Avedis Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to Reach Out and Read Oklahoma in support of its “Strengthening the Impact of Early Relational Health & Literacy in Pottawatomie County” program.
“By partnering with Reach Out and Read Oklahoma, we are investing in healthy child development while strengthening the bond between parents and their children through the powerful act of reading together,” Avedis Foundation President and CEO Dr. Kathy Laster said.
The goal of the grant is to support Reach Out and Read Oklahoma’s evidence-based early literacy program at SSM Health Family Medicine Shawnee, helping provide new, developmentally-appropriate books during well-child visits for children from birth through age five.
Reach Out and Read integrates books and guidance directly into pediatric care. During routine well-child visits, medical providers use books as clinical tools to assess a child’s development while modeling the importance of reading aloud and engaging in language-rich interactions.
“At Reach Out and Read, we believe all children deserve the resources needed to grow and thrive,” Director of Development Jordan Parsons said. “We are grateful to the Avedis Foundation for their support. Together, we are building a happier, healthier future for all children in Pottawatomie County.”
The grant also will support provider training and updated literacy resources for parents and caregivers, encouraging families to build strong reading habits at home.
