Wow, fiscal year 2024 and my first year with Reach Out and Read Colorado have flown by! It has been an exciting year of learning, growth, and impact. I am thrilled to share some of the remarkable achievements and milestones we have reached together.

Our most recent data shows a significant increase in Reach Out and Read Colorado annual well-child visit numbers, rising to an impressive 327,388 in 2023. This growth is a testament to our collective efforts and dedication to the overall health and well-being of our children.

A key highlight of this year has been our collaboration with state government on legislation that supports early literacy. This partnership has not only strengthened our mission but has also contributed to a portion of our book purchases, allowing us to provide more resources to the children we serve.

We also formed partnerships with other local nonprofits that share similar missions or serve the same community members. By working together, we have increased our impact and reach, ensuring that more children benefit from our programs and services. Our focus on corporate outreach has led to the development of Social Impact Partnerships that benefit both our partners and, most importantly, the greater community. These collaborations are essential in amplifying our efforts and creating a profound impact on the lives of the children and families we serve. In the spirit of community, we introduced a variety of events aimed at bringing in new supporters. These events have been a wonderful opportunity to engage with our community, share our mission, and build lasting relationships.

As we look forward to the year ahead, we are preparing for a year of discovery, growth, and innovation. There are still many medical offices on our waitlist and many more that have yet to learn of the amazing opportunities Reach Out and Read Colorado could provide for their families. We are committed to exploring new and innovative ways to serve our mission and increase our reach. To support this work, we will continue to seek additional and diverse funding sources. Our efforts will focus on initiatives such as monthly giving, planned giving, employee-directed corporate giving, and public policy advocacy. By diversifying our funding and strengthening our community partnerships, we aim to impact as many lives as possible and ensure that every child has access to the resources they need for a bright future.

I am deeply thankful to have found such an amazing community and to work each day in service of our mission of early literacy. The support, dedication, and passion of everyone involved with Reach Out and Read Colorado is truly inspiring. Together, we are making a difference and shaping a brighter future for our children.
Thank you to everyone who is a part of the Reach Out and Read Colorado community. We couldn’t do it without you.