In the News

Verizon Grant Supports Literacy Initiative in Rural Texas

$9,500 to Fund Reach Out and Read Program

Verizon has awarded a $9,500 grant to Reach Out and Read (ROR) for the continued support of the organization’s pediatric literacy program.  ROR trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading to their children and provides new books to children at pediatric check-ups from six months to five years of age.
There are currently 214 clinics practicing the ROR program and of these, only 14 are located in rural areas throughout Texas.  The grant from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, will enable Reach Out and Read to purchase literacy materials and train providers in clinics in Schulenburg, Weimar, and Nassau Bay.
“Research has shown when a doctor tells a parent to read to their child, parents are more likely to do so,” said David Russell, Verizon Vice President – External Affairs.  “Reach Out and Read has the advantage of a unique relationship between parents and health care providers, and Verizon is pleased to partner with them to stimulate an increased focus on literacy.”

Locally, the ROR program began taking shape this year through SWIFT (Schulenburg Weimar In Focus Together).  The clinic waiting rooms have become “literacy rich,” with bookshelves, rugs, posters, and used books available for kids to take home.  New books for doctors to hand out are also available because of donations from Parents as Teachers Schulenburg / Weimar and Ralph & Linda Schmidt and a start-up award from ROR national.
Additionally, Dr. Susan Cooley King led a medical training in May at the CFMC for 33 people.  Doctors, nurses, and staff from the Youens & Duchicela Clinic and the Schulenburg Community Clinic participated along with SWIFT AmeriCorps members, Parents as Teachers educators, and staff from Capital Area Reach Out and Read in Austin.  Attendees learned how the ROR program will be implemented in local clinics and how the community can support early literacy efforts.

The Verizon Foundation supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its signature program Thinkfinity.org and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic abuse.  In 2007, the foundation awarded more than $67.4 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the United States and abroad.  Under the Verizon Volunteers initiative, the foundation matched charitable donations from Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in $25.1 million in combined contributions.  Verizon Volunteers also have contributed more than 3 million hours of community service since Verizon’s inception in 2000.
Funding for Reach Out and Read is the result of a successful public-private partnership.  To find out more about the local program or how you can help support it, please call Michelle Posas Koeth at SWIFT at 979-743-4600 x05. 

Photo
Front Row: Jessica and Katy Shank
Middle Row: Melissa Schmidt holding Elizabeth Shank, Kim Anderson (ROR TX), Scott Long (Verizon), Barry Johnson (Verizon), Michelle Posas Koeth (ROR Coordinator), Kim Olsovsky (Schulenburg Clinic), Shannon McBride (CFMC), Betty Wick (CFMC)
Back Row: Phyllis Venghaus (SWIFT Board), Russell Herzik (Verizon) [hidden behind Kim], Lindsey Janak (Y&D Clinic), Amy Faith (Y&D Clinic), Rosemary Cortez (Y&D Clinic), Dr. Michele James (Schulenburg Clinic), Linda Schmidt