Purpose

Maybe you’ve heard it before, but it's worth telling again! In 1997, then police officer Julia Burney responded to a burglary call that led her to a warehouse full of children’s books. Without hesitation Ms. Burney realized these books should be in the hands, hearts and homes of the disadvantaged children she served every day. This first cachet of books was distributed from the trunks of police cars and within weeks children were clamoring around officers who often stopped to read a colorful book or two. What Ms. Burney had discovered was a unique way to respond to children in need; children who lacked the essential tools for successful learning, including materials and parental guidance. Many of these children are at risk for behavioral, social and academic delinquency. Cops 'N Kids assembles community members to share the responsibility of social and educational development, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to explore their full potential. Therefore, it was a simple and effective plan that grew into the Cops 'N Kids Reading Center.

The Center now provides children with an opportunity to receive one-on-one tutoring, group reading sessions, and individualized curriculum plans that are necessary to develop reading skills.

The Center serves approximately 80 to 100 children in the after-school program, 90% of who come from low-income families. This number increases significantly during the summer "drop-in" program. Many of our children don't get enough exercise and would benefit greatly from the opportunity to own a new bike and learn about maintaining a healthy lifestyle through cycling.

Cops 'N Kids is a vital part of the Racine community, we are known locally and nationally as an advocate of children's well fare. Many prominent business owners donate goods and services to our program; and we host book drives that reach thousands of families. We would be happy to use all resources available to us to promote Racine as a Bike Town.

It is the mission of the Cops 'N Kids Reading Center to enable and empower all children to strive toward the fundamental successes in life - through recognition for the importance of reading.

We also encourage healthy eating, and exercising for fun!!