NEWS  from
 Reach Out and Read
 Washington State
DECEMBER 2017


The end of the year is a time that naturally leads us to reflect on what has come before and think of our hopes for the future. This is true for us at Reach Out and Read as we complete our annual analysis of data submitted by programs across the state around this time of year. We are thrilled to share details of those results with you in an article below. To give you a sneak peek--Reach Out and Read is the largest early learning program in the state now serving approximately 125,000 children annually!

We are also excited to share with you the addition of a new member of our team. Program Specialist Justin Seppi joined us this fall. Justin is based in Spokane and joins our Deputy Director Jessica Mortensen who is also based there. Justin's addition augments the capacity of our Program Team allowing our Western Washington based Program Specialists Hannah Slaughter and Ron Asher to focus their support on programs west of the Cascades. 
 
We look forward to 2018 and all we will accomplish, and we thank you--our community--for your support in 2017!

Very best wishes to you and yours,
Jill Sells, MD & the Reach Out and Read Washington Team
IN THIS ISSUE
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ReachOutandReadPrograms
Reach Out and Read Serves 125,000 Washington Children Annually

Our annual review of program data shows substantial population-level impact. Our medical providers now serve over 125,000 young children and their families each year; in 46 of Washington's 49 legislative districts. From LaPush to Omak, Longview to Newport; in community health centers, tribal, military, public health, and all types of clinics serving children on Medicaid, doctors volunteer to implement this program with the families they serve.

State investment helps assure programs are implemented with fidelity to the proven model, and connects doctors into community and statewide early learning partnerships to support children and families. Learn more in our 2 Page Overview, and look for a participating clinic near you on our Program List.
JustinSeppi

New Eastern Washington Staff Member

We are very excited to introduce you to Justin Seppi who recently joined our team as a Program Specialist. Based in Spokane, Justin provides direct support to new and established Reach Out and Read programs in Central and Eastern Washington. The core of Justin's work is to collaborate with programs to ensure that the systems and resources are in place to support the delivery of a Reach Out and Read program that has fidelity to the proven program model.

Justin joined Reach Out and Read in September 2017 bringing quality improvement expertise and community engagement experience. He previously worked with Excelerate Success, the Spokane County United Way's Collective Impact Program, as an Americorps VISTA and Data Coordinator. He facilitated the program's Ready for Kindergarten Collaborative Action Network, developed quality improvement strategies, and generated data analyses to be shared with program stakeholders. Justin obtained a BA in History and Anthropology from Pacific Lutheran University, and an MA in Social Science from the University of Chicago.

Justin has already become a valued member of our team. Welcome, Justin!

GiveHopeGiveBooks

Give Hope, Give Books

This holiday season, spread joy and cheer through the gift of new books for children and families to read aloud to one another. As you plan your year-end giving, please consider making a donation to support Reach Out and Read Washington State.

Each day in over 220 clinics across Washington State, medical providers experience the joy of placing a brand-new book in a child's hand at well-child checkups, knowing that doing so will transform that child's life. Reach Out and Read strengthens the bond between parent and child, and puts the child on a path of lifelong learning. Parents leave the checkup understanding how important they are to their child's development, and with the confidence and commitment to read together. Over 125,000 children and their parents are now participating in Washington's Reach Out and Read program, and you can help us support families in 2018 and beyond.

Did you know?
  • Reach Out and Read programs are run voluntarily by doctors and other health-care providers, allowing most of our budget to go toward books and program support
  • The availability of books in a child's home is a great predictor of school success
  • All the books given by Reach Out and Read doctors are gifts to the children who receive them, and come with age-appropriate advice for parents and caretakers on how to make the most of time spent reading together

Your gift--large or small--is deeply appreciated and will help support young children across Washington State.

 
 
About Reach Out and Read Washington State

Reach Out and Read gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together.  Our evidence- based proven program leverages the influence of children's doctors and makes literacy promotion  a standard part of well-child checkups from birth through 5 years. Reach Out and Read  supports parents as their child's first teacher and helps children be ready for  kindergarten. 
 
Through 222 programs in 31 counties, 1,750 medical providers serve an estimated  125,000 children and their families across Washington. Reach Out and Read
Washington State is part of Reach Out and Read, Inc., a national not-for  profit 501(c)3  organization.