Raising a Reader MA

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Education

Mission: Our mission is to close the literacy opportunity gap among children ages birth to six in under-resourced communities by helping families develop and practice shared home reading habits. Raising a Reader Massachusetts (RAR-MA) is an evidence-based early literacy program that helps families of young children (birth through age six) develop, practice, and maintain habits of reading together at home. Our core program model, which both increases access to books and offers support for strengthening the culture of reading at home, is driven by more than 35 years of research that show the most significant factor impacting a child’s academic success is being regularly read to by a parent or other primary adult caregiver before starting kindergarten. Our goal is to end the cycle of low literacy by helping families across Massachusetts develop high impact home reading routines that lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning, success, and productive, responsible citizenship.

Community Stories

6 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

sarakatzrazzaghi Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/17/2024

Having taught Pre-K to an amazing group of four and five year olds, and having gotten to know and love their families, not only do I understand how important the work of RAR-MA is, but I also believe in the immense potential this approach has for creating positive change.

Families want their kids to be strong readers and they just need some guidance on how to be part of the process. RAR-MA supports the development of routines and behaviors that make it possible for parents/caregivers to be an essential part of that literacy development. I'm proud to now be on the Board of Directors for the organization and support the continuation of this work!

mtutunjian Board Member

Rating: 5

09/30/2024

As a board member of Raising Readers Massachusetts, I am continually impressed by the organization's dedication to fostering early childhood literacy. The team works tirelessly to provide families with the tools and resources needed to support reading at home, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning. The impact they make in communities across the state is truly inspiring, and I am proud to be a part of this vital mission.

ddowdie66 Board Member

Rating: 5

09/27/2024

So, what does Raising a Reader, MA mean to me? Well, as a proud Board Member and the Chair of the DEI Committee at Raising A Reader Massachusetts, I am continually impressed by the organization's unwavering commitment to improving early childhood literacy across diverse communities in Massachusetts. The program's innovative approach to engaging families through book sharing routines not only bolsters early brain development but also strengthens the socio-emotional bonds between children and their caregivers.

The inclusivity at the heart of Raising A Reader MA ensures that children from all backgrounds can see themselves in the stories they read, which is crucial for fostering a lifelong love of reading and learning. The organization’s efforts to tailor resources and training for families also demonstrate a deep understanding of the varied needs that exist within our communities.

It is an honor to be part of an organization that is not just addressing literacy gaps but is also actively working towards a future where every child has the tools they need to succeed from the very start. I encourage anyone looking to make a tangible impact on child literacy and education to support Raising A Reader Massachusetts. Your involvement could very well shape the future of many bright, young minds.

1

amandab018 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/08/2024

Raising a Reader MA is such an important organization for our local communities! There are so many ways to be involved with RAR-MA, and my personal favorite is fundraising through the Rodman Ride for Kids. I have volunteered with this organization for several years as an Emerging Leaders board member, and I will continue to support this mission going forward!

1

jasminnicole3 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/16/2024

This nonprofit has been dedicated to providing children and their caregivers access to books and educational programs that support family engagement in the child's educational journey. The culturally relevant teaching and the commitment to providing resources for families are very impressive.

1

helenc14 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/16/2024

Raising a Reader MA is the best!! Looking forward to continue being more involved in the future :)

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