Over the last couple months, thousands of families in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota were not getting the medical care and early learning support that they rely on to help their young children thrive. Recent violence and uncertainty left many families feeling too unsafe to leave their homes for work, school, shopping, and even medical care. Our clinic partners, as well as the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and The Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, have reported serious drops in attendance, especially among clinics serving large immigrant populations.
However, as we Minnesotans know well, when the hard times show up, so do the good people. People from Minnesota and all across the country have found new and creative ways to support our neighbors in need. Reach Out and Read Minnesota has a role to play as well.
While the Reach Out and Read program typically happens in the exam room, we're been partnering with clinics and other nonprofits to bring books and early learning materials directly to families homes. With support from the Reach Out and Read National Center, and generous donations from our partners at All About Books, Barefoot Books, and Scholastic, we've been working to provide thousands of books (like those below) alongside activity books and early learning information (available in English and Spanish) to families who need our support in Minnesota.
We've already received some generous donations of supplies, but we still need the help of our community to help make this project happen. A donation in any amount will support our team's efforts to get these books out quickly and efficiently to the families who need them.
Even as the situation in Minnesota continues to evolve, we know our communities will need time and support to heal. These books and guidance can be an powerful tool to help families come together and share a positive, loving experience. Science tells us that loving interactions like shared reading can help children process stress and build resilience. These books can also serve to share an important message with our neighbors, message that says we care about you, your young children, and our shared future.
Will you help us bring books and early learning supplies to the homes of Minnesota families who need our support?
If you are interested in donating books this effort, please contact:
Eleanor GrandPre, Program Coordinator: eleanor@reachoutandreadmn.org
If you have questions about this project or want to explore other ways to support this effort, please contact:
Liam Mackin, Communications and Development Manager: liam@reachoutandreadmn.org
P.S. This project is just a small part of the many powerful ways people in Minnesota and around the country are responding to these challenging circumstancs. We encourage you to also look into and support other efforts that resonate with you. This list from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is a great place to start!
