Reading and Beyond has been working to lift children, families, and disadvantaged communities since 1999. Utilizing a dual-generation theory of change, we focus on creating opportunities for families and addressing the needs of the children and the adults in their lives. We have developed evidence and outcome-based programs to support the community one step at a time to break the cycle of generational poverty.

Sub Programs

Family Advocacy

The Family Advocate may provide education regarding:

  • Mental health services and staff involved
  • Family participation in treatment and confidentiality limitations
  • Coping skills, self-care, and stress management
  • Advocacy for families, including facilitation of communication with service providers
  • Assistance to families with concerns and complaints regarding mental health services
  • Assistance to families in finding services and resources for themselves as supporters, including referrals to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Fresno County

 

The Family Advocate CANNOT:

  • Provide therapy services
  • Release confidential information to family members without the client’s consent
  • Make decisions for family members
  • Force a family member receiving services to do anything against his or her will

Family Advocacy Documents

Have questions or concerns about mental health services?
Want to know what services are available in Fresno County?
Want to know what you can do to help a friend or loved one?
Call Family Advocacy services!

Family Advocacy Services are available to provide assistance to the Caregivers/Family Members of Fresno County Residents. The Family Advocate provides information, support, and referrals to community resources. Services are readily available in English, Spanish, and Hmong.
Call us today! (559) 600-6734

Glow! Group Prenatal Care and Support Program

In 2019, Reading and Beyond was selected by First 5 Fresno County as one of three agencies to facilitate the implementation of Glow! Program throughout Fresno County as part of the EMBRACE (Engaging Mothers & Babies; Reimagining Antenatal Care for Everyone) Study.

Glow! is an innovative and comprehensive program that incorporates wrap-around services with enhanced prenatal care. The program brings together moms-to-be with similar due dates and provides prenatal care, support, and education in a virtual group setting. Up to 11 sessions are facilitated by a medical provider and a staff facilitator.

For the next four years, Glow! is being offered as part of the EMBRACE study which is looking to determine what type of prenatal care reduces preterm birth, improves maternal mental health, and results in greater satisfaction.

Services:

  • Prenatal Care
  • Wrap-Around services
  • Education on nutrition, stress management, labor and delivery, newborn care, and more
  • Community resource navigation: WIC, Paid Family Leave, Dental health, mental health, and more.

Glow! Has currently been modified to virtual meetings to meet the needs of pregnant women during COVID-19

Prosperity Coaching

Prosperity Coaching is a program in partnership with United Way Fresno and Madera Counties that provides wraparound services to individuals and families through case management, resource connecting, financial literacy, introduction services to job training, supplement funding, and more.

The program targets to improve household financial stability and economic inclusion that will eventually accelerate wealth creation for participants.

This program is open to all individuals who don’t know where to start, are looking for resources, need an extra push, or just simply looking to move onto the next phase of their lives.

Currently, all services are held remotely, over the phone, or via the web; however, In-person services are on a case-by-case basis.

Get connected to valuable resources today!
Call us for more information: 559-342-8615

Advancing Health Literacy

The City of Fresno has partnered with Reading and Beyond (RAB), West Fresno Family Center (WFFRC), Centro La Familia (CLF), Jakara Movement, Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM), Central Valley Health Policy Institute (CVHPI) and with the County of Fresno Department of Public Health to address the ongoing health disparities in the community, and more specifically the health disparities amplified by Covid-19 pandemic. Community Health Workers (CHWs) have provide support to the communities and have leverage this project to target minority groups who are not participating in vaccination and testing opportunities at the same rate as other groups. According to data collected by the Fresno County Department of Health in 2021 these specific zip codes: 93701, 93702, 93703, 93705, 93706, 93722, 93726 have lagged behind others in vaccination participation. Reading and Beyond will work together with partners to dissimilate health information to disproportionate communities and work with the communities to address concerns as COVID-19 evolves. In addition to COVID-19, Reading and Beyond will also work together in joint effort with partners to bring awareness to chronic health diseases in the City of Fresno. AHL have host health workshop to provide community members education on health literacy, navigate the health care system, and teach participant’s tools to become a self-advocator to make better health decision toward their overall health and well-being.