Families in the White Lake area may have noticed an increased presence from Read Muskegon—and it’s no coincidence. Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, the organization has been able to expand its family literacy programming in the region, bringing vital early literacy resources to families with young children. This year, Read Muskegon continues to grow its offerings in the area, with additional support from the Great Start Collaborative.
One of the key programs making an impact is Grow A Little Reader (GALR)—a four-week early literacy cohort for families with children under age three. As part of a broader effort to build school readiness before kindergarten, this program helps parents incorporate simple daily habits like reading, singing, and engaging conversations to support language development and early literacy.
Grow A Little Reader
Tuesdays, April 8 – April 24
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
White Lake Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague
Free for children ages 0–3
“A child needs to have a vocabulary of approximately 10,000 words before kindergarten in order to truly be ready for reading,” explains Shea Ross, Program Director at Read Muskegon. “That’s why we’re focused on those critical years before school even starts.”
Another Musical Way to Learn
Also launching this spring in White Lake is ABCs of Music, a program designed for children ages three to five and their families. Participants will read, sing, move, and play music together—an engaging and fun way to build pre-reading skills.
ABCs of Music
Fridays, April 18 – May 23
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
White Lake Methodist Church, 8555 Cook St., Montague
Free for children ages 3–5
Program Goals and Impact
Each Grow A Little Reader or ABCs of Music session includes:
- Interactive story readings
- Movement and music-based activities
- Crafts, songs, and themed play
- Take-home materials including a free book each week
These programs are based on proven literacy-building techniques. Parents report increased confidence, more literacy activities at home, and greater school readiness skills in their children.
Literacy Support Beyond Early Childhood
Read Muskegon supports learners of all ages through:
- One-on-one tutoring for adults and K–12 students (including English as a Second Language)
- Middle School (during school time) Tutoring
- Jail-based Classes & Book Clubs at Muskegon County Jail
- English as Second Language Classes + Citizenship at various community locations
These services are available throughout Muskegon County and are now reaching more families in the White Lake area.
Volunteer and Get Involved
Volunteers are vital to Read Muskegon’s success. Opportunities include tutoring, classroom assistance, childcare during adult programs, outreach at community events, and more.
To volunteer, visit readmuskegon.org/volunteer or email [email protected].
Read Muskegon also welcomes community partners, sponsors, and donors. They are currently renovating a new literacy center in Muskegon Heights as part of a capital campaign. For more information on supporting that effort, email [email protected] or donate directly at readmuskegon.org.
How to Register
To sign up for any White Lake-area family program:
Call or text Jenika at (231) 242-3443 or register online: tinyurl.com/familyprograms25
For tutoring services:
Sign up at tinyurl.com/RMlearnersignup
“Some of our most rewarding success stories come from families who engage with multiple programs—starting in early childhood and continuing through adult literacy or tutoring for older students,” says Ross. “That’s the kind of lasting impact we hope to make.”
Thanks to strong partnerships—including the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and the Great Start Collaborative—Read Muskegon is proud to support literacy development in every corner of Muskegon County, including right here in White Lake.
