Free and sliding-scale reading help in Louisville’s West End
Every kid deserves to read with confidence.
We teach kids to read with structured literacy: clear, step-by-step, hands-on lessons that work for kids who’ve been left behind. Then we back up their families, schools and mentors so the progress sticks.
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Give once, set up a monthly gift, or renew your support. Every dollar goes toward getting a kid matched with a Literacy Mentor.
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Start an application for your child, or check where an application you already sent stands.
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Caregivers can see enrollment updates, share documents and message our team. Staff manage it all from their portal.
Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.
Frederick Douglass
Why we’re here
Reading gaps aren’t about how smart a kid is.
About one in five students has a language-based learning difference like dyslexia, and most teachers were never trained to teach structured literacy, especially after 4th grade. Kids who fall behind get frustrated, and that frustration follows them for years.
Our mission is to put the students who need structured literacy most at the front of the line, and to close gaps in education by building strong reading foundations.
What we do
Three ways we change the story
Teach kids to read
One-on-one and small-group structured literacy lessons, built around each child. Early help has lasting effects on school, confidence and home life.
Train Literacy Mentors
We train future educators and community leaders, mostly local college students, in evidence-based structured literacy and healing-centered care. Mentors are paid staff.
Build a network of advocates
Workshops, resources, individual reports and advocacy support for caregivers, schools, educators and youth organizations.
Small team. Real results.
2018
Founded in Louisville’s West End
4×
Kids who get early reading help are four times more likely to graduate high school
$5–$65
Sliding-scale fee per session. Partner programs are free.
64
Students reached across school and community partners in 2021–22
In their words
What families tell us
I used to hate reading. Now I feel comfortable raising my hand in class.
4th grade student
My eleven year old just grabbed a chapter book and started reading. She’s never done that before!
Parent of a 5th grader
Want to help more kids read?
Volunteer on a committee, grab some Decode gear, or just reach out. There’s a spot for you.