Blog
Congratulations to Board Member Justin Hayward on the MassMutual Community Service Award!
Board member Justin Hayward was awarded the 2017 Community Service Award by the MassMutual Foundation. Hayward has been with Cross Coastal Advisors and MassMutual for five years and has been involved with Raising A Reader MA since 2014. Hayward, a Partner at Cross Coastal Advisors, was given the award for his commitment to bettering his…
Read MoreLady Pancake and Sir French Toast visit Dorchester’s Boston Public Library
On a clear and sunny morning, children from all around Dorchester gathered to hear the tale of Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast. As parents, grandparents, and guardians alike brought their little ones into Boston Public Library, faces lit up when they saw what was in store for them. “A pancake making station!” librarian Cindy…
Read MoreMeet the Staff: Summer 2018 Interns
For the third summer in a row, Raising A Reader MA has benefitted from the support of the DukeEngage program. Funded by Bill and Melinda Gates, DukeEngage allows Duke University students to travel around the world and immerse themselves for an extended time in various communities, working with nonprofits and organizations. Our interns’ program is focused on…
Read MoreMeet the Staff: Francia Wisnewski
What makes RAR-MA so special? The people. Read about Francia’s journey to our team. Summarizing Francia Wisnewski in a brief blog post is a tall order. She greets everyday with a beaming smile, a relentless desire to improve the lives in her surrounding community, and a superhuman level of energy that could rival the total…
Read MoreMeet the Staff: Maria Mombeleur
Our staff is as diverse as the populations we serve. Check out why Maria is so passionate about her role at Raising A Reader MA. The profound impact and success that Raising A Reader MA (RAR-MA) has had over the years would not be possible without the drive and passion that Maria Mombeleur brings to…
Read MoreRAR-MA’s 12th Annual Gala Guest Authors Recall Favorite Childhood Books
March 13, 2018–Every avid reader can remember the first time he or she fell in love with a story, begging his or her parents to read it with them just one more time. This is a memory Raising A Reader MA is working to help every child and parent to experience together. Our 12th annual…
Read MoreMassachusetts Business Roundtable Discusses New RAR-MA Initiative
March 1, 2018 – Each month the Massachusetts Business Roundtable (MBR), a public policy organization comprised of chief executive officers and senior executives, sends out an Executive Director’s Message, known as “Around the Table.” This month’s letter highlighted the Raising A Reader in the Workplace program.
Read MoreChristine Ward Appointed Executive Director
October 10, 2017 – Raising A Reader MA, the premiere and proven solution in parent engagement and early literacy, today announced that Christine Ward, an early literacy advocate, has been appointed as its new Executive Director. Ms. Ward will lead the organization’s charge to improve the reading readiness of children from birth to age six.…
Read MoreRodman Rider of the Week: Michael Dakers
With the ride just a little over a week away, we’re excited to feature one of our virtual riders, Michael Dakers. Mike is a member of our Emerging Leaders group, and is working on his MBA at Boston College. He has this to share: “This is my first time participating in the Rodman ride and…
Read MoreRodman Rider of the Week: Ja'so Shotts
We’re just under a month out from the Rodman Ride and it’s time to feature another of our volunteer riders! Ja’so Shotts is a partner at Ironside Insurance Group and the treasurer of Raising A Reader MA’s Emerging Leaders Board. He’s participating in the Rodman Ride for the second time this year. Here’s why: “I…
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