This month, Lead to Read KC turns 14! That means 14 years of empowering young readers, building community partnerships, and working toward a future where literacy is a right, not a privilege. What started as a small group of volunteers has grown into a movement, with 1800+ Reading Mentors showing up each week to make a difference in students’ lives.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead. Next month, we’re hosting our inaugural Kansas City Reads Business Breakfast, bringing together community and business leaders to explore how we can collectively invest in Kansas City’s future through literacy. If your organization wants to be part of this crucial conversation, there is still time to join us for a good breakfast and a critical conversation.
At the same time, it’s natural to wonder…after 14 years, why isn’t the literacy crisis solved? The truth is, literacy isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s not just about learning to sound out words, it is a skill that grows with consistent support, access to books, and positive reading experiences over time. Literacy is a community-built skill. It takes parents, educators, mentors, and advocates working together to ensure every child has the tools they need to thrive. Now is the time for all of us to come together, focus, and get this done once and for all.
As we turn 14, we’re more committed than ever to ensuring every child in Kansas City has the books, mentors, and opportunities they need to thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Here’s to the next chapter!
Want to support our mission? Join us at our Kansas City Reads Business Breakfast next month or sign up to be a Reading Mentor!
Rhea Muchalla LeGrande
Executive Director
Lead to Read KC
