Life & Work with Amy Niemi of Downtown Troy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Niemi.

Hi Amy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Reading For Change dream started with our founder Ali Martin and a few others in a coffee shop in Troy, OH and I am humbled to say that we are still making a difference in the lives of students in our community to this day. We are located in the heart of downtown Troy and have served hundreds of students in our 8,000 Sq. Ft. space. We are an after school program that partners with principals, teachers, and parents to provide free homework help, literacy tutoring, a hearty snack, and love and encouragement to our students each day. Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader is our motto and we’ve been changing the lives of hundreds of children for over 10 years.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Reading for Change has been steadily growing over the years. We currently serve 55 students in our school year program and 70+ in our summer program. We have a significant wait list. We can only serve the number of students that our tutors can adequately work with. Our challenge is finding enough tutors and volunteers to accommodate the need and the numbers on our wait list.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the Executive Directory at RFC. I came to Reading for Change with a background as both an entrepreneur and educator. I graduated from Taylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and has had the opportunity to work as a local business owner as well as with students and teachers in a variety of K-8 settings. I have been a classroom teacher, Title 1 Reading Teacher and Reading Specialist. My goal is to create meaningful literacy experiences through an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and kindness. I was drawn to RFC because I love the way this program supports students, teachers, and families. I am committed to sharing my passion for literacy with the RFC community because I believes that reading is the gateway that makes all other learning possible and is truly the way to change the world.

The mission of RFC is made possible through our generous donors and volunteers. I am the only paid staff and couldn’t do it without the amazing tutors and volunteers that give countless hours of their time each and every day to make the work we do possible. Lives are changed because of the 50 plus volunteers that walk through our doors each month. I am so proud of this organization and the heart it has for sacrificially meeting the needs in our community.

What are your plans for the future?
Reading for Change plans to continue working hard to train reader/leaders that will impact the future of our community. We are currently planning our summer literacy camp. These camps are week long adventures that keep students engaged and excited about reading during the summer months. Each camp has a theme and we are excited to reveal this year’s theme to our literacy community soon.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.readingforchange.com/
• Instagram: readingforchange2015
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/readingforchange15