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The Rescue Readers program was developed to provide our younger volunteers, age 4-13 years old, with an opportunity to share their compassion for the cats in our shelter, expand their reading proficiency, and give back in a meaningful way.

Our adoptable cats appreciate being read to by our Rescue Readers as reading aloud has a positive impact on the cats in our cat colonies, while also helping the readers become more comfortable and confident reading aloud.

  • Rescue Readers meet at both Humane PA shelters (Berks Campus and Lancaster Campus) each Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and weekdays between 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, for half-hour reading sessions.
  • Each Rescue Reader volunteer must be accompanied by a parent during their visit and preregister for a designated reading time in one of our two cat colonies.
  • Readers are welcome to bring along their own book from home or borrow one from our bookshelf.

Application Process:

  1. Online application – We recruit new volunteers throughout the year, on an as needed basis.
      • Please fill out the application using the CHILD’S name and information! Filling out the application incorrectly may result in a delay with application approval.
  2. Sign the digital Volunteer Handbook on MyImpact
  3. Wait for your application to be approved; applications typically take 1-3 business days to be reviewed.
  4. Download the MyImpact app on your mobile device.
  5. Reserving a Time – Instructions will be sent to you on how to sign up for a time slot using our MyImpact system.
  6. Start Rescue Reading!

For more information or questions about the Rescue Readers program, contact Nicole Koch, Events & Volunteer Coordinator at nkoch@humanepa.org  or 610-750-6100 ext. 232.

Hey kids! Our animals would love for you to color them a picture! Click on an image below to print and mail us back your masterpiece! We will hang these up for our animals to enjoy while they wait for their furever homes!