Las Comadres & Friends: Strengthening Community Through Reading

At Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, Brenda Martinez leads the Las Comadres & Friends book club, which is in its second year of bringing families together through the power of storytelling. Supported by a Foundation 65 grant, this initiative fosters a love for reading while creating a welcoming space for Spanish-speaking parents to engage with their children’s education.

The impact of this program extends far beyond the books themselves. As Ms. Martinez reflects, “One way Foundation 65's grant has impacted the students in our book club is by helping to build a deep connection among families through our reading sessions. Several parents have expressed how much they enjoy coming to our book club, noting that it provides a space for them to connect not only with their children but also with others in the community.”

This sense of connection is one of Las Comadres & Friends' most powerful outcomes. Families are not only reading together but strengthening their ties to the school community. One parent recently told Ms. Martinez that the books their child received last year are now “prized possessions” on their bedroom bookshelf, a testament to the program's impact.

Beyond fostering a love for reading, Las Comadres & Friends is also working toward creating a more equitable and inclusive learning environment. By providing a safe and affirming space for Spanish-speaking parents, the program empowers families to actively participate in their children's education.  Ms. Martinez shares. “Through this book club, we are not just sharing stories—we are creating a bridge for families to engage in learning in a way that celebrates their cultural and linguistic identities!”

As Las Comadres & Friends continues to grow, its impact remains clear: strengthening literacy, celebrating culture, and building a supportive community where families and children thrive together.