The applicant is the volunteer center of brown county, a private not-for-profit agency that annually mobilizes approximately 12,000 people to meet community needs as volunteers

This is done through the volunteer center website, community presentations, publications, and assistance to individuals and groups wishing to serve. In addition to $32,929 of state and local funds, federal funding of $76,073 is requested to support at least 280 retired and senior volunteer program (RSVP) volunteers in brown county, wisconsin. RSVP volunteers will address community needs in numerous service categories, but the primary focus area will be education by improving academic performance of elementary school students in literacy through RSVP's reading coaches for kids program. School assessment tests show that nearly 50% of students in brown county still read below proficiency level by the end of third grade. Increases in poverty rates and number of english language learners in the county have contributed to this situation. RSVP of brown county will recruit, train, place and support a minimum of 75 volunteers to provide literacy tutoring to at least 300 elementary school students annually. Progress of tutored students will be measured by improvement in students' reading levels as documented in schools' records. At least 75% of tutored students will improve reading skills two grade levels after receiving at least four months of the tutoring assistance. RSVP of brown county will also focus on helping a growing number of older adults live independently and avoid social isolation. At least 10 volunteers will be matched as friendly visitors with at least 12 elderly. Project administered surveys of these elderly will show that 80% experience less isolation as a result of volunteer involvement. Through the volunteer center of brown county's programs and other community partners (STATIONS), RSVP volunteers will also be able to provide services in support of veterans/military families, health, other elderly services, education, economic support, youth development, safety, arts/culture, and recreation.