Meet Jenny, a well-read and engaged member of our board! Get to know more about how Jenny discovered Reach and what motivates her work with the organization by reading her answers in the Q&A below.
Tell us about yourself, your family, and where you are from.
I grew up in western South Dakota, but after graduating from Augustana, I’ve made Sioux Falls home. I live in town with my fiancè James and our three pups. I spend my free time reading, running and following my true passion – petting everyone’s dogs.
What interested you in being involved with Reach?
A good friend invited me to volunteer on the Brewhaha planning committee, and 8 years later, I’m still here! I have been to places where I don't speak the language. I remember the uneasy feeling I had when I couldn’t effectively communicate to do simple things like take a train or find a public restroom. I can’t imagine the stress of living with that unease every day while trying to navigate important things like getting kids in school or getting a job. I support Reach’s mission to ease that stress for people in my community.
What is your favorite Reach offering and why?
Everyday English is my favorite, but the bookstore takes a very close second. Reach’s programming and mission are the most valuable work we do, and Everyday English offers foundational education to make daily activities easier. I love the bookstore for more selfish reasons. It’s great to have somewhere to donate my used books, and I always find something new to read when I stop in.
What’s a book you think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime?
Night by Elie Wiesel. I read it young (probably too young), but it’s stuck with me. It humanizes something that’s truly hard to wrap your head around and teaches you we all have a duty to be a voice for the voiceless.
What’s one thing you think everyone should know about Reach?
We’re not just a bookstore! I often meet folks who love the bookstore but haven’t heard about our mission. It’s something we’re working on better communicating, so I hope more people know what the bookstore funds in the future.
Do you have any goals or hopes for the future of Reach Literacy?
I want to see us achieve (manageable) growth and expand our impact on the community. We’re in good hands with our Executive Director Molly O’Connor, so I’m confident this will happen!