Mid-Columbia Reading Foundation

News and Events

Herald Supports Reading Foundation with $25,000 Sponsorship

   Nonprofits typically have small or nonexistent marketing budgets, and rely on the generosity of local media outlets to spread the word about programs the benefit the community. The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia is proud to announce that the Tri-City Herald has generously signed on to support literacy education and efforts for local kids.

  

   The Tri-City Herald will once again provide the Reading Foundation with $20,000 worth of advertising throughout 2012, which will be used to promote programs such as READY! for Kindergarten, Community Reading Events, the Summer Reading Program and fund raising events such as Read to Lead and Books & Vines.  In addition to 500 inches of advertising space, the Tri-City Herald will provide up to 126 inches in September 2012 to promote Literacy Day, a co-branded effort between the two organizations.

Instructors Excited About READY! Classes

Instructors of the popular READY! for Kindergarten program are gearing up for a great session this winter to help families prepare children birth through age 5 for school.

 

Every child is born with the potential to make a unique contribution to our world. We also believe that every parent can learn the skills to unleash their child's potential. The program is FREE to residents of Kennewick and teaches parents and guardians how to talk, sing, read and play with children in simple ways that foster essential pre-literacy, pre-math and social-emotional skills.

In a study conducted by Washington State University, nearly 80% of children whose parents attended READY! classes met the standard for kindergarten, compared to 55% of children whose parents didn't attend, regardless of family income level or home language.

Click here to read research studies proving the effectiveness of READY! for Kindergarten.

Research proves it. Some parents and preschool educators have more success than others at preparing children for long-term academic success. We've taken the research and designed READY! for Kindergarten to give you the best knowledge available. Starting from birth, we've created fun, age-appropriate activities that continue through age five. 

You are your child's most powerful teacher. With READY! for Kindergarten you can plant the seeds for success in school and nourish a lifelong love of learning in your child. Our instructors are here to help, so sign up for Winter Classes today!

 www.readyforkindergarten.org/kennewick

Literacy Initiative Fruitful in East Pasco

First Fruits Marketing of Washington has provided the Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia with a $5,250 grant to fund the Early Literacy Initiative which focuses on increasing childhood literacy by providing parent resources and training to ensure that children are raised in a literacy-rich environment. The grant will allow the Reading Foundation to provide services to the Center for Sharing and YMCA Martin Luther King Jr. Center (MLK), both established service locations in the East Pasco community.

The Early Literacy Initiative is focused on three primary goals: Book Distribution, Seasonal Reading Programs and Family Reading Nights. The first Family Reading Night took place December 21st at the Center for Sharing in Pasco. Families were encouraged to come for dinner, a dramatic reading of Polar Express and a showing of the Polar Express movie. Every child will left with a free book.

 

In addition to Family Reading Nights, the Early Literacy Initiative will enable the Children’s Reading Foundation to supply the Center for Sharing and MLK Center with baskets of books for children birth through age five. Each book includes brochures and information on the importance of reading. Staff at these locations will be able to distribute books directly to kids and their families that use their services.

Finally, the Early Literacy Initiative will provide East Pasco residents with Seasonal Reading sessions organized around themes utilizing guest readers from the community including law enforcement officers, medical providers and health department officials. The sessions will address educational issues, parental training and literacy opportunities.

Read All About It! The Winter Newsletter is available online

As 2011 comes to a close, we invite you to look at how much your support has helped us spread the gift of literacy throughout the community. Click on the link provided to review our Winter 2011 Newsletter filled with great stories about programs, literacy facts, book reviews and more!

http://issuu.com/jessica_cap/docs/winter_2011_newsletter?mode=window&pageNumber=1

 

RBC Wealth Management donates $3,000 to Create Culture of Literacy

The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia was recently notified that RBC Wealth Management is awarding a $3,000 grant to the Children’s Reading Foundation to support its work of creating a culture of literacy in our community.  RBC Wealth Management is a dedicated supporter of the Children’s Reading Foundation and has invested in event sponsorships, corporate donations, and volunteer efforts.  Brad Fisher, Senior Vice President at RBC Wealth Management, contacted the Reading Foundation and served as the sponsor of this request to the RBC Foundation – USA.  The mission of the RBC Foundation-USA is to improve the quality of life in communities where RBC Wealth Management has a business presence by supporting non-profit organizations that make a positive difference.  The foundation focuses on three core areas: arts and culture, human services, and youth education.   “RBC Wealth Management is a dedicated supporter of efforts to create a culture of literacy.  This donation will allow the Children’s Reading Foundation to encourage parents and caregivers to read with a child 20 minutes every day,” said Reading Foundation Executive Director Brian Ace.

RBC Wealth Management is committed to this work in the community.  “Research shows that if students start school behind, they stay behind.  If they start ahead, they stay ahead,” said Brad Fisher, RBC Wealth Management Senior Vice President and Branch Director.  “RBC is proud to support parents and caregivers as they prepare their young children to succeed in school.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brad Fisher (RBC Wealth Management), Brian Ace (Reading Foundation),

and Bill Hubbard (RBC Regional Director)