Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/615207
G I V I N G G U I D E 2015 www.HartfordBusiness.com December 15, 2015 • Hartford Business Journal 47 Who We Are Reach Out and Read is an evidence- based, national organization of medical providers, who make the most of an opportunity to influence the lives of young children at well-child visits. Focusing on low-income families, we empower parents as their children's first teachers to prepare them to enter kindergarten at grade level. How We Do It Through 74 clinical locations in Connecticut, Reach Out and Read pediatricians provide parents with personalized, age-appropriate advice about reading at every well-child visit from newborn through 5 years, along with a new book for the child starting at the 6 month visit. We reach nearly 40,000 children and give out 80,000 new books each year. Why We Do It • 81% of Connecticut's low-income children are unable to read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. • 44% of Connecticut's low-income 3 and 4 year olds do not attend pre-school. • 44 million adults are functionally illiterate and unable to read a simple story to their children. • Low literacy costs US taxpayers and businesses more than $225 billion each year, through lost wages, unemployment, welfare, and other government assistance. Why We Are Effective • Endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, our program is embedded within the existing medical system, providing us with unparalleled, repeated, one-on-one access to all children and families. • Pediatricians volunteer their time to deliver our program, which keeps our overhead costs low. • The book is "prescribed" as if it is a medication, so parents are far more likely to make reading aloud a part of their daily routines. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES There are several ways to give a disadvantaged child the chance to read and succeed: • Adopt-a-Program: Sponsor one of our 74 Connecticut Reach Out and Read programs located at medical clinics that predominantly serve low-income families. Annual program costs range from $5,000 — $60,000 depending on clinic size. • Become a Book Buddy: Our Book Buddy program offers an easy way to share the gift of reading with children in need every month of the year. Set the amount once, and your donation will be charged automatically each month to help disadvantaged children throughout our state. • Prescribe Literacy!: For every $100 donation, one child receives the full five years of Reach Out and Read including ten new books to take home and keep. For more information, email christine.garber@reachoutandread.org or visit http://www.reachoutandread.org/connecticut/ways-to-donate/ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES • Board Members • Fundraising • Marketing, Communications & Administrative Support Our doctors make literacy development a standard part of pediatric primary care. ABOUT US Year established: 1989 Annual revenues: $600,000 (most recent fiscal year) Total number of employees: 4 GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S) Statewide, predominately in low-income communities. TOP FUNDING SOURCES Foundations: 83% In-Kind Donations: 12% Community Organizations: 3% Events: 1% Individual Donations: 1% Carol Benjamin, BSN Pediatric Nurse Manager (retired) Rosemary Maxfield Choice Pet Supply Susan K. McCann, M.A., M.S. Educational Media Outreach Consultant Tish Rabe Children's Book Author Jeanne Rollins Family Therapist and Author Cynthia Roque, M.D., F.A.A.P. Pediatric Associates of Connecticut; Reach Out and Read Connecticut Andy Russell Hansen News, LLC Susan Schroeder Asset & Retirement Investment Associates, LLC (ARIA) T. Stephens Author National Medical Director Perri Klass, M.D., F.A.A.P. New York University, Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute Connecticut Medical Director Catherine Wiley, M.D. University of Connecticut School of Medicine; Connecticut Children's Medical Center Reach Out and Read Connecticut P.O. Box 290, Madison, CT 06443 | 203-980-6430 www.reachoutandread.org/connecticut OUR MISSION: Reach Out and Read strives to close the achievement gap in early childhood. Our doctors prescribe books and reading aloud to help families give their young children the best start in life. CONNECTICUT ADVISORY BOARD " " I can't tell you how grateful I am for all the books your program has provided. You should see the looks of surprise and joy on those faces, especially parents! Bilingual books in Spanish and Creole/ French provide a sense of empowerment for families who may feel uneasy reading in English. [Reach Out and Read's] program and purpose is the same reason why I became a doctor — to be there for those who may not have access to privileges that many of us take for granted. Thank you. Your partnership has given this joy to families! – Dr. Suya Basta , Rainbow Pediatrics, Stamford CT