More Than A Literacy Program: J3’s Cozy Reading Club Exceeds Expectations

The library of Watts Learning Center in Compton was lined with twinkle lights and colorful canopies hung over individual reading nooks. 

I was supposed to be observing J3’s Cozy Reading Club, a free literacy intervention program for kids in California’s underserved schools;  but I wondered if I was in the right place. 

This was not a stereotypical reading program, and I mean that in the best way. 

“Come on in, Paula,” said Ms. Ward, a beloved teacher. “We are about to get started.”

While I took my seat, a chime rang out. The bustling fourth graders settled into the space, closed their eyes, and took deep breaths for a guided meditation. A sense of calm blanketed the room.

As one of J3 Foundation’s service providers, I never expected this visit to feel so personal. However, my academic journey was plagued by obstacles. Throughout grade school, the simple act of reading felt like an impossible challenge. It wasn’t until my college years that I discovered the root of my struggles—I had dyslexia. In my teen and pre-teen years, I often felt isolated as I watched my friends devour books that seemed like uncrackable codes to me. I thought I wasn’t “smart enough.” I wanted to be fixed, but didn’t know how or even what was wrong.

Childhood illiteracy can be devastating to a student’s self-esteem. It has a direct impact on their future as they are 4X more likely to be unemployed in adulthood.

Back in the classroom, a young girl with a sky-high ponytail reminds me of myself – shy, uncertain, yet eager. She volunteers to read “I Love My Hair!” She stands alone at the front of the room, reading slowly and deliberately, which would have been impossible for her mere months ago. The teacher’s patience was particularly moving as they worked through challenging texts. As the girl finishes, every student and teacher snaps in appreciation.

J3 Foundation teaches much more than phonics. They carefully and compassionately remove the emotional obstacles to learning, allowing each child to experience the joy of reading without the weight of anxiety or self-doubt.

While many of these students don’t share my history with learning disabilities, their reading journey suffers obstacles of its own: lack of book access, under-resourced schools, and challenging community and home lives. And the consequences of not reading are high. 

Students who don’t read proficiently by third grade are 4 times likelier to drop out of school.

As one of J3’s service providers and a business owner, I am inspired to leverage resources to encourage their efforts. I hope my story will inspire others to donate or initiate a Cozy Reading Club program in their communities. 

If I had a program like J3, I would have realized that a learning disability did not define my intelligence or capabilities. This is not just a reading club; it’s a haven where differences are understood and embraced; every child can learn without pressure. 

The library is quiet. The celebratory snaps fade away, and I notice the girl with the ponytail returning her book. Her smile radiates confidence. She’s a reader now. 

And she likes herself. Change a life today with your donation to J3 Foundation as they help kids in underserved communities build the confidence and literacy they need to succeed.