Our Purpose
Urban Reads Foundation exists to raise reading levels and return literacy to our people as a birthright. We stand in the lineage of those who fought for access to words — and we continue that work for our youth, our community, and our justice‑impacted families.
Restoring literacy. Honoring legacy. Rebuilding futures.
Why This Work Matters
The literacy crisis is generational and urgent:
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76% of men and women in prison are illiterate
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85% of juveniles in court cannot read
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46 million adults read below a 6th‑grade level
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Reading 20 minutes a day exposes a person to 1.8 million words a year
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Incarcerated individuals who participate in literacy programs are 43% less likely to return to prison
These numbers guide our mission: get people reading at grade level and restore opportunity through literacy.
Youth Partnerships
Preparing the next generation to read, lead, and rise.
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Literacy workshops & reading support
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Creative writing and storytelling
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Youth ambassador roles
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Service hours & volunteer opportunities
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Literacy Bus programming
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Mentorship and skill‑building
Every program strengthens comprehension, confidence, and daily reading habits.
Community Partnerships
Mobilizing the village to uplift literacy together.
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Volunteer with literacy programs
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Host book drives
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Bring the Literacy Bus to your school or event
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Sponsor literacy initiatives
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Support grade‑level reading across neighborhoods
When the community reads, the community rises.
Justice‑Impacted Partnerships
Restoring literacy to those denied access — honoring their humanity and their future.
We partner with prisons and juvenile facilities to:
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Visit facilities regularly to support literacy growth
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Build and maintain in‑facility libraries
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Provide books and literacy materials
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Identify individuals who cannot read and want to learn
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Offer structured reading pathways through the Freedom Through Reading Initiative
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Build comprehension, communication skills, and confidence
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Increase daily reading time — the foundation of grade‑level progress
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Support reentry success through literacy
Literacy reduces recidivism by 43% and opens doors to employment, stability, and self‑determination.
Our Values
Restoring literacy to those denied access — honoring their humanity and their future.
We partner with prisons and juvenile facilities to:
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Visit facilities regularly to support literacy growth
-
Build and maintain in‑facility libraries
-
Provide books and literacy materials
-
Identify individuals who cannot read and want to learn
-
Offer structured reading pathways through the Freedom Through Reading Initiative
-
Build comprehension, communication skills, and confidence
-
Increase daily reading time — the foundation of grade‑level progress
-
Support reentry success through literacy
Literacy reduces recidivism by 43% and opens doors to employment, stability, and self‑determination.
Join the Movement
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Become a Youth Ambassador
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Volunteer with our literacy programs
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Bring the Literacy Bus to your school or event
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Partner with us in prisons or juvenile facilities
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Join as a community partner or sponsor
