From Kitchen Table to 246 strong: an Interview with Reading Results
In early 2009, the Portland Reading Foundation (PRF) came to Social Venture Partners Portland seeking a modest grant and volunteer support. PRF wanted to develop its innovative reading program model into a sustainable, replicable solution for any underserved struggling reader (K-3rd grade) in the Portland area who could benefit from a proven method for improving literacy skills.
PRF spelled out specific needs for dedicated, professionally skilled volunteers who could help in management capacity coaching, business model development, streamlining of program service operations, communications and partnership development with school districts and education policy makers.
With SVPP assistance, PRF anticipated that it could achieve a significant increase in regional impact and be positioned for broader replication in Oregon and other regions.SVPP stepped up and committed to working closely with PRF to help it achieve its goals. In June 2013 SVPP completed its three-year investment in PRF, now renamed Reading Results.
We asked Jennifer Samuels, the Executive Director of Reading Results, to look back, and forward.
SVP: How would you describe PRF’s situation at the time of SVPP's initial investment?
Jennifer: PRF was a "kitchen table" organization, an enthusiastic group of volunteers with one half-time employee. They knew they were doing good work on a small scale, but recognized that they had an opportunity to go bigger, make a greater impact and potentially influence systemic change.
SVP: What did you believe a partnership with SVPP would bring to PRF?
Jennifer: The Foundation anticipated that SVPP would bring technical experience and expertise, which would enable PRF to move to the next level and beyond.
SVP: What did you hope to accomplish as a result of SVPP's investments and involvement in PRF?
Jennifer: For several years prior to the PRF’s application to SVPP, calls for support from PRF had increased dramatically, based on the program’s positive reputation and demonstrated results. PRF hoped that SVPP’s support would allow that would make program expansion scalable and sustainable, especially for those schools serving primarily low-income families.
SVP: What did SVP’s investment make possible?
Jennifer: Investment from SVPP has made so much growth possible. Ten years ago, we served 35 students; last year we served 246. We're aiming to serve 300 this school year, but we know there are 3,000 students in our service area who fit the profile of children who'd benefit from our service. The strategic expertise of SVPP partners has helped us in the areas of strategic planning, rebranding and marketing, human resources, IT, and legal. SVP lead partner, Mark Fulop, led our organization through our strategic planning process, coaches me on organizational strategy and now serves as vice president of our board of directors. Long-term, meaningful investment has made our growth possible and we look forward to continuing to share our successes with SVPP.
SVP: What are the goals of Reading Results going forward?
Jennifer: Reading Results is currently in the midst of a 4-year Strategic Plan (2011-2015). We remain focused on realizing the tenets of our plan (below) while working through the filter "how can we best serve students and increase our level of service while setting ourselves up for scalability and sustainability?"
Key elements of our strategic plan include: (1) build infrastructure, (2) codify/document program, (3) evaluate program, (4) build board capacity, (5) create sustainable resource stream, (6) collaborate with other agencies to influence policy and engage in collective impact.