United Way of Lake County Helps Turn Pages into Possibilities

Every May, “Get Caught Reading Month” shines a spotlight on the importance of literacy and encourages people of all ages to pick up a book and discover the joy of reading. Whether it’s a parent reading bedtime stories to a child, a student exploring a new favorite series or a community leader sharing a book recommendation, the month serves as a reminder that reading opens doors to opportunity, imagination and lifelong success.

At United Way of Lake County, supporting youth opportunity means helping children build the skills they need to thrive — and literacy is one of the most important building blocks for future success. Research consistently shows that children who develop strong reading skills early in life are more likely to succeed academically, graduate from high school, and pursue meaningful career opportunities.

That’s why United Way of Lake County proudly funds programs that help local children discover the power of reading from an early age.

One of those programs is Lifeline, Inc.’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The program provides free, age-appropriate books each month to children from birth through age five, regardless of a family’s income. For many children, these books may be the very first they can call their own.

Learn more about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library here, where children can also be enrolled.

Receiving books at home does more than help children learn letters and words. It helps create positive family routines, encourages parent-child bonding and builds excitement around reading before children even enter a classroom. Early exposure to books and language plays a critical role in brain development and school readiness, helping children begin kindergarten with stronger vocabulary, comprehension and communication skills.

United Way of Lake County also helps fund the Lake County Captains Reading Program, which encourages elementary school students to strengthen their reading habits through fun incentives and goal setting. By combining literacy with the excitement of baseball and community involvement, the program helps students view reading not as a chore, but as something enjoyable and rewarding.

Programs like this matter because literacy impacts far more than classroom performance. Reading proficiency is closely tied to confidence, social development and long-term economic stability. Children who struggle to read are more likely to face academic challenges later in life, while strong readers are better positioned to succeed both in school and beyond.

“Get Caught Reading Month” is also a reminder that communities play an important role in fostering literacy. Teachers, parents, volunteers, nonprofit organizations and local businesses all contribute to creating environments where children are encouraged to learn and grow.

At United Way of Lake County, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that starts with access to educational resources and supportive programs that inspire learning. Through partnerships with organizations like Lifeline, Inc. and the Lake County Captains Reading Program, we are helping local children build brighter futures — one book at a time.

This May, consider joining the movement by reading with a child, donating books, visiting your local library or simply taking time to “get caught reading.” The impact of literacy can last a lifetime.