The use of paraprofessionals as tutors for retarded readers has proved successful in reducing the number of school failures. Described here is a program that uses paraprofessionals drawn from the school's neighborhood in order to involve the community in solving some of its problems. This program is a psycho-educational service in a hospital mental-health setting which collaborated with the local school district in an attempt to improve reading skills in an extremely depressed urban community. The program was specifically designed to provide individual attention and some opportunity for success for children, among whom were dyslexics, emotionally disturbed children, disruptive children, and those who have been inappropriately taught. The guidelines used for establishing the program are described, as is the ongoing program. Teacher and paraprofessional evaluations and a list of materials used are included. (Author/NH)