Ready for School marks change by announcing administration transition to national office

HOLLAND — After 15 years of local operations, the Saugatuck-based early childhood nonprofit Ready for School will officially merge its operations into Reach Out and Read on Nov. 1.

The transition follows a year of board deliberations aimed at securing the future of the organization's regional early literacy programs.

Reach Out and Read is a Boston-based national nonprofit organization that champions early childhood literacy and relational health. By joining the national group, the local program will gain broader organizational support while continuing its efforts to prepare young children and families across Michigan for academic success.

Under the transition, administration of Reach Out and Read Michigan will move to its Boston-based national office. Program leaders confirmed the transition will occur without interruption to services, maintaining its current Michigan affiliate team, clinic partnerships, and statewide focus.

Ready for School was launched in 2008 following a community-wide assessment that revealed fewer than half of local children entered kindergarten equipped with essential early literacy skills. Designed as a community response to expand access to early education, the organization has since led initiatives across the Holland, Zeeland, and Hamilton areas, investing $1.5 million in preschool scholarships, hosting readiness camps, and distributing bilingual home learning kits.

Since 2011, the organization has directed $1.5 million toward preschool scholarships in the Holland, Zeeland and Hamilton areas.

"Over the years, we have shifted our focus to 3-year-olds as state investment continued, ensuring philanthropic dollars continue to meet the needs of our community," said Tami Mannes, board chair for Ready for School.

Following the official handoff, Ready for School will complete its local mission before formally dissolving its 501(c)(3) status at a later date.

Amanda Price, former state representative and Ottawa County treasurer, has served as a longtime education advocate who served as chair of the Michigan House Education Committee and championed state early literacy legislation, has served on the board of Ready for School.

Price's leadership in state educational policy and local civic work helped guide the organization's focus on foundational childhood literacy and community access to early education.

The announcement follows a fundraiser on Oct. 15 at The Venues at Third Coast in Saugatuck. The brunch-themed evening featured live music, cocktails and a silent auction to support early literacy initiatives across the state. Auction items included a Detroit Lions game experience, a Herman Miller Aeron Chair and a Whitecaps VIP suite package.

"This community helped build the foundation of something that now leads children and families throughout Michigan, and that is worth celebrating," Mannes said. "We’re building on what Ready for School accomplished and creating a strong future for Reach Out and Read Michigan."

— Mallory Burt is a reporter for Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.