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Meet Rachael Orose of Words Alive in Central San Diego

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Orose.

Rachael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a child, I spent countless hours reading stories with my grandfather. From our time together, I knew just how powerful stories could be – and as a mom, I strive to ensure my daughter has the same connection to stories that I did while I was growing up.

I am deeply motivated to make sure that all children, regardless of their life experiences, have the opportunity to truly understand and connect to the power of books and reading. I know, from personal experience and from my work over the last two decades, that when someone truly understands that power, so many opportunities open up for them and they are better set up for success in all aspects of their lives.

I have spent more than 20 years in the nonprofit sector working with national, regional, and local organizations committed to providing educational resources and opportunities for children and families in low-income and at-risk communities. I joined the Words Alive team in September 2019 from The Molina Foundation, based in Orange County, a nonprofit focused on the intersection between health and education. Prior to that, I spent time with the American Red Cross (Washington D.C.), First Book (Washington D.C.), and a variety of community-based organizations in both New York and Michigan.

Originally from Michigan, I hold a graduate degree in public and nonprofit administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and an undergraduate degree in the same field from Grand Valley State University. My family and I moved to San Diego in 2017.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Illiteracy is at the root of many of the challenges we face in our communities – and not just being able to read but being able to truly understand what we read and how it connects to our lives. Children who struggle to read, or understand what they are reading, often become adults who struggle to care for themselves or their families. Right now, there are over half a million adults in San Diego who are struggling with basic literacy skills. But it doesn’t have to be this way! Illiteracy is something that we can, undoubtedly, end within a generation. The research tells us that once you learn how to read and are able to find meaningful value in what you read, your life outcomes improve, and you permanently end generational illiteracy in your family.

The biggest struggle in my career has been making this case to philanthropists and policymakers along the way. I find that unless you struggled while learning to read, or someone in your family has, you don’t remember what life looked like before you unlocked the magic and power of words. And, as such, you often don’t realize just how important it is to invest in this work.

Please tell us about Words Alive.
Words Alive connects children, teens, and families with the power of reading. We envision a world where everyone is connected to the power of reading and the innumerable ways that it enriches our lives. We also know that empowering experiences turn individuals into agents of change and advocates for their own education and that when everyone can read, whole communities thrive. At Words Alive, we believe that the world we envision is made possible through the simple, essential, and effective act of reading together.

Founded in 1999, Words Alive provides access to relevant and quality books, shared reading experiences, and a connection to reading that lays the foundation for continued success. Our founder Leslye Lyons, a professional book club facilitator, began Words Alive with an idea – to reach teens with an age-appropriate, engaging book club. This book club’s purpose was to build a community around reading for students facing special circumstances who are often left behind in our community. The purpose was also to create a lifelong love and habit of reading among youth. Leslye, and the team of volunteers who founded Words Alive, believed firmly in the power of reading as a means for positive life change and success.

After starting with programs for teens, Words Alive evolved to serve children of all ages (0-18), high school graduates, and families through our engaging “cradle-to-career” programming.

During the 2019-2020 academic year, we served over 3,800 students and families in San Diego facing extraordinary circumstances such as homelessness, poverty, foster care, abuse, juvenile justice system impact, and teen pregnancy. We collaborate with 80+ schools and community organizations to reach youth. Since launching reimagined virtual programming in mid-March due to the pandemic, over 30,000 visitors from across San Diego County and around the world have come to Words Alive for help. As distance learning continues, our blend of at-home, virtual, and training resources positions us to continue connecting vulnerable populations with the power of reading.

Here at Words Alive, we know that access to books is important but that what we do with those books is arguably more important: how we process what we have read through writing and how we place stories in the context of our own lives. Research shows that providing books alone is not enough to jumpstart or strengthen reading habits among youth. Instead, the most successful program models – like ours – elevate student interest in reading via relevant, diverse, and relatable texts and incorporating group and project-based learning.

We recognize that students learn in various ways, so we have developed programs to empower all learning styles. Students read, discuss verbally, write, and express thoughts through different art mediums. With this gift of expression in a safe space, students come alive and grow their ability to communicate.

Words Alive is known for our responsiveness to community needs, follow-through, and high retention of long-standing program partners such as the Juvenile Court and Community Schools and the San Diego County of Education, San Diego Unified and Escondido Union school districts, and more than 80 community and education partners across the country. We are volunteer-founded and volunteer-led, meaning that we engage the expertise and passion from over 500 volunteers each year to help engage students, develop curriculum, and grow the reach and impact of the organization.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Growing up, my family lived with my grandfather. He was a journalist, a writer, and an amazing storyteller. At least once a day, he would say, “If you can read, you can…” and end the sentence with something magical:

– If you can read, you can cook.

– If you can read, you can garden.

– If you can read, you can travel.

So, I would practice reading on his lap – in his overstuffed green chair – in the living room.

We often read the same story over and over and over – because I, and he, knew that being able to read would unlock the wonders of the world.

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