Mar 21, 2025 March is National Reading Month, Why Literacy Matters for Low-Income Families
March is National Reading Month, a time dedicated to fostering a love for books and literacy. This year, The Kairos Impact Foundation is rolling out vital social programs aimed at supporting low-income households, ensuring that access to books and reading resources is not a privilege, but a right.
Why Literacy Matters for Low-Income Families
For many children from low-income backgrounds, books are a luxury. Research from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reveals that children who grow up in homes without books are significantly more likely to struggle with literacy and academic achievement. A study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation also found that children who do not read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. The lack of early reading exposure can perpetuate cycles of poverty, making literacy programs a critical intervention.
How The Kairos Impact Foundation Is Making a Difference
Understanding these challenges, The Kairos Impact Foundation is launching targeted social programs this month, including:
- Book Fairs – Distributing age-appropriate and culturally sensitive books in English and Spanish to underserved communities.
- Book Mobiles – Where possible, mobile libraries and book mobiles are making visits signing up residents for free library cards and distributing free books.
- Establishing or Refilling On-site Libraries – Ensuring residents have access to books on-site by establishing a library or refilling an existing library.
The Power of Reading on Socio-Economic Status
Studies have shown that children who are regularly read to perform better in school and develop stronger cognitive skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that early reading helps with brain development, language skills, and emotional bonding.
Adults greatly benefit from developing literacy skills as well, especially in terms of employment and earnings. A study by The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy found a strong link between literacy and earnings with income increasing with literacy proficiency.
By addressing literacy gaps, The Kairos Impact Foundation is not just promoting reading; it’s equipping children with the tools they need for lifelong success and adults with skills to succeed in the workforce.
Join the Impact
National Reading Month is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action. Whether through volunteering, donating books, or spreading awareness, we all have a role to play in making literacy accessible to every child. Let’s turn the page toward a brighter future for low-income families, one book at a time.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.KairosImpact.org.
