Team 6 Degrees developed a pilot program called "Reading Time with Shelter Buddies" that brought elementary school children to the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin to read to shelter kittens. The goals of the 6-week program were to improve literacy skills and confidence in children while also socializing animals for adoption. Initial results found improved reading test scores and interest in reading, as well as positive testimonials from students, teachers, and the Humane Society. The team aims to expand the program within the Janesville School District and to other areas to further address youth literacy and animal welfare.

1. Class of 2017-2018

2. TEAM 6 DEGREES
JoLynn Burden
Casey Bellard
Darlene Ramirez
Dana Simmons
Brentan Vivian
Team picture

3. “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion.
For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”
Bishop T.D. Jakes
JoLynn Burden - Forward Janesville / ARISE Now

4. Casey Bellard - Town of Beloit Fire Department
JoLynn Burden
“Life is the most difficult exam. Many people
fail because they try to copy others, not
realizing that everyone has a different test
paper. Be yourself and do what drives YOU!”

5. Darlene Ramirez - First Community Credit Union
“Success isn’t about how much money you make.
It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
Michelle Obama

6. Dana Simmons - School District of Janesville
"The best way to find yourself
is to lose yourself in the service of others"
Mahatma Gandhi

7. Brentan Vivian - Baker Tilly
“The only person you are destined to become
is the person you decide to be.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

8. Project Evaluation / Identification
Community needs
Previous LDA projects
Funding needs
Build on existing programs
Team Member Passions / Experiences

9. Project Evaluation / Identification
Rock County Cancer Coalition
SSM Health Volunteers / Pet Therapy Program
BookMobile Expansion (previous LDA project)
Humane Society of Southern WI
Chemo Cargo

10. Each Project was Selected Based on:
Our individual team members passions
Potential community impact
Low funding mechanism
Collaboration among existing organizations
Sustainability

11. Team 6 Degrees Dynamics
Utilized designated team time during monthly LDA class sessions
Met monthly outside of class
Communicated regularly through email
Updated and met with mentors on a regular basis
Delegation of team responsibilities

12. Team Challenges
Project identification
Feasibility
Loss of a team member
Constant adaptation of pilot program
Aligning of schedules amongst team members and potential clients

14. Project Description
● 6 week Pilot Program
● Addresses literacy in elementary aged children
● Collaboration with the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin
● Partnership with the School District of Janesville
○ Developed sustainable partnership between these 2 entities
● Expansion of current reading program into a traveling curriculum
● Post program evaluation via reading scores
● Future expansion possibilities

15. Humane Society

16. Why Reading Time with Shelter Buddies?
● Serves the community by bringing two worlds together
○ Animals and Kids
● Addresses childhood literacy
● Creates opportunities for animals to be loved and socialized
● Outreach opportunity for a local/regional non-profit
● Minimal funding, maximum impact and long term, expansion potential

17. Research
● Animal Shelter in Berks County, Pennsylvania
● Dr. Lori Friesen Program - more of an empathy program
● Reading with Shelter Buddies
● Bubba the Cat
● http://www.animalsmart.org/species/dogs/dogs-help-reduce-stress
● Washington Whiskers Program - Created by Kim Hayward

18. Research / Impact
Impacts on the kids and the skills they obtain through the program
● Reading / Literacy
● Emotional
● Social

19. Literacy
● Non-judgemental audience giving them motivation to read more at
school, home, ETC…
● Minimize “forced reading” and build a love for reading/books
● Fluency and less errors
● Comprehension of reading materials becomes easier

20. Emotional
● Confidence and acceptance
● Animals can’t laugh or make fun of them
● Youth have a chance to LEAD the audience and feel in charge
● Research alone has proven that simply petting an animal can reduce stress,
anxiety, and blood pressure. It increases levels of the stress reducing hormone
Oxytocin and decreases production of the stress hormone Cortisol

21. Social
● Opportunity for some one on one communication with other students
and staff on reading materials
● Devices and today’s society has decreased communication skills
amongst the youth (social media and texting)
● Responsibility skills gained while caring for an animal

22. Project Scope
In Scope
Identify school
Identify students
Identify volunteers
Ensure policies and procedures are being met with the school district
Out of Scope
Identify resources such as books, pet carrier, playpen, and other potential
transportation costs

23. Project Goals
To further develop the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin’s reading
program into a mobile program via an initial pilot program, where the
organization can visit one identified school in the Janesville School
District.

24. Milestones
September thru December: Research & Analyze Ideas
January 15: Meeting with Brett at the Humane Society to discuss vision and scope of the project
January 20: Identify school and discuss necessary policies and procedures to ensure a successful program
January 31: Develop various marketing materials
February 1: School to identify the students to participate in the pilot program and create baseline reading test scores
March 6: School District approved the proposal
April/May: Initiate 6 week pilot program where kids can read to kittens
May 8th: Final day of program; re-test for reading test scores and collect testimonials from students, teachers and
parents
May / June: Evaluate for future expansions and 2018-2019 plans and youth orientated summer programs
September: Kick off school year with programs

25. Reading Time with Shelter Buddies
Channel 3 - Reading Time with Shelter Buddies

26. Project Measures for Reading Time with Shelter Buddies
● Testimonials - Kids, Humane Society and 6 Degrees
● Graph with DRA(Developmental Reading Assessment) Each Trimester
● Graph with STAR Assessment - Normed Assessment taken in January and
April/May
● Graph with Pre and Post results of the Reading Interest Inventory - 6 Week
Pilot Program

27. Project Measures - Testimonials - Kids
”I helped them get adopted.”
”I helped make a difference.”
”They were fluffy and they made me happy.”
”The kittens made me feel happy to read.”
”Super Fun!”
”Sad they have to go, but happy we helped them.”

28. Project Measures - Testimonials - Humane Society
● CONFIDENCE in the kids!
● Humane Society: “It was a great program. Each year the Humane
Society has 700 - 800 kittens that need adoption. It is key to ensure
interaction with people early because it helps them develop a
personality. In turn, increase their chances of getting adopted.”

29. Project Measures - Testimonials - 6 Degrees

30. Project Measures - Developmental Reading Assessment

31. Project Measures - STAR Assessment

32. Project Measures - Reading Interest Inventory

33. Reflection on Outcomes & Future Opportunities
● Market Program: Inform community of program and impact potential
● Expansion Opportunities:
○ Janesville School District
○ Other school districts within Rock County
○ Youth Organizations / Summer School
○ Humane Society’s Community Resource Center
● Volunteer Recruitment
● Manage Material Needs
● Pilot Program based on kittens
○ Future programs could include dogs or other animals

34. Conclusion: Project Alignment & Community Impact
● Addressed the growing youth literacy problem
● Increased awareness of the Humane Society’s mission
● Created partnership between the School District of Janesville and Humane
Society of Southern Wisconsin
● Educated the kids / community about animals, needs for socialization and
adoption process
● Opportunity for students to identify roles in our community that allow them to
make a difference

35. Questions?