PRESS RELEASE REACH OUT AND READ RI LAUNCHES ADOPT-A-SITE INITIATIVE; BRADFORD SOAP WORKS ONE OF THE FIRST LOCAL BUSINESSES TO JOIN PROGRAM AND TOUR CLINIC
Reach Out and Read Rhode Island (RORRI) is pleased to announce that
Bradford Soap Works, Inc. has “adopted” the Reach Out and Read model
at Thundermist Health Center in West Warwick. John Howland, President
of Bradford Soap, toured the Thundermist West Warwick site, met with the
leadership of the community health center and RORRI,and took time out to
read to some of the clinic’s pediatric patients.
Bradford Soap Works was the one of the first local businesses to participate in Reach Out and Read RI’s “adopt-a-site” program. A business who adopts a site is responsible for providing all of the book and operational expenses associated with running the ROR program at the adopted site.
With the economy struggling to right itself after such a significant downturn, RORRI was looking for ways to engage corporations that would be mutually beneficial. “Local businesses want to be empathetic in these hard economic times to the people living in their community. They want to give back in a meaningful way.” said Susanna Beckwith, RORRI’s Executive Director.
Mr. Howland was thrilled to learn about the RORRI adopt-a-site opportunity. “Throughout our 100+ year history, Bradford has been committed to supporting our local community of neighbors, employees and their families. As one of the first businesses to adopt a site, we want to encourage other local businesses to join us in supporting one of the most basic and critical needs, literacy. Together, we can provide an opportunity for the children in our community to have the developmental tools for a brighter future.”
Maria Montanaro, President/CEO of Thundermist, praised Bradford Soap Works for their commitment to the community. Ms. Montanaro stated, “We commend Bradford Soap Works for building a stronger community through this valuable partnership with RORRI. They are making a positive impact on our pediatric patients and we are very appreciative.”
Founded in 1876, Bradford Soap Works is the world's largest specialty bar soap manufacturer, as well as the world's largest producer of shower poufs. Bradford has a deep commitment to the West Warwick community in which it has been based for nearly 80 years.
Reach Out and Read (ROR) is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. In Rhode Island, there are 44 health care sites handing out more than 60,000 books to 33,551 children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years.
