Penaranda takes the lead at Read Aloud in Sussex County

Stacy Penaranda of Lewes has spent a career being devoted to children. In May, the Lancaster, Pa. native took the helm as county coordinator for nonprofit Read Aloud Delaware in Sussex County. “Service and children go hand-in-hand,” said Penaranda.

A Georgetown University graduate, Penaranda brings years of experience in education, training and organization to Read Aloud. Before joining the statewide children’s literacy program, she worked for 16 years in preschool and kindergarten settings where reading and literacy were key.

After a brief stint at Wraparound Delaware, Penaranda is happy to be back in the education arena and is looking forward to helping meet Read Aloud’s mission to ensure that each preschool child in Delaware is regularly read to one-on-one. In Sussex County, that mission extends to 40 sites at childcare centers, preschools and kindergartens.

Despite a volunteer base of over 250, Penaranda cites a continuing need for volunteers in the western part of the county. “It is hard to get volunteers in places like Bridgeville, Seaford and Laurel, but there is so much need in those areas,” she said.

Penaranda has nothing but praise for the current volunteers. “Our volunteers are so dedicated,” she said. “Everyone just kept going during the long transition period between coordinators in the county.”

There also is always the need for funding sources. “Nonprofits are always competing for limited county and state funds,” said Penaranda. One of her goals is to keep Read Aloud forefront in people’s minds. “I want Read Aloud to become a familiar household name in the community,” she said.

“For me personally, I want to become the leader that Read Aloud in Sussex County needs,” said Penaranda.

For more information on volunteering or to make a donation, contact Stacy Penaranda at Read Aloud Delaware at 302-856-2527 or go to www.readalouddelaware.org.