TD Bank and the TD Charitable Foundation have made a $6,000 contribution to UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey’s Bergen Reads, a program that combats illiteracy by matching volunteers who serve one hour per week during the school day, as reading buddies to children, grades K-3 in the Teaneck and Hackensack school systems. TD Bank, through its charitable giving arm, the TD Charitable Foundation supports not-for-profit institutions throughout the region. Bergen Reads is administered by UJA NNJ’s Jewish Community Relations Council as part of its Tikkun Olam Initiatives and run under the auspices of the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy.

From left, Howard E. Charish, executive vice president, UJA NNJ, Dan Kirsch, Jewish Community Relations Council Regional Chair, Dennis McSherry, TD Bank Commercial/Retail Region Group Manager, Ramsey, Sharon Rifkind, JCRC Associate Director, Victoria Bruce, Manager TD Bank Paramus Mall.

What is Bergen Reads?
Bergen Reads is a Reading Buddy program sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey.

How does the program work?
Volunteers are matched up with students in grades K-3 in Bergen County Public Elementary schools and meet with their students once a week, every week from October through May.

What schools participate in this program?
Presently, Bergen Reads serves three elementary schools in Teaneck and four elementary schools in Hackensack.

Where do I meet with my assigned students?
Volunteers meet with the students at their schools.

What is the time commitment?
Each volunteer commits to a minimum of one hour per week. Volunteers who choose to do so, may commit to more.

When do the meetings take place?
The meetings take place during the school day (between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.).

Can I choose when I will meet with my student?
You can request times on your application and we will try our best to accommodate your preferences. Once you are assigned a time and day, we ask that you commit to that time and day for the duration of the program. This consistent meeting each week is vital to the success of the program.

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We thank our
generous funders
for their support of our program:

• TD Bank Charitable Foundation
• RBC Dain Rauscher
• Target Foundation
• Teen Philanthropy Institute
• UJA Federation of NNJ

I travel to Florida for the winter. Can I still participate in this program?
No. Unfortunately you cannot. Volunteers must commit to being present for the entire program - October through May.

Do I need to have teaching experience?
No, no prior teaching experience is necessary. You will participate in a two-hour training session before you begin.

What will I spend my time doing?
You will be assigned to two students, meeting with each student for ½ hour each. You will split your time between reading to your student and your student reading to you. You will have a chance to model reading fluency, help with reading comprehension, bolster self-esteem, assist in pronunciation and vocabulary, and provide much-needed one-on-one attention to your student.

Do I meet with different students each week?
No. You will be assigned to your students at the beginning of the school year and continue meeting with the same students each week.

Is there a minimum age requirement for volunteers?
Our volunteers range in age from 16 - 80+. Volunteers must be available between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm and have their own transportation to their assigned site.

How can I sign up for this program?
You may download an application kit.