413families Texting Program

CHALLENGE

Several community organizations that serve children and families were all looking for a way to engage more directly with parents. PRA, on behalf of the Reading Success by 4th Grade initiative, led focus groups with Springfield parents to hear from them how they prefer to receive information, and the response was overwhelmingly through their phones.  A group of seven community organizations researched texting programs throughout the country and determined that there was a need for a community-based texting program.

Created and designed the identity and all communications materials for the 413families community texting program, launched in 2016. The program shares information about events, promotions and tips for families with young children in the area, in English and Spanish. PRA manages the distribution of weekly messages, and the program continues to grow with nearly 4,000 families opted-in. In 2018, the program expanded to Holyoke.