Support Early Literacy in Colorado

This video of Colby alongside her beloved books did not happen by chance. Our family is fortunate to have mountains of books, capitalizing on Colby’s interests and phases. At one point, I wasn’t sure if we would ever read anything but an Elephant and Piggie book. While at first glance one might think that reading is a fun pastime to share with kids, but it is so much more - reading improves brain development, builds strong bonds, and lays a foundation for what’s to come. Many inequalities in society come back to early childhood, early literacy, and opportunities to read a book like Corduroy simply because you are also wearing overalls. Children who do not read proficiently at the end of 3rd grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Whether it is high school graduation rates, teen pregnancy, food or housing insecurity, or crime, reading sits behind it all. 

In today’s world, many families—especially those who are struggling, new to the country, living in poverty, or from minority communities—feel unseen, uncertain, and anxious about the future. Our program systematically reaches families where they are at, providing simple yet impactful tools to children and their families through the guidance of their pediatric providers. We intentionally serve the families that need us most across Colorado, providing books in over 35 languages at 334 clinics. If you are giving this holiday season, please consider us at Reach Out and Read Colorado so children can build early literacy skills, leaving them prepared for Kindergarten, in love with books, and maybe even reading to their baby doll, too. 

Thank you!

Jessie