When Women Lead, NYC Succeeds!

City’s First Readers was pleased to join the Women’s Caucus of the New York City Council on the steps of City Hall to advocate for the FY26 city budget. The Caucus has identified childcare and early education as one of its top four budget priorities.

LINC, as the facilitating partner and designated representative of City’s First Readers, joined caucus Co-Chair Carmen de La Rosa, and members Rita Joseph, Amanda Farias, Brooks-Powers, Sandy Nurse, Sandra Ung, Lynn Shulman, and Fara Lewis in speaking to the importance of early childhood programming in supporting healthy brain development, emotional stability and setting the stage for classroom instruction.

"City’s First Readers and Literacy in Community (LINC) as CFR’s lead partner, are proud to join the NYC Council Women’s Caucus in championing a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. By surrounding families with free, community-based early literacy programs from birth, we’re not just preparing children for school — we’re building healthy brains, confident parents, and connected communities. Collective investments in postpartum care, early education, and support services create ripple effects that last a lifetime." declared Shari Levine, LINC's Executive Director, City's First Readers Facilitator.

Levine continued, "The earliest years of life are the most critical for brain development — and the best time to invest in children and families. Through City’s First Readers, 17 partner organizations work hand-in-hand across New York City to deliver community-based programs that empower parents and lay a strong foundation for school readiness. Together with the NYC Council Women’s Caucus, we’re advancing a bold vision for equity, education, and support that begins at birth." 

Karen Rogel, LINC’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, continued, “What happens when you harness the expertise and energy of 17 organizations that provide early literacy programming? In just one year -

• We provided over 1.1 million touchpoints to moms and caregivers.

• We delivered quality programs in 598 NYC locations ranging from hospitals to homes, libraries, and parks.

• We gave out 440,000 books and resources in many different languages, reflecting the diversity that is the essence of our city.

CFR reaches families and their children from birth through five as their brains are developing. Did you know that a child’s brain is 80% developed by age 3? 90% by age 5?

This is why early literacy matters. Because it is so important for moms and caregivers to understand that the stimulation and experiences their children receive NOW actually build the foundation for learning when their children start school.

This is the work of City's First Readers for the past 10 years, thanks to the Council’s consistent recognition of the importance of supporting families and preparing children to embrace reading. This work has always been important but not always recognized as the building blocks of school success. LEARNING TO READ STARTS AT BIRTH.

Now is the time to INCREASE early literacy programs, not cut them.  

Thank you to the Women’s Caucus for prioritizing early childhood in the FY26 budget. Early literacy is NOT a Women’s issue; it’s a social justice issue. Reading is a right, not a privilege.”

For more information, contact Emmanuel Novy, Chief of Strategic Initiatives at enovy@lincnyc.org.