For more than 25 years, the Be A Reader (BeAR) literacy program, an initiative of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, has helped young students build confidence and a love for reading. BeAR pairs volunteer mentors with students in Title I elementary schools for one-on-one weekly sessions focused on reading, vocabulary, and encouragement. Each volunteer mentor is paired with the same student for the entire school year, creating a meaningful relationship that often becomes the most stable and impactful part of a child’s week. Whether giving time, donating supplies, or supporting the program financially, the involvement helps shape a child’s future.