Missoula, Montana
Reading Opens
Your World
We connect dedicated volunteers with students, building confidence and a love for reading — one book at a time. Every child deserves the magic of stories.
350+ students reached and counting!
Story time!
New books!
Reading buddies
See ROW in Action
How ROW Works
Three simple steps to change a life
Begin Your Journey
Fill out a quick form and tell us about yourself. We'll guide you through background checks and training so you're ready to make a difference.
Our programs in action...
What We Do
Measuring Our Impact
Every number tells a story...
Every child deserves to read
Here's what we're doing about it...
children can't read at grade level
In Montana, thousands of elementary students struggle with basic reading skills. Without intervention, the gap only widens.
a week changes everything
A dedicated volunteer meets with a student weekly for one-on-one reading sessions. Every other week, the student receives a book to build their home library.
students impacted since 2022
Across 4 Missoula schools, ROW volunteers have helped hundreds of children discover the joy of reading.
Become a VolunteerVoices of ROW
Real stories from our community...
Brian Goettlich
I told Roman that his reading had improved a lot and asked what had helped him the most. He said, 'Grandpa helped me the most.' Grandpa is Roman's ROW volunteer and comes to read with him every week.
Morgan Bond
The students LOVE when their mentors arrive — their faces light up! Now all the kiddos want to be a ROW reader.
Megan Stubbs
WOW! This has been an amazing experience for both the students at Sentinel High School and Russell Elementary. The littles are learning and my students are getting meaningful teaching experience.
Skye Welch
I think ROW is an amazing opportunity for both volunteers and students to build a meaningful relationship while working through books and reading skills together.
Marji Martin
Volunteering with ROW has been a very rewarding experience for me. I have been able to see the children make positive progress in their reading ability and how proud they are of themselves.
Courtney Kircos
Reading Opens Your World has been an amazing experience for students of all ages. This program supports Early Literacy and helps bring people together through the love of books.
Ben & Mai Powell
Our daughter has become far more interested and involved in reading, not only together, but on her own as well. Her reading skills have developed significantly.
Melissa Lynn
They are able to build a one-on-one connection with a trusted adult which is a known protective factor for students with trauma. The mentors foster a lifelong love of literacy.
Mara Harrington
It's been fun building relationships with my students and so rewarding to see their reading skills develop. Time spent with them is always a bright spot in my week!
Anonymous
I love every bit about this program! This is the kind of work that moves the dial for students, both big and little! Thank you everyone for your commitment.
The Women Behind ROW
Leading with heart, one reader at a time
LaurenWatling
Founder & Executive Director
LisaHayhurst
Board President
AlannaVan Eps
Board Member
DreaBurbank
Board Member
WendyMelvin
Board Member
Readers in Action
Reading together
Story time!
New friends
Book buddies
Learning is fun
Page turners
Growing readers
Adventure awaits