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 117 program sites at hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices across Virginia, we provide more than 146,575 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.
146,575
children served annually
117 program sites
in Virginia
225,726
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.

#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, 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

Melissa Rice, Program Manager
Contact Melissa Rice 

Janille Thompson, Program Manager (Northern VA sites)
Contact Janille Thompson

Sherri Watkins, Mid-Atlantic Senior Program Manager
Contact Sherri Watkins

Christine Page-Lopez, DO, MPH, FAAP, VA Medical Director
Contact Christine Page-Lopez

Arianna Miles, Regional Development Manager
Contact Arianna Miles