Sight Word Busters moves into Downtown Auburn

Local non-profit Sight Word Busters recently opened doors at its new office in Downtown Auburn, and community groups have taken notice. Sight Word Busters is a volunteer-run organization that invests in the success of students through beginning reading skills. The group has been serving local schools for more than 12 years and serves more than 2,400 students in 112 classrooms in 26 schools, including nearly all Auburn-area schools. Recently, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for the organization's new home at 629 Lincoln Way, Suite 301. "Our move has already opened up opportunities to be more involved in the community," said Linda Lobue, executive director and founder of Sight Word Busters. The Rotary Club of Auburn also recognized the non-profit and provided the group $4,000 to go toward its mission. Lobue said the funds will go toward their goals of growth and sustainability. "Part of the reason we moved is for our growth," Lobue said. "We are ready to scale up and eventually hire paid positions." The new location, in the First Foundation Bank annex building, also provides the organization more space so it can do volunteer trainings on site. "This new location is helping us increase our visibility," Lobue said. "Now we have a better presence and we can continue to attract more volunteers and donors. I believe that is our biggest advantage." Lobue said the organization is always welcoming new volunteers, who only need to commit to one hour per week. Sight Word Busters places volunteers in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, first- and second-grade classrooms, aiding teachers by providing individualized student attention to make steady progress in the critically important early stages of reading development. For more information or to volunteer, visit sightwordbusters.org.