Steve McShane, his family and his company, Midtronics Inc., have been supporters of Reading In Motion for years, finding a shared passion in helping at-risk students learn to read.  Also, Steve has a relationship of mutual respect and trust with RIM Executive Director Karl Androes.

“I think the case Reading In Motion has been able to make over the years is very compelling for me and my family,” Steve says.  “It’s of particular interest for us because we know and have a high regard for the person who started the organization, and we’re also very much aligned with their objective and mission.”

What’s developed is a partnership that goes well beyond financial support.  Karl and Steve talk about RIM’s mission but also the business of running a non-profit and making it as efficient as possible.  Midtronics has adopted RIM classrooms, been pen-pals with RIM students and donated books to their adopted classroom.  Steve serves on the Executive Council of RIM’s Board of Directors, and Erin is a volunteer member of RIM’s Human Resources Committee.

“It’s an organization that’s small enough for us to see the value of what we’ve been able to contribute financially, but the RIM team has an impact on the community that goes far beyond its size.  It’s also important that Karl and the staff have sought and responded to advice and counsel from outside the organization,” Steve says.  “We have a sense of a group that is listening and working hard to improve the way they provide services and the way their internal processes work.”

Steve’s wife Kathy and daughter Erin have been involved with RIM for many years, and Erin and Steve have visited RIM classrooms to observe the program in action.  “The fact that we can actually see the performance results of RIM programs is extremely fulfilling,” Steve McShane says. ”This is an organization that fits with our values, and we know they are  in concert with our mission.  With RIM we also have a group that listens and cares about ideas for improvement, creating a very satisfying experience for us.”