News & Stories

United Through Reading proudly welcomes Carrie Valentine Fuller, MBA as our new Chief Executive Officer. Carrie has been part of the UTR family since early 2025, leading the advancement team to record-breaking impact and national recognition. A passionate storyteller, strategist, and advocate for military families, Carrie brings over two decades of leadership experience in nonprofit …

When should you start reading to your child? The answer might surprise you: it’s never too early. Even before your baby understands words, the simple act of reading aloud creates powerful foundations for literacy, language development, and lifelong learning. The Science Behind Reading to Babies The developing brain is remarkably receptive during a child’s first …

Deployment doesn’t just mean physical distance—it means missing bedtimes, inside jokes, and the small moments that make up childhood. For military families, one of the hardest losses is the nightly ritual of storytime, when parents and children connect over adventures between pages. But what if that connection didn’t have to pause when duty calls? On …

On Saturday, October 4, United Through Reading hosted the local military community at its sold-out 2025 Storybook Ball. From the vibrant decor to the stories shared, the evening celebrated our mission to keep military families connected through reading. Guests raved about the exceptional food and beverage service, and the challenge coins they received served as …

World Smile Day, celebrated on the first Friday of October each year, is a reminder of the power of a simple smile. Created in 1999 by Harvey Ball, the artist behind the iconic yellow smiley face, the day encourages everyone to spread positivity, kindness, and happiness through smiles and small acts of goodwill. One of …

Military families know change. A new base, a new school, a parent leaving for deployment—our kids often walk into situations where they are the “new one” or feel like the “different one.” Those moments can feel overwhelming, but they are also powerful opportunities to grow empathy and kindness. One of the simplest tools we have …

United Through Reading is pleased to welcome three members to our Board: Ann Hammell, Mark Martinez, and York Rasmusson. Ann Hammel is an accomplished Vice President of Human Resources at Carter’s Inc. with a history of driving results in dynamic, performance-focused organizations. She is known for translating business strategies into talent strategies, elevating operational excellence, …

Every year, Dollar General hosts a multi-day leadership conference. This year in Nashville, TN, the conference opened with more than just speeches—it began with impact, inspiration, and community service. Our organization was honored to lead an employee engagement activity that brought together 250 passionate volunteers. In just a few hours, they packed 2,000 backpacks filled …

On July 25th, United Through Reading proudly joined fellow military-support organizations for Military Appreciation Night at Rate Field’s iconic Crosstown Series White Sox vs. Cubs game. This unforgettable evening, hosted in partnership with staff from Rate headquarters, brought together leaders, advocates, and families who share a common mission: supporting our military community. Celebrating Military Spouses …

In today’s digital world, screen time often gets a bad rap. But for military families—where deployments and training can mean weeks or months apart—screen time can be a powerful bridge for maintaining connection. When used intentionally, it becomes more than just entertainment—it becomes comfort, learning, and a way to strengthen the bond between parent and …