By Mavis Fodness
A community literacy program continues at Sanford Luverne thanks to a donation from Minnwest Bank, Luverne.
Bank representatives donated $2,500 to keep the nine-year-old program, “Reach Out and Read,” going locally.
“We are committed to building stronger, more vibrant communities everywhere Minnwest calls home,” said Melissa Fick, market president in Minnwest Bank, Luverne.
“Early childhood literacy contributes to the growth of the Luverne area and supports local families, and we are thrilled to be part of this work.”
Reach Out and Read is a nationwide nonprofit that integrates reading into pediatric practices. Families are advised about the importance of reading with their children, and as a catalyst, children receive free books at all well-child appointments.
“Our providers and staff focus on family-centered care, and they look forward to sharing books through this program,” said Tracy Schultz, Sanford Luverne Clinic director.
“It’s a wonderful way to encourage healthy development and learning habits to families in the community, and it gives our youngest patients a fun surprise during their exam visit.”
Yearly about 750 books are distributed at the Luverne clinic.
Children begin receiving age-appropriate books at 6 months of age and continue to do so until age 5 or when the child begins kindergarten.
The community partnership for the Reach Out and Read program began in July 2014.
In Minnesota there are 306 clinics across the state who have distributed annually over 313,000 books to children. More than 2,200 doctors and clinicians have received training on the program’s impact.
The research completed by the nationwide Reach Out and Read program indicates parents who receive books from their physicians are 2.5 times more likely to read to their children.
Children who are read to regularly score 3 to 6 months ahead of non-participants in language development skills. These early foundational language skills help start children on the path of success by the time they start school.