Reach Out and Read Virginia
Reach Out and Read Virginia
Reach Out and Read Virginia serves babies, toddlers, and preschoolers growing up in diverse communities at more than 116 health clinics throughout the Commonwealth.
Investing in Impact.
With 116 program sites at hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices across Virginia, we provide more than 102,206 children and their families across Virginia with a “prescription to read”, resources that promote early childhood literacy and family bonding.
Our evidence-based model is backed by a large and growing body of academic research. We utilize the existing medical infrastructure, to encourage supportive, educational conversations with parents on the importance of reading aloud and the impact on children’s brain development.
Our Program
Reach Out and Read Virginia promotes early language development skills and health through established systems of well-child visits with an intervention that has the potential to reach all young children across the Commonwealth.
102,206
children served annually
children served annually
116 program sites
in Virginia
in Virginia
103,797
books distributed
books distributed
Help build home libraries for children in Virginia.
Give the gift of reading aloud to a child in need.
Get Involved
Reach Out and Read Virginia is made up of dedicated and generous supporters and volunteers. We hope you will join us in making reading a priority for the children of Virginia whether by donating to the organization or by starting a site at your own clinical practice, your contribution makes a difference.
Family Resources
We’re here for you so that you can be there for them.
We understand the difficulties of parenting especially during the current climate of the world. Young children are very observant, and you may be struggling to address difficult conversations with them. It is during these times of anxiety when children are most in need of a secure environment and opportunities for one-on-one engagement with a loved one.
Hear From Our Medical Director
How do you build resilience? Build safe, stable and nurturing relationships by snuggling up and reading a book together! Great piece by Reach Out and Read Virginia’s Medical Director about prescribing books and the importance of #ReadingTogether!
News
ROR VA is excited to welcome the Outpatient Center at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU as a new ROR site! “Generations of families like mine, led by people like my grandma who want to do everything in their power to show their children opportunity, will benefit from Reach Out and Read.,” said Levar Stoney, Mayor, Richmond, VA. “This multi-generational approach to wealth-building is the best way to facilitate lasting outcomes, to empower a generation of caregivers to create a generation of strong readers and curious learners. We beat systemic poverty by providing systemic support. We beat generational poverty by providing support that spans generations.”
#ReadTogether
“It is during these times of stress and uncertainty that our children are most in need of feeling safe, loved, and protected. The daily interactions children have with caring adults help build resilience and security in times of stress,” said Dr. Bergen Nelson, ROR Virginia Medical Director, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. “Important moments together include snuggles on the couch, reading together, hugs, singing and playing together. These times don’t have to be scripted and they don’t have to last a long time. Big or small, these everyday moments have the potential to build resilience in both children and adults, buffer stress and support safe, stable, and nurturing relationships with all caregivers, helping children thrive.”
We Want to Hear From You!
Whether you have a question about our program, how to get involved, donate books, or site information, we want to hear from you. Our team is ready to answer all of your questions.
Callee Boulware, Regional Executive Director
Contact Callee Boulware
Drew Laurens, Regional Director of Development
Contact Drew Laurens
Carolyn Merrifield, Regional Programs Director
Contact Carolyn Merrifield
Teandra Ramos-Hardy, Regional Director of
Medical Engagement
Contact Teandra Ramos-Hardy
Suzanne Metcalf, Regional Communications Director
Contact Suzanne Metcalf
Bergen Nelson, MD, MS, Virginia Medical Director
Contact Dr. Nelson
Melissa Rice, Program Manager
Contact Melissa Rice