Why Unite KC is leaning in to Child Illiteracy.

Last year over 300 children in Kansas City wanted a Reading Buddy but they were left wanting. We can do better! 

Children who have an adult who is willing to read to them for 30-45 minutes a week for 30 weeks show a marked improvement in their reading level; many as much as 50%. If a child can read at grade level by third grade it is the greatest predictor that the child will graduate. Not reading at grade level by third grade is also the greatest predictor of incarceration. The stakes are high!

In August, Unite KC, along with Caring for Kids and The Barnabas Group launched a year-long campaign to increase literacy in Kansas City. There are many great efforts underway in Kansas City like Lead to Read and Mind the Gap. We plan to come alongside and mobilize Jesus followers to fill the need for Reading Buddies in KC. 

The big C church is the answer. There are multiple churches surrounding every grade school in the city. Churches have people who want to and need to serve. Schools have the children who want a reading buddy–we want to serve the next generation. 

Caring for Kids already makes great connections between schools, businesses and churches. The Barnabas Group mobilizes the business community and Unite KC mobilizes the Big C Church helping to connect the Collective Impact.

What better way to love your neighbor as yourself!

Our goals for the 2026–27 school year:

• Engage 50 churches in one or more Read KC outcomes, including 15 churches that will host the Set Free series.

• Recruit and place 300 new volunteers who will read and/or mentor a child.

• Distribute 15,000 books to children and youth. People can buy from Amazon or donate to a designated fund at Unite KC.