Programs

     Teenage Parenting  Program   
The first program established by Read for Life in 1989, our teenage parenting program is a cornerstone of our work. Three times a year our volunteers attend teen parent programs throughout Tulare County to teach new parents about the importance of reading to their babies. We explain how exposure to reading, singing, and talking prepares children to read and succeed in school. After sharing tips on choosing and enjoying books with babies, parents select a new book from Read for Life. Financial support of this project comes from grants and donations from organizations and individuals.

Books for Babies 

   Another of our original programs, Books for Babies gives the gift of a book to new babies born in Tulare County and information to their proud parents about the importance of reading aloud.  The books are distributed through prenatal classes. By having health educators present information and provide these gifts, we make the connection for parents between a child's overall health and well-being and their intellectual development. Our funding for this program comes from First 5 Tulare County as well as donations from other organizations and individuals.

   Preschool Program 
  
   Read for Life reaches out to young children and their parents through several pre-school programs in Tulare County. The Home Base and the Migrant Education programs of Tulare County Office of Education have teachers that go to homes throughout the county and work with parents and their pre-school aged children. These educators bring Read for Life donated books with them and demonstrate to the parents what they can do with books to help their children succeed in school. Read for Life also works with several school district pre-school programs, such as the Houston School program with Visalia Unified.

Books for Kids  

   This program provides a little peace and quiet to children in an otherwise chaotic world. We work collaboratively with family shelters, crisis centers and free clinics to furnish reading corners with plenty of good children's books. Children may read in the book nook while they are visiting, and when they leave, they may take the book as a gift. We also provide books to Tulare County Family Service workers to use during home visits. This program is supported in large part by donations of new and gently used books by individuals and organizations throughout Tulare County.