Assistance League’s Listen Program Fortifies Student Success

Since 2015, member volunteers of Assistance League Diablo Valley’s Operation School Bell®-Listen Program have staffed a one-on-one learning session program designed to help students fortify their reading skills.

In 2022-23, Listen member volunteers reported to five elementary schools in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District to offer reading support to second grade students. All volunteers complied with TB testing, fingerprinting and vaccine protocols.

As a result of the weekly one-on-one sessions, Chairman Marilyn Holcomb reports that involved classroom teachers appreciatively noted improved reading performance among recipient students. Ms. Holcomb added that all participant schools had adjusted school schedules and provided space to ensure overall success. When community organizations work hand-in-hand, EVERYBODY WINS!

The Listen Program also provided educational supplies and reading-level appropriate books to recipient students throughout the year. Listen’s one-on-one format allows volunteers to offer immediate and individualized feedback when incorrect responses need to be replaced by correct responses. Likewise, recipient students receive this support when in the presence of others, and are, therefore, comfortable with the learning environment.

To learn more about all 16 hands-on philanthropic programs which are primarily funded by the Assistance League Thrift Shop, please visit this website: assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.