REACH, Inc. (Reading Enriches All Children)

REACH, Inc. (Reading Enriches All Children) is a 501(c)(3) which promotes literacy for children who are at-risk and homeless throughout Coastal Virginia.  Founded in 1998 by a Virginia Beach educator, REACH was created using a simple model of volunteers reading, crafting, and giving books to children in homeless or domestic violence shelters. The first Read Aloud Program was established at the Help and Emergency Response (H.E.R.) Shelter, and now 23 years later, serves as the hub for literacy resources in our community. Positioned as the primary book distribution center in Coastal Virginia, we rely on public monetary donations to purchase new books for children and families. Through our unique programs, we not only serve the public but also over 150 partner agencies. REACH strives to ensure that all children and their families have access and ownership to developmentally appropriate books. We know based on research that children who have access to books typically achieve higher in school.  REACH is working to support the regional priorities of improving literacy and education for children ages 0-17, especially those facing adverse situations such as poverty and homelessness.  

REACH, Inc. has eight literacy programs designed to meet the needs of children ages 0 – 18. During the pandemic, we evaluated how we could support our community while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Our initial response was “Serving Up Stories”, in which we partnered with local restaurants who provided free meals to children impacted by school closures. This program allowed children to take home free, new, high-quality books. Hugely successful and greatly appreciated by our community, REACH wanted to expand opportunities to families virtually, learn about the impact of COVID-19 on their household, and the barriers to success they may be facing. REACH READsource Packs were created to support families in our area through mailing of resources, removing the physical contact and social distancing concerns related to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Families request packs for their children, free of charge, and is open to any family impacted by COVID-19 crisis. Each pack contains two new books, activity worksheets & two reusable child face masks.  On Black Friday 2020, we started to support our community by opening The Big Free Bookstore at Military Circle Mall. The Big Free Bookstore at Military Circle Mall continues to be one of our most successful programs at REACH. Originally structured to be open during the holiday season, REACH had overwhelming support from our community to continue to keep the bookstore open into 2021.  REACH planned the bookstore to become a one-of-a-kind family experience, created to engage and encourage a literacy rich environment at home without the financial barriers many families may still be facing. REACH’s Big Free Bookstore offers high-quality, brand-new books for every age from board books to adult contemporary so that every family member can enjoy a journey of words and imagination

REACH is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that promotes literacy for children who are at-risk and homeless throughout Coastal Virginia.