In Burlington, a few blocks from the lake, characterized by smiling faces peering out the windows and individuals welcoming everyone at the front desk, is King Street Center, a cornerstone of youth development. Upon opening the door to the long hallway, students are greeted by the aroma of a freshly cooked meal and shelves of games and activities. Pictures of children playing and children’s art line the walls as staff members pass by them in conversation. 

Down the lively hallway are three classrooms, where young kids, holding their decorated book bins, are impatiently waiting for their book buddies. 

What began as a small after-school program founded over five decades ago became King Street Center, known as KSC, which serves nearly 200 kids in their after-school programs, mentoring, and family support programs. 

“King Street Center serves youth and families experiencing economic insecurity and systemic marginalization, with a focus on families from global majority communities in Burlington,” says KSC website, “We provide safe spaces where young people are nurtured with nourishment, academic enrichment, hands-on learning, recreational opportunities, social-emotional support, and guidance.” 

The book buddy program, while started to serve young students at KSC, has been serving Rice students since the 70’s. 

After school, after going through online mentor training, Rice students are assigned book buddies who they work with every week in literary and writing skills. Yet, with academic skills comes great connections between them.

“I like Book Buddies because it is a fun way to have a relationship with an older person. [My book buddy] and I read and play games. We have fun reading together. Sometimes there are facts in the book that we need to look up and I learn something new” Says Idris, a student at KSC.

Gabriella Tufo Strouse, the mentor and volunteer director, echoes these vital connections, “Some of the most memorable moments a Rice student has shared as a Book Buddy are the simple, joyful interactions that light up the day,”  she expels. “They talk about seeing a young mentee literally jump up with excitement when their Book Buddy arrives—a small gesture, but one that speaks volumes about the connection they’ve built.”

At Rice, students have to fulfill a service requirement to graduate. 

“Participation in these efforts will help [Rice] students grow in faith, develop important character traits, learn new perspectives and engender compassion,” emphasizes Rice’s Campus Ministry. However, many students like those who take part in the book buddy program, come to deeply enjoy their time of service.

“Watching my book buddy enjoy and become more confident in reading the books I used to love has made me approach reading with a new appreciation,” voices senior mentor at KSC, Sarah Platzer.

Morality and Social Justice teacher Patrick Welsch, who works with students to plan their community service learning projects emphasizes this.

“Any time students have face-to-face interactions during service, they have the opportunity to learn and grow with the population they are working with,” he says, “The abstract ideas about service become a reality for them”.

This growth happens through simple, joyful day-to-day interactions.

“I have been volunteering with King Street Center for over three sessions, during the school year and over the summer, and I have been very fortunate to work with the same child every session,” expresses senior Josie Chauvin. “ We started reading picture books and comics like Dogman. This past session, we picked up our first chapter book to read together. I feel so lucky to have watched him grow up so much and to be a presence in his life on such a regular basis.”

Onyekachi Akalonu, known as Kachi, the former development and communications coordinator at KSC used to mentor in the book buddy program and knows first-hand its value. He expresses his appreciation of the cultural bridges that form.

“This cross-cultural sort of diffusion, where it’s like, even though you may have grown up in a different place and have a different experience or have a different community, you still have common interests that you can come together on and really have a good time too.” 

The kids at KSC share this feeling.

“[My Book Buddy] relates to me in different ways, and I connect to her easily,” says 9-year-old Katara. “We read books, draw together, and talk about school. The most special thing…is her personality – she is fun, creative and overall a good person. I love my time with her.” 

When reflecting on their time at KSC, Rice students all share the same: gratitude for having the opportunity to let these connections shape their lives.

“The work prioritizes improving outcomes for marginalized groups, but it also improves outcomes for everyone because we are creating a more welcoming and equitable Vermont” – KSC

“King Street Center empowers youth to explore their talents and find their voice through learning, play, and opportunity” – King Street Center Mission Statement

To learn more about/support the King Street Center Book Buddy program, visit kingstreetcenter.org/bookbuddy