September 28, 2023
At the conclusion of its fifth year, the CHP Reads! Summer Reading Program, initiated by Community Housing Partners (CHP), has once again proven to be successful in supporting and encouraging young readers residing in CHP apartment communities. This year alone, the initiative distributed over 4,000 free books and engaged over 450 enthusiastic young readers. To promote the joy of reading across all age groups, CHP also expanded the program to include grandparents and seniors.
Since its inception in 2019, the CHP Reads! Summer Reading Program has been instrumental in fostering language development, cultural awareness, and a passion for reading among children and youth. By providing free books, snacks, and activities, the program empowers young participants, stimulates their curiosity, and nurtures their imagination, positively impacting their academic and personal growth. (Read more about the launch of the 2023 program.)
This year, the program reached new levels with the inclusion of grandparents and seniors at CHP communities, offering them the opportunity to rediscover the magic of reading. Seventy seniors participated in the first year of this inclusive program. Diane McElveen, Resident Services Coordinator at J. Van Story Branch Apartments in Baltimore, said, “CHP Reads! is an extraordinary program. The addition of Grandparents Reads! helps chisel away at the generational curse of illiteracy, something we know contributes highly to generational poverty.” (Read more about the program expansion for CHP’s grandparents and seniors.)
The success of the CHP Reads! Summer Reading Program lies not only in its commitment to fostering a love of reading but also in its dedication to bridging generational divides and promoting literacy for all ages. As CHP celebrates the completion of its fifth year, the organization looks forward to even greater success and impact in the years to come.
Tiffany Slusher, Director of Programs for CHP Resident Services, expressed her delight at the program’s continued success. “We started the CHP Reads! Summer Reading Program hoping that the program would combat summer learning loss for a few kids at a few properties,” she said. “Over the past five years, the program has grown more than we could have expected, and we are thrilled to see the program evolve to include seniors and grandparents. We are grateful for the community involvement in this program and eager to see what lies ahead for CHP Reads!”