A cut of approximately $400 million to AmeriCorps' funding has sent shockwaves through community service programs nationwide. Among the most impacted locally is the United Readers program, a cornerstone initiative of the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS), which relies heavily on AmeriCorps funding and personnel to deliver essential early literacy interventions to children across the region.​

The loss of these funds jeopardizes the program's ability to recruit and retain trained mentors. This cut led to the immediate cessation of services that had proven effective in enhancing early literacy, particularly in underserved communities. 

A Message From a United Readers Americorps Member:

"It has been an emotional morning already, so I really appreciate finding your message right when I opened my email. Yesterday was difficult, and I felt I would get too emotional if I stayed any longer. It was heartbreaking to see the tears, though knowing others are feeling the same.

I didn't expect to cry on my way to work this morning. But I realized something I wanted to share with you. I took this job because I wanted to feel a part of my community. I wanted to somehow make a difference with children again.

What I found out in the two years working for this program was that is exactly what happened. This program gave me a purpose.

It felt important to come to work each morning knowing that I was making a difference in each child’s life and right in my neighborhood. I was excited to get up every morning and know that children were waiting to see me. 

This program not only has made a difference in my life, but it has made a difference in my students' lives. That I know for a fact. My very first student this morning had already been told that he was not going to be able to come to my group anymore. When I picked him up for his last assessment, he ran to class ahead of me. He usually walks and talks with me about his day, asking what we are going to do for the day. I knew something was wrong. He was already sitting in the chair, sulking, and didn't want to talk.

He was very upset. I told him it was ok to talk and it was ok to be sad about it, and I was, too. He burst out, "Who's going to teach me now?!" He wanted to know why he couldn't come anymore and what had happened. He had so many questions. I explained in the best way I could. He then said to me, "I wish there was a wishing well in here." I asked him why, and he said, "So I could wish you would stay and always teach me." 

I teared up. He has come so far since the beginning of school. He can read! He understands phonics now. He knows how to find the beginning, middle and end sounds now all by himself. That's the reason for this program. Believe it or not, individual and small group instruction does help. It gives some of our students who are struggling in classrooms, the attention they need to succeed. I saw this firsthand. What we were doing is important. It was something that was needed. We answered a call and put our boots on the ground and were fighting for our kids, your kids, to have a successful future.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of this program. All of the office staff, managers, supervisors, and leaders. Your passion and commitment have not gone unnoticed. You have lit a fire under us to keep making a difference and given us hope that we can. You made it possible for us to come together as a force, a voice, and it's not over. I have faith that the United Way will make a Way, again, where we can Unite and continue serving our community."

Who It Affects

1. Students (K–3rd grade)

• Impact: Hundreds of young learners in Northern Nevada, especially in underserved communities, may lose access to individualized reading support.

• Consequence: Early reading struggles can persist into later grades, affecting academic achievement long-term.

2. AmeriCorps Members

• Impact: Service members who were placed in classrooms via programs like United Readers may lose their roles or stipends.

• Consequence: Loss of national service opportunities and a pipeline for future educators and community leaders.

3. Teachers and Schools

• Impact: Educators lose trained reading support, increasing their workload and reducing intervention capacity.

• Consequence: Struggling readers may not receive the focused help they need.

4. United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS)

• Impact: UWNNS loses funding that powers one of its most effective literacy initiatives.

• Consequence: Reduced ability to serve the community, meet educational goals, and demonstrate measurable impact to future funders.

5. Families and Communities

• Impact: Families depending on school-based literacy help may have no affordable alternatives.

• Consequence: Increased educational inequity and a widening achievement gap.