Washtenaw Promise

Mission: To empower children in our community who are facing serious obstacles, to help raise their potential for success in the family, in school and in their world.

It takes a community to raise a child. Washtenaw Promise is proud to be a part of that community. Washtenaw Promise works to support early childhood education in the community by facilitating more information sharing, more collaborative problem solving and more connection to resources. The stresses of poverty, social injustice, and emotional challenges present barriers to the bright future that every child needs and deserves. Washtenaw Promise works with children, young families, schools and the community, to remove those barriers. We want early childhood educators and providers to thrive, to be sustainable and healthy, and to know that the work they do provides children the very foundation needed for success in the world today.

Our “Big Friends” mentoring program places student volunteers into local preschools to work directly with kids and teachers. The “Penpal” program connects volunteers with a preschool student to exchange hand-written letters and drawings. Penpals encourage language development, the practice of writing, and recognition of letters, as well as inspiring imagination, creativity and self-confidence. Our “Read With Kids” program is designed to give students an opportunity for more one-on-one or small group reading time with an adult. Our intention is to work with teachers to reinforce reading skills and to help kids develop an even greater love of books and written language.