Read Aloud program now serves twelve area homeless and domestic violence family shelters in all of the cities of Southside Hampton Roads. Our locations:
In Norfolk
Dwelling Place:
  Newport and King Houses
ForKids:
  Morgan Place, Haven House and Elizabeth Place
YWCA Family Shelter

In Portsmouth
Her Shelter
PARC

In Chesapeake
  Community Resource Network (CRN)

In Virginia Beach
Samaritan House/Safe Haven

In Suffolk
ForKids: Suffolk House
Geneive Shelter

If your group would like to conduct a drive to collect books or school supplies, please let us know and we'd be glad to help in any way. Call For Details: 757-627-4722

Things to Consider Before you Volunteer

All volunteers must provide a Child Protective Services background check. REACH will provide the paperwork and our volunteers are asked to donate the $5 fee.

Readers go into shelters in groups of no less than two.

All materials for the activity are provided by the reading team.

We ask for a commitment of one session per month for each team, for six months.

At most of our shelters volunteers must be 18 years of age.

Volunteers are not permitted to bring children or other family members to sessions.

We do utilize youth volunteers in our REACH Resource Center, so please call for more information!

757-627-4722