Coordinator Recognition Award

Grace McMann, long-time Reach Out and Read coordinator at the Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center, is the recipient of this summer's Reach Out and Read Coordinator Recognition Award. This new award honors a Program Coordinator who offers outstanding support and organizational skills along with notable enthusiasm for maintaining and strengthening the Program. 

Grace contributes her time, energy, and great good humor-- and sometimes even her own personal finances­­--to keeping the Roslindale Reach Out and Read Program operating at full capacity. Nothing energizes Grace like an empty shelf, and she knows how to get her point across when stocks run low: "We have been unable to give out a single board book for the past 2 weeks--I have NONE!"

Always upbeat, whatever the challenge, and always singing Reach Out and Read's praises, Grace leads by example, never hesitating to spend her day off driving by the local Borders to "scour the shelves" or to pick up  a donation.  

Grace's colleagues note her dedication, remarking that: "Grace is a pleasure to work with.  She's incredibly enthusiastic about our Reach Out and Read Program.  She makes sure, even at personal expense, that we always have enough books to hand out and to keep the kids reading.  Often overheard on the phone trying to hunt down new donations, she is tireless in her devotion to this program.  We are lucky to have her."

Not surprisingly, Grace is an avid reader who appreciates all formats,"...books, Kindle, and audiobooks in my car. I love most genres, especially mysteries. I'm currently reading A Discovery of Witches on my Kindle, listening to Hilderbrand's Barefoot in my car,  and have several books ready to pack for my cruise in 2 weeks."

Nearing retirement, Grace recently reflected, "I would have loved to have been a librarian had I not become a nurse practitioner. Yet, this way I get to be involved with the 2 things I love most:  children and books!" 

Adopt-A-Site  

As state and federal funding have declined in recent years, Sites have felt the decrease in the number of books that Reach Out and Read Massachusetts can give in sustainability awards.

This creates a problem for patients who love and benefit from getting a new book from their doctor during their well-child visit.

In brainstorming with other Reach Out and Read Sites across the country, Massachusetts Regional Coordinators have found one idea that has been successful elsewhere (as close as our neighboring Rhode Island).

Through the Adopt-A-Site program, Reach Out and Read Sites identify a local business that might be interested in adopting their office with a donation that would contribute to the cost of purchasing books, waiting room enhancements, and other items that are hard to squeeze into over-stretched budgets.

If you can think of a business that has a connection to your office, why not try asking them to adopt you?

Contact your Regional Coordinator for more information about this creative way to fundraise!