Reading Partners expands impact for kids in the lone star state

Almost four years after Reading Partners was introduced in the city of Dallas, the early literacy program officially expanded its reach within the lone star state and was recently reintroduced as Reading Partners North Texas!

Expanding into Fort Worth had been on the minds of Reading Partners staff and leadership for a long time. With the help of key community leaders, including Jeremy Smith of the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, US Trust, and Reading Partners board member, Dr. Robert Rogers, the organization was able to make the dream of expansion a reality.

In the 2015-16 school year, Reading Partners North Texas will serve more than 100 students in three schools in Fort Worth: Dolores Huerta Elementary School, Worth Heights Elementary School, and Edward J. Briscoe Elementary School.

Reading Partners North Texas held its first formal information session in the Fort Worth community, in early fall of 2015. Longtime supporters of Reading Partners’ work, US Trust and the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, co-hosted the event and were happy to make introductions to key stakeholders in the Fort Worth community.

With more than 15 foundations and 30 representatives in attendance, Executive Director Kaitlin Guthrow outlined the organization’s history, regional and national accomplishments, and vision for the Fort Worth community. In addition to Kaitlin’s presentation, two key supporters shared their Reading Partners experience. Garrett Boone, of the Boone Family Foundation and chairman emeritus of the Container Store, and Zachary Hall, principal of Stephen C. Foster Elementary School, gave compelling testimonies highlighting the importance of Reading Partners’ work in the educational landscape of North Texas.

Reading Partners North Texas is now actively working with foundations and community partners, such as the United Way of Tarrant County, to determine how we can partner with like-minded organizations in Fort Worth this school year.

With the support of foundations and the North Texas community, Reading Partners looks forward to continuing to cultivate partnerships and expand impact in Fort Worth schools this year.