Our Core Values
1. We value intergenerational social interaction as an opportunity to share cultural heritage and values.
2. We value children and youth as powerful, important resources for the future of any community.
3. We value reading aloud as an effective medium to build relationships and develop an interest in reading.
4. We value service to others as a powerful method for personal growth and an increase in self-worth.
5. We value our relationship with our community and our country as a public trust by providing services with the highest integrity and sound business practices.
We Believe Children Deserve
To Be read To On a Daily Basis
Connection
We've seen time and again how children develop a love for reading when loved ones take the time to sit down and share a story with them. Those special moments have the power to impact children for the rest of their lives.
Success
Reading to a child for just 5 minutes a day can dramatically increase their educational and emotional success as they grow. Bonding through reading not only helps children to feel supported and loved, but can can also increase rates of early childhood literacy.
Education
We offer several opportunities for families learn new tools and techniques to instill the habit of reading aloud with children. You can get involved by volunteering with Reading Legacies to help us achieve this important goal.
Testimonials
Meet Our Founder
Betty J. Mohlenbrock, M.Ed. is an educator, reading specialist, Founder and CEO (Retired) of United Through Reading, and Founder and President of Reading Legacies (her current endeavor).
Betty has extensive experience in the areas of management, fundraising, and program strategies based on her experience with international programs as well as her integrity and wise stewardship of millions of dollars contributed by community members.
Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialty in teaching Reading. Both degrees are from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Reading Legacies provides four programs:
- Book Bridges
- Youth Readers
- First Teachers
- Storybook Inspirations
These four programs are for children and youth throughout San Diego County and beyond.
Their mission is to facilitate supportive relationships for children through family and friends reading aloud with them.
Website: www.readinglegacies.org
Betty’s awards include:
- Congressional Medal of Honor Society Community Service Hero Award (for her leadership at United Through Reading)
- Peter Drucker Award for Non-Profit Innovation
- L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth National Honoree
- LEAD San Diego Visionary Award
- University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award
- Daughters of the American Revolution Medal of Honor Award
- Traditional Home publication’s “The Classic Woman Award”
- San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce 20th Annual Women in Leadership Award
- Rotary Club of Coronado Success Above Self Award
- San Diego Business Journal’s Business Women of the Year Finalist
- Coronado Soroptimist International Legend Award
- George Washington Honor Medal (from Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge)
L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth 2018 Highlight: Betty Mohlenbrock
Julianne Moore Introducing Betty Mohlenbrock at 2018 Women of Worth Event
We are honored
To carry on the legacy of Stephen R. Lewis, M.D.
A beloved and respected physician, and family friend. His life was an exemplary model of dedication to family and community, and a strong belief in providing a foundation for children and youth to be successful in life. To that end, our Board of Trustees has established the Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Legacy Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation with the purpose of funding the leadership position of Reading Legacies, the Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Presidential Chair.
Reading Legacies is working closely with his family to deliver programs with highest integrity that will fulfill his vision for children and youth. The Board is both grateful for and humbled by the generosity of so many of Steve’s family and friends. Together, we are paying a high tribute to this wonderful man’s life. In order to participate in this Legacy Fund, simply make note of this on your contribution. If you desire further information, please contact us.
Board of Trustees and Officers
Reading Legacies Staff
Advisory Board
David Bejarano
Chief of Police (Retired)
San Diego and Chula Vista Police Departments
Reo Carr
Founder/CEO, Research Group of Companies, LLC
Ken Culver
Commander (Retired)
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
Edward DeRoche, Ph.D.
University of San Diego
Director, Character Development Center
Rhonda Su'esu'e-Hernandez, RCFE (Trustee)
Activities Director of Greater San Diego (ADGSD)
Valerie G. Hong, Esq. (Trustee)
Garcia Hong Law APC
Jessica Hughes, M.Ed.
School Counseling
Cheryl Carter King
Member of Founding Board, Retired
Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Legacy Fund Representative
Rachael Horn Langford
Adjunct Professor of Sociology, Point Loma Nazarene University
Ashley Rae Rawlins
RAWLINS LAW, APC
Renee K. Resko
Vice President of Development, Helen Woodward Animal Center
Carolos Ramirez Reyes
Third Grade Teacher, San Diego Unified School District
Stephanie Scott
Quality Review Analyst
American Specialty Health
MacKenzie Singer
Marketing Coordinator, VIstage International
Cecil Steppe
Director, Dept. of Social Services/San Diego County Chief Probation Officer/CEO San Diego Urban League (Ret)
Col. Marianne S. Waldrop, USMC (Ret.), Ph.D.
University of North Carolina NROTC Alumni Association, Pres.
Greg Williams
Campus Supervisor,
Liberty Charter High School
Lee E. Winslett
Wells Fargo, SVP & Division Mgr. New Markets
Lending/Investment