Reach Out and Read: Expanding Early Literacy in Nebraska to Benefit 10 Million Children by 2030
OMAHA — A national early literacy program plans to expand its reach in Nebraska and aims to serve 10 million children across the U.S. by 2030. The nonprofit organization, Reach Out and Read, is led by Omaha native Marty Martinez, who has spent the last 25 years in Boston.
Martinez, a public health expert and father of a 6-year-old, understands the importance of school readiness and nurturing relationships for children. He explains that a child’s brain is 80% adult size by age 3. Reading with children, describing pictures, and engaging them with books can prepare them for lifelong learning.
Reach Out and Read began in Nebraska in 2000 at the OneWorld Community Health Centers and has expanded to 35 sites. This year, nearly 39,000 children participated during about 77,000 well-child visits, and around 53,000 books were distributed to families.
The program targets children from low-income households and children of color. It already offers books in 28 languages. Research shows that parents who take part in this program are more likely to read with their children daily. The children involved demonstrate better language development, even if their families do not typically read.
How does Reach Out and Read address language and cultural diversity among the families it serves?
Interview with Marty Martinez, Executive Director of Reach Out and Read
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Marty. Can you tell us more about the mission of Reach Out and Read and your plans for expansion in Nebraska?
Marty Martinez: Thank you for having me. Our mission at Reach Out and Read is to promote early literacy among children, especially those from low-income households and children of color. We want to ensure that every child has access to books and the opportunity to develop crucial literacy skills from a young age. By 2030, we aim to reach 10 million children across the U.S., with a focus on expanding our reach in Nebraska.
News Directory 3: That’s an ambitious goal! Can you elaborate on how the program operates at the local level?
Marty Martinez: Absolutely. We started in Nebraska in 2000 with OneWorld Community Health Centers and have grown to 35 sites. During well-child visits, we provide families with books and guidance on how to read with their children. This year, we served nearly 39,000 children and distributed around 53,000 books. It’s about creating those nurturing relationships that facilitate learning.
News Directory 3: Research has shown the positive effects of reading on child development. Can you share some of those findings?
Marty Martinez: Certainly. Our data indicates that parents who participate in our program are more likely to read daily with their kids, resulting in better language development. Even if families don’t typically read together, the exposure and encouragement we provide can make a significant difference.
News Directory 3: You’ve mentioned plans to reach more rural areas. How do you intend to achieve this?
Marty Martinez: To extend our services to rural communities, we plan to hire additional staff and partner with local organizations. It’s essential to understand the unique challenges these areas face and how we can best support families there.
News Directory 3: Kristin Christensen mentioned that the program is aimed at helping all children build key literacy skills. How do you ensure inclusivity within your program?
Marty Martinez: Inclusivity is a core principle of our program. We offer books in 28 languages and strive to reflect the diverse communities we serve. Our aim is to cater to every child and family, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need for early literacy.
News Directory 3: As an Omaha native, how does your background influence your work with Reach Out and Read?
Marty Martinez: I think my roots in Omaha give me a unique understanding of the community’s needs. Having attended local schools and maintained family ties here, I’m deeply committed to making a positive impact in Nebraska. It’s rewarding to return and apply my knowledge to serve the state I love.
News Directory 3: Lastly, what inspires you personally in your work?
Marty Martinez: As a father of a 6-year-old, I’m driven by the desire to ensure that all children have the early advantages they need to succeed. The conversations I have with families and the smiles on children’s faces when they receive books are what inspire me daily. We’re excited about the future and the potential for growth in this program.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Marty, for sharing your insights and plans for Reach Out and Read. We look forward to seeing the impact of your efforts in the coming years.
Martinez stated the program’s goal includes reaching more rural areas, with plans to hire additional staff. Kristin Christensen, the new Midwest program manager, emphasized that the program helps all children build key literacy skills and important relationships.
Martinez attended Spring Lake Elementary, graduated from Ralston High School, and earned degrees from Nebraska Wesleyan University and Tufts University. He has family ties in Nebraska and visits often with his husband and son.
“We’re really excited to move it forward,” Martinez said. “There is so much room to grow.”