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.
We use shared reading experiences to strengthen connections between children and caregivers—especially in families facing separation, including military families and children with incarcerated parents.
Through our programs, caregivers are supported as children’s first teachers, and reading becomes a way to stay emotionally connected while building early literacy, curiosity, and confidence.
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
We believe a simple shared story can change how a child feels about the world—and about the people they love.
Through parent education, community workshops, and reading programs, we help caregivers create meaningful moments with children, no matter the distance or circumstance.
For some families, that means supporting a parent separated from their child through incarceration or military service. For others, it’s helping caregivers discover the power of reading aloud in everyday life.
In every space, the goal is the same: to strengthen connection between children and the adults who care for them, while supporting early literacy and emotional growth.
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 the Founder and President of Reading Legacies. She is an educator and reading specialist whose work has focused on one idea for over 35 years: reading can keep families connected.
Before Reading Legacies, she founded United Through Reading, where she saw firsthand how shared reading helped children maintain emotional bonds with caring adults during separation.
That experience revealed a larger need—families beyond the military were also being separated, often without similar support.
In 2009, she launched Reading Legacies to meet that need, expanding programs to serve children with incarcerated parents and other families experiencing separation.
Her guiding belief is simple: caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers, and shared reading can strengthen emotional connection while supporting literacy and growth.
Today, Reading Legacies is nationally recognized, featured in the New York Times, and a Live Well San Diego Recognized Partner.
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 know small, meaningful moments can shape a child’s life in lasting ways.
We use shared reading to strengthen connections between children and caregivers—especially in families experiencing separation, including military families and children with incarcerated parents.
Caregivers are supported as children’s first teachers, helping reading become a way to stay connected while building literacy, curiosity, and confidence.
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
At Reading Legacies, we believe shared stories help children feel more connected to the people they love.
Through parent education, workshops, and reading programs, we help caregivers create meaningful moments with children, no matter the distance or circumstance.
For some families, that means supporting a parent separated through incarceration or military service. For others, it’s helping caregivers discover the power of reading aloud in everyday life.
Across all our work, the goal is the same: to strengthen connection between children and the adults who care for them, while supporting early literacy and emotional growth.
And this is what makes the work possible—people coming together for families.
Our Impact
Reading Legacies’ programs create meaningful connections for families and children every day.
Betty's Story
Betty J. Mohlenbrock, M.Ed., is the Founder and President of Reading Legacies. She is an educator and reading specialist whose work has focused on one idea for over 35 years: reading can keep families connected.
Before Reading Legacies, she founded United Through Reading, where she saw firsthand how shared reading helped children maintain emotional bonds with caring adults during separation.
That experience revealed a larger need—families beyond the military were also being separated, often without similar support.
In 2009, she launched Reading Legacies to meet that need, expanding programs to serve children with incarcerated parents and other families experiencing separation.
Her guiding belief is simple: caregivers are children’s first and most important teachers, and shared reading can strengthen emotional connection while supporting literacy and growth.
Today, Reading Legacies is nationally recognized, featured in the New York Times, and a Live Well San Diego Recognized Partner.
You Make This Possible
Reading Legacies grows through the support of people who believe in connection, literacy, and care.
With your help, children are able to stay connected to their families and grow through the simple power of reading.
You Make This Possible
Reading Legacies grows through the support of people who believe in connection, literacy, and care.
With your help, children are able to stay connected to their families and grow through the simple power of reading.