The Power of Books

Ursula Adams Director of Digital Engagement United Way for Southeastern Michigan

My last blog post about your favorite childhood books really sparked some fun discussion!

I saw lots of great responses, from The Cat in the Hat to James and the Giant Peach to Goodnight Moon, and many others. All of these memories show the power of books during our childhood -- and the importance of making sure kids in Southeastern Michigan have access to books of their own.

As a partner of the Imagination Library, United Way puts books in the hands of more than 5,000 local kids every month. I recently visited with one Imagination Library family -- Sara and her two children, Joslyn and Julius -- to see for myself what kind of impact we're making.

I recorded a short video of Sara and her kids -- take a look now:

Sara signed up for the Imagination Library after hearing about it from her mom, Yvonne, who is a member of one of United Way's Early Learning Communities. Sara's youngest child, Julius, is in speech therapy, and she credits the reading they do together with helping him begin to speak.With United Way's help, Joslyn and Julius and 5,000 other children are developing a love for reading that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

It's just another way that United Way is making a difference for Southeastern Michigan.