If You Give A Child A Book Campaign Begins Today
A child who can’t read at grade level by third grade is four times less likely to graduate from high school. This same child is 13 times less likely to graduate if they live in poverty. A recent KidsCount report showed that one in four Arizona children live in poverty.
Arizona’s Children Association is one of the oldest and largest statewide comprehensive child welfare and behavioral health not-for-profit agencies in Arizona. Located in all 15 Arizona counties, they provide a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of more than 40,000 children, youth and families each year. The organization gives out nearly 8,000 books across the state each year.
“Books are incredibly valuable to children in foster care for a number of reasons. Books can positively affect their well-being by providing comfort, reducing stress and supporting sleep—especially in a new environment. To keep these children from falling behind, books not only increase vocabulary and imagination, they aid in brain development and prevent cognitive decline” said Imelda Cordova, statewide director of permanency services for Arizona’s Children Association. “These books are something to call their own and are wonderful for creating bonding opportunities between a child and his or her foster parents.”
“Encouraging children to read and think critically is an important part of setting them up for success in their life,” said Anita Helt, vice president and general manager at ABC15 and CW61.” Our team is proud to work with Arizona’s Children Association and contribute to the amazing work they do for families here in Arizona.”
For more information go to abc15.com/giveabook.
