Program History

In the last 13 years

the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County as invested nearly $3,000,000 in youth development. We recognized the importance of literacy as a foundation for a successful life. Our work in early childhood literacy highlights the informative years leading up to 4th grade. Children learn to read through the 3rd grade - then they read to learn. Those that are not reading at grade level by the end of their 3rd grade year, face additional obstacles to success in the classroom and beyond.

The United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County has worked to develop a network of supporting programs that help our children find their imagination and the power of a literary mind. Communities In Schools works with children and families to overcome obstacles, succeed in the classroom, and reach graduation. The Salvation Army's Boys & Girls Club offers mentors and afterschool homework support for our youth at Sam Houston Elementary. Our Scouting partners encourage youth to develop to their fullest potential, including educational and literacy goals. Our final partner is the YMCA with the Y Reads program, that began as a joint partnership with our United Way more than 10 years ago, with a goal to help children reach on grade level reading by 3rd grade. We continue to support these strong programs with history in our community, but continue to look for new opportunities to encourage our future leaders.

In 2019

the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County launched a new program to recognize young readers and encourage those just learning the joy of reading through our Super Reader Program. Each grading period, 1st grade students in participating schools are entered into a drawing for a $25 gift (backpack with books, puzzles, games and other literacy prizes). Students with 3 AR points for the grading period are entered into the drawing. At the end of the school year, on each campus, all students that have 15 points will be entered into a drawing for a Kindle Fire that is preloaded with books for the summer months. As the initial program supporting literacy, Super Readers celebrates the success of students as they discover the worlds between the covers of books and prepare for a life that is richer with culture and filled with opportunities because of the joys of reading.

In 2022

the program expanded to add Book Vending Machines on each participating campus. Students from all grade levels can earn a token as they are recognized for their AR goals or being a good citizen and helping others. Tokens are used to "purchase" a book from the Book Vending Machine. At the end of the school year, we celebrate the power of literacy with our Summer Reading Palooza. In the Summer of 2022, each 1st grade student went home with a backpack filled with 5 books to continue their summer reading.

In 2023

four additional Book Vending Machines will be installed on campuses in Port Arthur. All elementary schools in the Port Arthur Independent School District have a United Way MSJC Book Vending Machine!

As of 2024

there are 15 Book Vending Machines on campuses in Port Arthur, Port Neches-Groves, Nederland, and Sabine Pass school districts.

Book Vending Machine

As of 2024, the United Way MSJC has placed a book vending machine on every elementary school campus in our area.

That includes four school districts:

Port Arthur ISD
Sabine Pass ISD
PNG ISD
Nederland ISD

How it Works:

UW restocks the machines twice a year
Students earn tokens by meeting reading goals, good behavior, or when they need a little encouragement to reach AR goals
Tokens redeem one book of their choice

How you can support:

Donate towards literacy... every dollar counts!
Get a ticket or table to the Pearls & Purses - Purse Bingo Fundraiser
Support our BVM's by:
- Sponsoring 1 restock for a school
- Sponsoring both restocks for a school
- Volunteer to sort the books and restock

Summer Reading Palooza

As schools get ready for the summer, the United Way MSJC helps celebrate. The Summer Reading Palooza helps students continue their journey in the literary world over the summer break. Many students have expressed their excitement to begin building their very own libraries at home with these books.

That includes four school districts:

Port Arthur ISD
Sabine Pass ISD
PNG ISD
Nederland ISD

How it Works:

UW provides the books and bags for each participating school
Kindergarten and First Grade students can choose 4-5 books

How you can support:

Donate towards literacy... every dollar counts!
Get a ticket or table to the Pearls & Purses - Purse Bingo Fundraiser
Support the Summer Reading Palooza by:
- Sponsoring the books for a school (or multiple schools)
- Volunteer to sort the books and distribute at the event

In 2025, the United Way MSJC Summer Reading Palooza provided 13,000+ books Kindergarten and First Grade students across Mid & South Jefferson County.

School Application for Summer Reading Palooza

Schools interested in the United Way Book Summer Reading Palooza should complete the application below.

Contact us with any questions at 409-729-4040 or priscilla@unitedwaymsjc.org

Our Literacy Sponsors
Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities range. No gift is too small to support early literacy. Be a part of a child's success as they discover the world of learning and reading.

Sponsorship:

Sponsor a BVM Restock for a school, multiple schools, or even a school district of your choice
Sponsor a Summer Reading Palooza at a school, multiple schools, or even a school district of your choice

Contact us at 409-729-4040 or priscilla@unitedwaymsjc.org & janie@unitedwaymsjc.org for additional details.

Blue Circles

Early Literacy Initiative

In the last 13 years

In 2019

In 2022

In 2023

As of 2024

Status message

United Way Super Readers