"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."
- Nelson Mandela
Celebrating Black History Month:
A Raising A Reader MA Book List

We're celebrating Black History Month at Raising A Reader MA. It's another great opportunity to teach the children in your life some great lessons by reading together. We've compiled a book list to provide some suggestions to get the fun started.

Use these stories to encourage them to set their goals high, and help them to learn from the positive examples of the characters.
You can find the list here.
Partner Highlight:
West Springfield CFCE

Our partners are at the heart of our successful program. They're trusted organizations within their communities, and they provide a safe space for parents and caregivers to receive the resources they need to raise successful readers.

This month, we highlight West Springfield CFCE. Read more about them here.
Events
Join us on February 25 as we celebrate the wonderful work of the Vertex Foundation and their long-standing partnership with Raising A Reader MA to eliminate the literacy opportunity gap for children in Massachusetts. The award will be received by Katharine Jensen (Head of Corporate Responsibility, Vertex, Executive Director, Vertex Foundation). We're also excited to welcome Commissioner Samantha Aigner-Treworgy (Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care) as another one of our special guests.

We could all use some time to relax and have a good laugh, and our virtual winter soirée will certainly prove that Laughter Is Good Medicine.

Register and make a donation today to show your support for the ongoing work of Raising A Reader MA. Thank you!
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Click here to learn more.

If you have any questions, please email Jason Lang (Development and Communications Manager) at jason@raisingareaderma.org.
Moments of Gratitude
Forever Books Impacting Children and Families in Greater Boston

This past December, we were lucky enough to partner with TD Bank and Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury to distribute forever books with diverse and inclusive content to approximately 250 area children and their families. One of the organizations that received the books is Horizons for Homeless Children in Roxbury.

Rosie Docanto, Community, Schools, and Family Coordinator, shared this photo of a child looking at one of the books. Another great collaboration that put books into the hands of children!
Grant Award from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation

We recently were awarded a grant of $2,500 by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF).

Lowell is one of the 10 Gateway Cities, in addition to Boston, where we are currently working with partners. This grant enables us to supply literacy education tools and support to our community partners, parents/caregivers, and children in Lowell.

We're grateful to have the support of GLCF as we work to eliminate the literacy opportunity gap for families.
Opening doors by
opening books.
A United Way Partner Agency