For Dolores, a retired kindergarten teacher with three decades of experience under her belt, education and family have always been at the forefront of her passion. Her career as an advocate for families and children has been nothing short of remarkable, and her belief that it's never too early to start reading and engaging children with books has left an indelible mark on her journey. Dolores knows that preparing children for school and fostering a deep love for reading starts at home, with parents as the first teachers.

It's this belief in the power of family and literacy that led Dolores to Skyline Literacy in 2019. Skyline Literacy, based in Virginia, provided the ideal platform to introduce a family literacy program, given the crucial importance of reading and interaction between parents and children. Many parents in the program are bilingual, and Skyline’s selection of simple books allows even those with limited vocabulary to read with their kids, bridging language gaps while fostering a love for reading.

Dolores's own love for reading, nurtured by her mother reading to her, expanded her world, imagination, and knowledge. Recognizing the transformative potential of this experience, she wanted to share it with other families. Her mission at Skyline became clear: help families discover the joy of reading together, just as her family had.

In Dolores's family literacy classes, the magic unfolds when families keep returning, cherishing the experience and the growth they witness in their children. There's something incredibly gratifying for Dolores when parents read alongside their children, engaging in the storytelling process, and fostering a deep bond through the written word.

During her classes, Dolores and her colleague, Bly, serve as models for reading techniques, from tracking print to discussing the story's illustrations. The children enjoy the books, and Dolores appreciates witnessing this interaction. After reading the stories, they often draw pictures or engage in related crafts, making the learning experience multi-dimensional and engaging.

Some of the memorable moments in Dolores's classes include a "Pete the Cat and the Perfect Pizza Party" session, where they had their own pizza party, or drawing a map after reading "Bear About Town." They even ventured into cooking experiences, like the jelly-making project tied to "Froggie Learns to Swim," with Skyline providing the ingredients to families in their own homes.

Dolores navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by embracing technology. The transition to Zoom classes went smoothly, and the accessibility it offered led to excellent attendance. Skyline supported the transition with Zoom training and provided all the necessary books and craft materials, ensuring that the learning continued despite the circumstances.

For Dolores, the true success of her classes is reflected in the shared moments at the end of each session, where families practice speaking English and bond over their newfound love for reading. The ultimate testament to her impact is when families sign up for a second session, demonstrating their genuine enthusiasm for the program.

"I just don't want to leave," one child expressed during a Zoom class, encapsulating the profound impact of Dolores's work.

Dolores's journey at Skyline Literacy has been a testament to the power of community, family, and literacy. She attributes much of her success to Skyline’s unwavering support, particularly from Virginia and Nelly, who ensured that families had the materials they needed, even during the challenging times of COVID.

In Dolores's own words, "Skyline was great, I really thought we made a good team together."

Her dedication to fostering a love for reading in families has not only helped children embark on their literacy journeys but has also strengthened bonds within the community. Dolores's story reminds us that the love of learning and reading can transform lives, and Skyline Literacy continues to provide programs for families and individuals seeking learning.