At Lead to Read KC, partnerships fuel our mission, and few partnerships demonstrate the power of consistent, collective impact like the one we share with NorthPoint Development and the NorthPoint Foundation.
From recruiting Reading Mentors to organizing book drives and sponsoring our work, NorthPoint’s team is deeply invested in creating brighter futures for Kansas City students. Their support extends beyond check writing; it’s a culture of action, engagement, and heart.
“We believe that investing in children today creates stronger communities tomorrow,” said Natasha Rickel, who serves on the Foundation’s leadership team. “Early literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and opportunity. By championing literacy at an early age, we hope to expand what’s possible for every child’s future.”
That belief is more than aspirational—it’s active. NorthPoint employees have consistently stepped up to serve as weekly Reading Mentors and participate in single-day volunteering opportunities such as sorting book donations.
The ease and flexibility of volunteering makes it simple for NorthPoint employees to participate, but many of them return year after year because of something deeper: the relationships.
“Lead to Read empowers our team to help inspire change and open doors for Kansas City kids: one book, one relationship, and one week at a time,” Rickel said. “We’re proud to participate in Lead to Read’s programs because we see the real, lasting impact they have on students.”
Ashley Madonia of NorthPoint Development with her reading buddy at Académie Lafayette.
Missy Fry, a Lease Compliance Manager who’s volunteered for a year, sees that impact firsthand every week.
“I’ve built a relationship with my student, created a safe and supportive environment, helped improve her reading comprehension and fluency, and hopefully boosted her self-esteem,” Fry shared. “I look forward to volunteering every week. It’s so fun and rewarding.”
And often, that connection goes beyond books. When Fry shared with her student that she had adopted a cat, her student was thrilled—though a bit disappointed she hadn’t gotten to help name it! Moments like these reflect the trust and joy that come with consistent presence.
For Ruth Ryan, Director of Industrial Marketing and Reading Mentor for the past 1.5 school years, the spark comes from the students themselves.
“They get so excited about life and learning. Their energy is contagious,” Ryan said. “Even the small amount of time you spend with these kids goes a long way. Sometimes they just need to be heard and seen.”
That simple but powerful truth is something NorthPoint hopes all volunteers walk away with.
“We want our team to leave their Lead to Read experience with a renewed sense of purpose, perspective, and connection to the community,” said Rickel. “It’s a powerful reminder that small, consistent actions like showing up to read each week can have a lasting impact.”
NorthPoint isn’t done yet. In fact, they’re looking for more ways to grow the partnership in the years ahead.
“Whether that’s increasing the number of Reading Mentors, participating in additional special programs, or finding new ways to support the mission, we’re committed to deepening our impact together,” said Rickel. “We’d encourage other organizations to get involved because the experience is not only rewarding for the students, it’s transformative for the volunteers.”
At Lead to Read KC, we couldn’t agree more. We’re grateful to the NorthPoint Foundation for their partnership and to the NorthPoint Development team members who show up, week after week, to make a difference one smile at a time.
Interested in following NorthPoint’s lead? Learn how your organization can partner with Lead to Read KC at leadtoreadkc.org/ways-to-act.
