As the Cops ’n’ Kids of Easton Director, Judith values good reading skills as the critical key to one’s success of gaining a good education K-12 and beyond. She was fortunate to have a family history and support of three generations of college educated family members to keep her focused and on track. Recognizing that not every child is so fortunate, Cops ‘n’ Kids Children’s Literacy Program, became an instrument chosen in retirement in 2009 to use her time in continuing to give back to the community.
Cops ‘n’ Kids is an international program started by Racine, Wisconsin Police Officer Julia Burney Witherspoon in 1997. As a recipient of an award from Oprah in 2000, she opened the first Reading Room. On June 4, 2011, the Easton Reading Room joined the network of over forty centers, worldwide. With the mission to connect kids and community through literacy, the Easton Reading Room became a reality with the financial sponsorship of the Easton Area Police Athletic League and the support of many community resources, including the …
The Cops ’n’ Kids of Easton Children’s Literacy Program has been established to demonstrate to our children the commitment of our community to their growth and well-being. Partnerships are established and cultivated with the Easton area educational community, police and fire departments, municipal leaders, businesses, organizations, and caring, committed volunteers who personally or through membership in organizations, devote valued time to positively impact the lives of our children.
The Cops ’n’ Kids of Easton Children’s Literacy Program has been established to demonstrate to our children the commitment of our community to their growth and well-being. Partnerships are Put a smile on the face of a child by donating new or gently used books to Cops ‘n’ Kids. Books help children to develop an understanding of habits and traits that will make it possible for them to live into possibilities of life. Donated books help provide a healthy frame of reference for the children to have a guide for good decision…
The volunteers are the life-line of Cops ‘n’ Kids. The dedicated commitment of volunteers lets the children know that they are important, are valued and that the community cares about them and their future. By giving the children access to books, the doors of knowledge and inspiration are opened that allow children to dream of who they may become. Most importantly, volunteers provide the gift of personal time and attention through reading that a child may not otherwise receive.
Law Enforcement Officers from Easton Police Dept.(Jeff Crosson, Andrew Ocetnik), County Court Judge Security(Jay Brown),PA State Police(Tristan Bennett,Jessica Quinn, Ryan Seiple) volunteered as readers during CNKE observance of Law Enforcement Month in the Reading Room.
About Black Children’s Book Week
Black Children’s Book Week is a global celebration of Black children and the people who ensure Black children are represented in books and other children’s media. Founded by entrepreneur and children’s book author Veronica N. Chapman—and administered by Black Baby Books, LLC, a platform she launched to make it easier to discover children’s books with Black characters—Black Children’s Book Week will start every year on the last Sunday in February.
Cops ‘n’ Kids of Easton partners with Corey, the Apple, of Lehigh Valley Reads helping to ensure “success to be achieved by integrating all sectors of the community through a common message, mutually beneficial activities and genuine interest in better supporting our youth and families inside and outside of the school classroom. This unified effort will move our Greater Lehigh Valley from 65% of third graders reading well to 100% by 2025.”
“An organization in Easton is connecting kids to the community through literacy. Host John Pearce debuts his new monthly program by talking to guests Judith Dickerson, Director of Cops N’ Kids Reading Room-Easton, PA and Lt. Dan Bonham of the Easton Police Department.”
Listen to the interview on WDIY
or stream it below (audio owned by WDIY and streams on their site)
Become a CnK Reading Room Supporter Today!
Monetary contributions are gratefully accepted. The financial donations help to purchase new books for special programs and requests from program partners. Underwriting the cost of special projects is also welcomed support of Cops ‘n’ Kids.
All monetary donations should be directed to the Cops ‘n’ Kids of Easton, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All checks should be made out to the Cops ‘n’ Kids of Easton. Donors may be eligible for income tax consideration with their donation to the organization. No amount is too big or too small. It all makes possible the ability to bring joy into the lives children and to make a difference.
Put a smile on the face of a child by donating new or gently used books to Cops ‘n’ Kids. Books help children to develop an understanding of habits and traits that will make it possible for them to live into possibilities of life. Donated books help provide a healthy frame of reference for the children to have a guide for good decision – making and to being able to exercise control of their own lives. For some children, a book from Cops ‘ n’ Kids is the first book that they can call their very own.
How You Can Help
Guidelines for a Cops ’n’ Kids Book Drive
Book Drop- Off Sites:
