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Parentis Foundation seeks to address the needs of children unable to read proficiently by the end of third grade: a major contributor to poverty.

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Our Program

Our flagship program, Empowering Readers Orange County (EROC), delivers consistent, research-based literacy support through carefully structured 30-minute tutoring sessions that maximize student learning and engagement. 

 

Literacy is the gateway to academic success

Did you know? A child who is not reading proficiently by the 4th grade is four times more likely not to graduate from high school. By providing children with the guidance to grow and improve their literacy skills, our volunteers open the door to a limitless future.

 

Our Three-Pillar Approach 

We bring a positive impact to students, volunteers, and the community!

 

Students We Serve 

We focus on 1st-5th grade students in high-need communities where a significant portion of children are reading below grade level.

By providing intensive, one-on-one literacy support during these critical early years, we help students build the foundation skills necessary for lifelong academic success and break generational cycles of poverty. 

 

Volunteer Excellence 

Our volunteer tutors, age 50 and older, bring decades of life experience, wisdom, and patience to their work with young readers.

These dedicated volunteers commit to twice-weekly sessions, building meaningful relationships while delivering research-based instruction.

 

Evidence-Based Impact 

Every aspect of our Empowering Readers OC program is grounded in scientific research about how children learn to read.

We use proven methodologies from the Science of Reading, implement structured sessions that maximize learning time, and track progress through validated DIBELS assessments.

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Testimonial

“Thanks to all of you for the wonderful service you provide, not only to the kids, but also to us seniors who are receiving the beautiful gift of being useful and productive and engaged during our ‘sunset years.  You cannot imagine how much happier I am now than I was before I found out about tutoring!”

- Shiela, Parentis Foundation Volunteer Tutor

 
 

Our Impact

Total Data 2017-2025

 

1,900+

CHILDREN SERVED

60% improvement in critical literacy skills seen in children who receive 1:1 literacy support by Parentis Foundation volunteer tutors.

 

60,000+

1:1 TUTORING SESSIONS

92% of the tutors reported that the program increased their sense of purpose in life.

 
 

87,000+

HOURS OF TUTORING

We've received 100% program satisfaction from all our Program Partners across Orange County.

 
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Get Involved

 
 

ARE YOU A SCHOOL OR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM?

Learn more about how to bring or Reading Intervention Programs to your school or after school program. Contact us to set up a program consultation.

BECOME A Volunteer

Share the gift of reading and help change a child’s future!

Tutors, age 50 and over, bring a willingness to share their experience, time, and love of reading. Tutors typically work with 2-3 children, grades first through fifth, meeting with them individually twice each week for a 30-minute session, either in-person or virtually via Zoom. Comprehensive training is provided.

Make a Donation

Your tax-deductible donation means so much to the youth we serve and our volunteer mentors. Please consider making a meaningful gift, today.