I am proud to be serving as the President of STAIR and to be in my sixth year of board service. STAIR's impact on our students is profound and long reaching, forming the foundation for their future learning. Strong reading skills at this stage support comprehension in all subjects, vocabulary growth, critical thinking, and academic- and self-confidence. Beyond academic success, reading sparks the imagination and brings stories to life in the mind. It can be relaxing and comforting, offering an escape from the everyday life. Reading also helps people connect with characters and emotions, making them feel understood and inspired, and teaching empathy and benevolence. As you think of the last great book, story, or article you have read, and the impact reading has on you, please consider Giving the Gift of Reading by donating to STAIR this Give NOLA Day. To further the impact of your donation, I will donate $20 for each of the first 20 donors on my page. Help me reach my goal!

Start The Adventure In Reading (STAIR)'s mission is to increase the reading skills and self-esteem of lower elementary students. STAIR provides free, one-on-one tutoring to local children at risk of failing reading. STAIR students are eligible for free/reduced meals, are 90% people of color, and most come from single parent led households. Our goal is to change the life-long opportunities of our youngest citizens, and STAIR is more needed than ever.