Who We Are
Reading Legacies was founded on a simple truth: every child deserves caring relationships and the confidence that comes from learning and literacy. With decades of experience in education and family programs, we understand how meaningful, supportive moments can shape a child’s life.
From helping military families stay connected across distances to supporting children of incarcerated parents, Reading Legacies meets each community where they are—ensuring every family has access to programs that strengthen bonds, nurture curiosity, and build early literacy skills.
Community Voice
“Thank you for the workshops, they are really fun and insightful. They reminded me of when I would go to an elementary school to read to kindergarteners just like my nephew, Angel. Reading Legacies is a great program, engaging with the community while educating about the importance of reading.”
Sarai Argueta, Parent Education Program
How We Help
Through parent education, community workshops, and targeted initiatives, we help caregivers create meaningful moments with children, no matter the distance or obstacle. These experiences build emotional security and lay the foundation for strong reading and life skills. Supporting parents in their role as their children’s first teachers is a key part of this work—whether it’s a parent separated from their child due to incarceration, or a parent participating in a workshop to gain insights on the benefits of reading aloud.
By nurturing these connections, children feel supported and valued, and caregivers are empowered to be present in their child’s learning and development. Each shared story strengthens relationships, encourages empathy, and creates meaningful bonds that last.
Our Impact
Families and children are experiencing meaningful connections every day through Reading Legacies’ programs, reaching more than 70,000 children, youth, and adults to date:
of children reported enjoying reading more after participating
of parents became more aware of reading’s importance with their child
of families reported stronger connections with a separated or incarcerated loved one
Betty's Story
Betty J. Mohlenbrock, M.Ed., is an educator, reading specialist, and the Founder and President of Reading Legacies. She also served as Founder and CEO (Retired) of United Through Reading. With a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and a Master’s in Education specializing in reading, Betty has over 35 years of nonprofit leadership developing programs that connect children with caring adults through reading.
Inspired by her earlier work, Betty realized more families needed these connections beyond the military. In 2009, she launched Reading Legacies, bringing programs to children facing unique challenges, including those with incarcerated parents. Her approach emphasizes that caregivers are their children’s first and most important teachers, helping families stay emotionally connected even across difficult separations.
Today, Reading Legacies is nationally recognized, featured in the New York Times, and a Live Well San Diego Recognized Partner. Betty’s vision continues to guide the organization: helping caregivers create meaningful moments and ensuring every child experiences the joy and connection of shared reading Read More →
You Make This Possible
Reading Legacies could not continue this work without people like you. Click the button to donate or volunteer and give children the chance to connect with their families and grow through the simple power of reading.
who we are
Reading Legacies was founded on a simple belief: every child deserves caring relationships and the confidence that comes from learning and literacy.
With decades of experience in education and family programs, we support families facing challenges—from military separation to parental incarceration—by creating read-aloud experiences that strengthen bonds, spark curiosity, and build early literacy skills.
Community Voice
“Thank you for the workshops, they are really fun and insightful. They reminded me of when I would go to an elementary school to read to kindergarteners just like my nephew, Angel. Reading Legacies is a great program, engaging with the community while educating about the importance of reading.”
Sarai Argueta, Parent Education Program
How we help
Through parent education, community workshops, and targeted initiatives, we help caregivers create meaningful moments with children—no matter the distance or obstacle. These experiences build emotional security and support early reading and life skills.
By strengthening these connections, caregivers are empowered as their child’s first teachers, and every shared story helps build lasting bonds.
Our Impact
Reading Legacies’ programs create meaningful connections for families and children every day.