Connecting service members and their families through shared stories.
A National Nonprofit With a Big Passion for Connecting Military Families Through Shared Stories
Our Mission
United Through Reading strengthens military families’ emotional bonds, literacy, and well-being through the power of reading together at every age, no matter the distance.
Our Vision
A nation of thriving military families whose strength is amplified by a shared love for reading.
Keeping Military Families Connected Through Storytime
Deployments and separations are a reality for military families. Every year, more than 100,000 military parents deploy, leaving nearly 250,000 children at home. That means millions of missed bedtime stories—and countless moments of connection—each year.
At United Through Reading, we make it possible for service members to stay close to their loved ones, no matter the distance. Through our free program and user-friendly App, service members can record themselves reading a storybook aloud. Children can then watch the video anytime, anywhere, and as often as they like, with their own copy of the same book in hand.
When children hear their loved ones’ voice and see their face, it brings comfort, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps them feel connected—even while they are apart.
Building Stronger Readers and Stronger Bonds
Storytime isn’t just comforting, it’s developmental. Reading aloud expands a child’s literacy skills, vocabulary, and imagination. A National Academies of Sciences study shows that shared reading experiences also support emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and social growth.
For service members, storytime recordings help maintain close emotional bonds, ease feelings of loneliness, and make it easier to reintegrate into family life after deployment.
Free for All Military Families
United Through Reading is proud to serve all branches of the military, including active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and Veterans. Every story recorded helps bridge the distance and strengthen family connections—one book at a time.
Our Literacy Resources
Equitable Access To UTR
Get Involved
Give To Military Families
Our People Make the Mission Possible
At the heart of United Through Reading is our dedicated staff—a passionate team working tirelessly to ensure every military family has access to the comfort of storytime, no matter where duty takes them.
But the commitment to our mission doesn’t stop there. It’s amplified by our volunteers, who work to bring resources and support to their communities; our event supporters, who spread the word and inspire others to join in; our generous donors, whose ongoing support makes every story possible; and our board, whose leadership and vision keep UTR moving forward.
Together, this extraordinary team creates the lasting connections, strong bonds, and magical stories that make United Through Reading a lifeline for military families around the globe.
United Through Reading is recognized as a Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency Participant and has a 4-Star Charity Navigator Rating.
