YMCA Expands Literacy Initiative with Renovated Reading Hub and New Program Leader in Dorchester

The YMCA of the Chesapeake is proud to announce a major enhancement to its literacy efforts in Dorchester County with the creation of a new Reading Hub and Multipurpose Space at the Robbins Family YMCA in Cambridge. This newly renovated area will serve as a central hub for the Y’s Reading at Grade Level Initiative that will be held the program’s newly hired coordinator, Bryant Whittington.
Whittington, a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a degree in Human Ecology and a concentration in Child Development, brings both experience and passion to the role. His background includes work at the Child and Family Development Center (CFDC), where he developed lesson plans, worked with children of all ages, and helped prepare the center for Maryland EXCELS accreditation.
“Bryant’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for our literacy efforts in Cambridge,” said Robbie Gill, YMCA of the Chesapeake CEO. “His energy, expertise, and commitment to the community are exactly what this initiative needs to succeed.”

Whittington will oversee programming in the new Reading Hub, manage day-to-day operations, and coordinate with over 20 partner organizations to deliver resources and programming that support literacy development from early childhood through third grade. “I’m committed to supporting not just the children, but also the parents and caregivers who play such a vital role in a child’s success,” said Whittington. “This is about building a stronger future for the entire community.”

The Reading at Grade Level Initiative is a partnership among the YMCA, the John and Janice Wyatt Foundation, Dorchester County Public Schools, and a network of community stakeholders including Moving Dorchester Forward, the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, The Needle’s Eye Academy and others. As the backbone agency, the Y leads coordination efforts to improve reading outcomes across the county.

Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a key milestone in a child's educational journey and a strong predictor of future academic success. Currently, Dorchester County ranks 21st out of 24 counties in Maryland for third-grade reading proficiency—a gap this initiative is determined to close.
The expanded program focuses on strengthening kindergarten readiness strategies, reducing chronic absenteeism, enhancing out-of-school literacy and learning opportunities, engaging families and caregivers and mobilizing community support for young learners.

The renovation of the former racquetball courts into a dedicated Reading Hub represents the YMCA’s continued commitment to creating spaces that serve real community needs. With Bryant Whittington at the helm and support from a strong network of local partners, the Robbins Family YMCA is positioned to play a central role in helping more children across Dorchester County become confident, capable readers.
To learn more about the initiative or how to get involved, contact Bryant Whittington at bwhittington@ymcachesapeake.org.

About the YMCA of the Chesapeake
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits and one of the largest Human Service organizations on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Virginia and Southern Maryland; strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the Shore and Southern Maryland, Ys engage 50,000 members and their families--regardless of age, income or background--to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve community health and wellbeing, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of the Chesapeake operates facilities in Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Wicomico and Worcester Counties in Maryland and on Chincoteague Island in Virginia. The Y is working with local volunteers to bring a new YMCA to Lexington Park, Maryland in St. Mary's County in the near future.  Last year, the YMCA of the Chesapeake provided over $2,000,000 in assistance to over 16,000 community members, turning no one away due to inability to pay. Additionally, the Y spent $543,000 on outreach efforts and programming in the communities it serves.

About the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is a collaborative effort by foundations, nonprofit partners, business leaders, government agencies, and communities across the nation. Their goal is to ensure that more children in low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career, and active citizenship. Partners include: Dorchester County Library, Empowerment Center, Dorchester County Public Schools, Boys and Girls Club, Dorchester County Health Department, new beginning, Harvesting Hope Youth and Family Wellness, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, Moving Dorchester Forward/Local Management Board, Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Dreams of Wings Daycare, The Hyatt, University of Maryland Medical System, Shore Up Inc, Bond Servants, Dorchester Community Partnership for Children and Families, Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce, Sprouts Early Learning Center, John & Janice Wyatt Foundation,  Partnership for Learning, Pauline F. and W. David Robbins Family YMCA