Meet Our Founder
During the more than two decades of managing her first nonprofit organization, Founder Betty Mohlenbrock was able to witness the impact that reading aloud with young children has on people of all ages, not just the child or parents. Her findings, coupled with the personal belief that youth are a powerful and important resource for the future of society, led her to begin shaping the framework for programs that would positively impact all children and youth, especially those who are under-served.
We believe that children deserve to feel the security of caring adult relationships and develop a love of reading through the read-aloud experience and you deserve a chance to feel empowered by supporting children in your community. We value service to others as a powerful method for personal growth. We help reconnect families using the power of reading together so that children feel loved, setting them up for emotional, social, and educational success.
L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth 2018 Highlight: Betty Mohlenbrock
Julianne Moore Introducing Betty Mohlenbrock at 2018 Women of Worth Event
Our Core Values
1. We value intergenerational social interaction as an opportunity to share cultural heritage and values.
2. We value children and youth as powerful, important resources for the future of any community.
3. We value reading aloud as an effective medium to build relationships and develop an interest in reading.
4. We value service to others as a powerful method for personal growth and an increase in self-worth.
5. We value our relationship with our community and our country as a public trust by providing services with the highest integrity and sound business practices.
We are honored
To carry on the legacy of Stephen R. Lewis, M.D.
A beloved and respected physician, and family friend. His life was an exemplary model of dedication to family and community, and a strong belief in providing a foundation for children and youth to be successful in life. To that end, our Board of Trustees has established the Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Legacy Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation with the purpose of funding the leadership position of Reading Legacies, the Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Presidential Chair.
Reading Legacies is working closely with his family to deliver programs with highest integrity that will fulfill his vision for children and youth. The Board is both grateful for and humbled by the generosity of so many of Steve’s family and friends. Together, we are paying a high tribute to this wonderful man’s life. In order to participate in this Legacy Fund, simply make note of this on your contribution. If you desire further information, please contact us.
We Believe Children Deserve
To Be Read To On a Daily Basis
Connection
We've seen time and again how children develop a love for reading when loved ones take the time to sit down and share a story with them. Those special moments have the power to impact children for the rest of their lives.
Success
Reading to a child for just 5 minutes a day can dramatically increase their educational and emotional success as they grow. Bonding through reading not only helps children to feel supported and loved, but can can also increase rates of early childhood literacy.
Education
We offer several opportunities for families learn new tools and techniques to instill the habit of reading aloud with children. You can get involved by volunteering with Reading Legacies to help us achieve this important goal.
Testimonials
Board of Trustees and Officers
Betty J. Mohlenbrock, M.Ed.
President & Chair
Richard Radosh, Esq.
Vice Chair
Community Volunteer
Michael Malone
Treasurer
Julie B. Beaty
Secretary
Liz Valenzuela Banker
Trustee
CEO/President/Veteran
Shore Solutions, Inc.
Eric Manese
Trustee
Michael J. Haynes
Trustee
Pro Football Hall of Fame &
All NFL 100 Year Anniversary Team
Derek Cox, MBA
Trustee
Contract Advisor
Elana Levens-Craig
Trustee
Vivian Lin
Trustee
Shaun R. Wiley
Trustee
ZUZA Print | Market | Mail
Reading Legacies Staff
Advisory Board
David Bejarano
Chief of Police (Ret.)
San Diego and Chula Vista Police Departments
Daniel M. Blumberg, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Founder, The Power Project
Reo Carr
Founder/CEO, Research Group of Companies, LLC
Ashley Rae Rawlins
Rawlins Law, APC
Ken Culver
Commander (Ret.)
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
Antonette W. Hood, Ed.D.
Associate Professor (Ret.)
Cal. State Univ. San Marcos
Antonette W. Hood, Ed.D.
Associate Professor (Ret.)
Cal. State Univ. San Marcos
Valerie G. Hong, Esq.
Kem Graham
Sr. Director of Development
Sharp HealthCare Foundation
Jessica Hughes, M.Ed.
Christine Muecke M.Ed.
San Diego State University
Dept. of Child-Family Dev. (Ret.)
Michael D. McGlinn
Rachael Horn Langford
Adjunct Professor of Sociology
Point Loma Nazarene University
Carolos Ramirez Reyes
Third Grade Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
Renee K. Resko
Vice President of Development
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Edward DeRoche, Ph.D.
University of San Diego
Director, Character Development Center
Stephanie Scott
Quality Review Analyst
American Specialty Health
Cheryl Carter King
Member of Founding Board, Retired
Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Legacy Fund Representative
Kory Russell
Utilities Foreman
MacKenzie Singer
Marketing Coordinator, VIstage International
Greg Williams
Campus Supervisor
Liberty Charter High School
Lee E. Winslett
Wells Fargo, SVP & Division Mgr. New Markets
Lending/Investment
Rhonda Su'esu'e-Hernandez, RCFE
Activities Director of Greater San Diego (ADGSD)
Cecil Steppe
Director, Dept. of Social Services/San Diego County Chief Probation Officer/CEO San Diego Urban League (Ret.)
