The following was submitted by Peter Schaller, communications director at the United Way of Greater New Haven.
United Way’s Women United is committed to filling the library at the new Dr. Reginald Mayo Early Childhood School in New Haven.
United Way’s Women United joined Mayor Toni Harp, Interim Superintendent Reginald Mayo, Principal Myrna Montalvo and United Way’s President and CEO Jennifer Heath on Wednesday to tour the library and update supporters on the initiative.
“In my mission to make sure New Haven is a ‘city that reads,’ I can think of no better place than this library to get our young students started on the path to lifelong learning and reading,” said Mayor Toni Harp.
Investing in children during their earliest years is important. The first five years of a child’s life are a time of enormous social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth.
“Reading aloud to children during this time is one of the best ways we can help them develop a rich vocabulary,” said Jennifer Heath, United Way of Greater New Haven President and CEO.
Women United’s specific programmatic focus area is education. They are working closely with the staff at the new preschool to ensure that the library is filled with curriculum-based books. The school serves about 500 of our community’s neediest children. Built in 2016, the school is a beautiful learning center that is providing a strong start for young children.
United Way believes every child in every community should enter kindergarten well prepared. This effort is part of our larger strategy to work toward that goal.
“This school is my legacy, and the children who pass through these halls deserve every opportunity to succeed,” said Superintendent Reginald Mayo. “Filling this library is a way for all of us to make a lasting impact.”
Learn more about this Women United initiative here.
