Mission
Our mission is to empower children to read on their own at the earliest age, to boost life success, and grow faith.
The Red Verses Literacy Project
Red Verses is an early literacy distribution pioneer, integrating educational excellence with spiritual growth, while nurturing a generation of readers who are proficient in literacy and grounded in their faith. The Red Verses Literacy Project not only addresses the immediate educational needs of children but also establishes a sustainable model for long-term educational and spiritual enrichment across diverse communities.
Organizational History
Red Verses, Inc. is a Florida-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity founded in March 2015 by Hunter Menning, a veteran educator with over 25 years of teaching experience. Motivated by a passion to address the educational disparities he witnessed firsthand, Hunter established Red Verses with a mission to empower children to read on their own at the earliest age possible, thereby enhancing their life success and fostering a growth in the Christian faith. The organization was granted its 501(c)(3) non-profit status in October 2017, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to educational and faith-based community service.
Evolution of Services
Initially, Red Verses focused on local community outreach in Orlando, Florida, providing hands-on reading sessions and distributing free beginner reading books. Over the years, the scope of services expanded significantly. By 2020, Red Verses had developed a unique model of "Reading Starter Kits," which included not only books, but also interactive materials designed to enhance both literacy and faith understanding among young learners. The development and refinement of these kits were driven by ongoing research and feedback from early education specialists, child psychologists, and community responses. This iterative process ensured that the materials were practical, educationally appropriate, culturally, and spiritually enriched, and aligned with the diverse needs of the children receiving them.
Growth and Impact
As the efficacy of the Reading Starter Kits became evident through improved literacy rates and positive feedback from partner organizations, Red Verses expanded its reach. The program began to establish partnerships with schools, faith-based organizations, and community centers across multiple counties in Florida. By 2022, Red Verses was collaborating with over 30 partners across Florida, significantly amplifying its impact. A landmark moment for Red Verses came in 2022 when it received a $275,000 government grant to distribute 2,185 reading kits annually. This funding was a testament to the program’s success and the trust placed in it by both the community and supportive governmental bodies.
Current Initiatives and Future Directions
Today, Red Verses continues to innovate and expand its offerings. The organization not only distributes reading materials but also provides extensive support through digital platforms that include animated reading guides, instructional videos, and interactive learning games. These digital resources have been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing Red Verses to maintain and even expand its educational outreach during times of social distancing.
Looking forward, Red Verses is focused on increasing its digital footprint to reach more children and families nationwide, especially in underserved communities where access to quality reading materials are not readily accessible by low-income families. The organization is also exploring new fundraising strategies, including online campaigns and partnership expansion, to sustain and scale its impact. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, Red Verses is committed to continuing its mission of fostering literacy and faith development among America’s youngest learners.