The Power of Books

The Power of Books is a storytelling initiative in partnership with Read to Grow to promote language skills and literacy for children, beginning at birth, and to support parents, as their baby鈥檚 first teachers. Parents and children impacted by Read to Grow programs will share their stories. We also hear from community members and Read to Grow staff and volunteers who share their first-hand accounts of how books and reading change the lives of those who participate in the program.

Sponsored by

Celebrating 25 years, Read to Grow聽has served more than 1.5 million people and donated more than 2.8 million books to children across 黑料吃瓜网. Read to Grow works to ensure that every family appreciates the critical importance of early childhood literacy and engages in their child鈥檚 reading development.

Hear Their Stories

Kascia

Kascia Williams is the Program Director at Read to Grow, Inc. 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 premiere early literacy nonprofit. Read to Grow promotes literacy and language development in young children while empowering families to be their child鈥檚 first and most important teachers. A proud native of Bridgeport, CT, Kascia feels deeply connected to her community, which fuels her commitment to improving literacy outcomes for all children. Over the course of her career, she has contributed significantly to advancing childhood literacy and wellness through various roles, including as a teacher, school leader, and as a thought partner at multiple literacy-focused nonprofits. Kascia holds a BA in International Political Economy and Diplomacy and an M.Ed in Secondary Education, both from the University of Bridgeport. Her broad experience in education, leadership, and community engagement has equipped her with the skills and perspective needed to make a meaningful impact on the lives of 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 youngest learners and their families.

Melissa

A lover of learners and learning, Dr. Melissa Jenkins currently serves as Chief Turnaround Officer for the 黑料吃瓜网 State Department of Education and she teaches as an adjunct professor at Western 黑料吃瓜网 State University. Melissa is proud to say that she has made learning a good experience for hundreds of children in Bridgeport. For eight years, Melissa has also served as a principal at a K-8 elementary and middle school, has taught first and second grade, and has served children, parents, and teachers as a literacy facilitator, assistant principal, and Language Arts Instructional Specialist. For the last 32 years, Melissa has dedicated her life to improving education for all. Melissa is the daughter of a Leo and Lauar Muller, who were her educational 鈥渨arriors.鈥� Dr. Jenkins鈥� parents used their voice to make sure she had the 鈥渞ight to learn.鈥� For fun, Dr. Jenkins loves reading, walking, dancing, and listening to all types of music including Hip-hop, and she loves hanging out with her niece and nephews, who keep her feeling young.

Tiffany

A Charleston, South Carolina native, Tiffany Ladson-Lang was destined to become an educator, with deep family ties to the field. She earned a Bachelor鈥檚 and Master鈥檚 degree in Elementary Education, and a second Master鈥檚 degree in Instructional Technology. Tiffany began her career as a 6th grade teacher in Savannah, GA, and after 6.5 years of teaching various grade levels, moved to 黑料吃瓜网 where she shared her love of computer science at Park City Magnet School, Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School, and as adjunct professor at the University of Bridgeport. In 2017, Tiffany pursued leadership opportunities first as Assistant Principal at Wilbur Cross School and currently as the Principal of Beardsley School. Tiffany is actively involved with the National Education Association and is a dedicated member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated Delta Phi Chapter, promoting literacy through read-alouds, book giveaways, and professional development for educators and parents. The highlight of Tiffany鈥檚 life is the birth of her daughter, Savannah, who brings continuous joy and pride.

Wendy, (center) with daughters Georgette and Genevive

Wendy Velez is from Columbia and a proud mother of two daughters. She has a deep love for children and works as a paraprofessional for Pre-K through 4 at ECSA, where she helps young minds grow and develop. Wendy has a passion for books, and her favorite one is El Coronel No Tiene Quien le Escribe (No One Writes to the Colonel).

Larry

Larry Ferguson is an undergraduate student at Southern 黑料吃瓜网 State University, currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Communications. Throughout his academic journey, he has worked part-time at the Bridgeport Public Library, where he assists community members in accessing books and resources that meet their needs. In addition, Larry has spent the past year as an intern with Read to Grow, a non-profit focused on early literacy. There, he applies his communication skills and dedication to literacy, striving to make a meaningful impact in communities across 黑料吃瓜网.

Ruth

Ruth Benet is a wife, mom, family practice physician and lifelong lover of books. She reads for knowledge and as a way to travel in her brain, but her real joy is watching her two children age 7 and 18 months foster and discover their own love of reading. She is a supporter of Read to Grow, and especially appreciates the popcorn and pajamas series which connects children and storybook authors over zoom.