Our newest community partner, Tandem, a nonprofit committed to social justice and early childhood education, is now bringing literacy resources and family engagement programming to the children and families at GRIP’s family shelter.
We sat down with Nain Villanueva de Lopez, Tandem’s Contra Costa Supervisor, to learn more about their mission and the new collaboration.
Q: Can you share the inspiration behind your organization’s focus on literacy for children and in family shelters, specifically?
Nain: At Tandem, we believe that literacy is more than just learning to read—it’s the foundation for lifelong learning, self-expression, and social-emotional development. We focus on early literacy because the first five years are critical for brain development, particularly in underserved communities. In family shelters, books become more than educational tools—they are sources of comfort, consistency, and connection. We’ve seen the power of reading to strengthen the parent-child bond and help families navigate times of instability with resilience.
Q: What drew your organization to collaborate with GRIP’s family shelter?
Nain: GRIP’s commitment to wraparound support for families aligns so well with our mission. Their deep community roots and holistic approach made them a natural fit for partnership. We were especially moved by the shelter’s emphasis on nurturing both children and their caregivers. By partnering with GRIP, we can reach families at a moment when support and connection matter most.
Q: How do you envision this partnership enhancing the literacy support provided to children at GRIP?
Nain: We aim to integrate literacy into everyday life at the shelter. This includes offering storytime activities, providing culturally relevant books, and equipping staff to engage children in playful, literacy-rich interactions. It’s about making literacy accessible, joyful, and a natural part of a child’s day.
Q: How do you plan to tailor your literacy initiatives to meet the unique needs of children in transitional housing?
Nain: Our approach is flexible and trauma-informed. We provide durable books through our “Lil Library” that don’t need to be returned, which helps with the high mobility many families experience. We focus on stories that reflect the children’s own lives and use interactive, play-based techniques that meet them where they are—emotionally and developmentally.
Q: In what ways do you plan to involve parents or guardians in the literacy development of their children?
Nain: Parent engagement is central to our mission. We host workshops that show caregivers how to support literacy using everyday moments—no special training or materials needed. Whether it’s telling a story while cooking or making up rhymes on a walk, we help parents see themselves as their child’s most powerful teacher.
Q: Are there opportunities for community members to support or volunteer in your literacy programs at GRIP?
Nain: Absolutely! Volunteers are essential to what we do. Community members can assist with storytime sessions, help distribute books, and share their love of reading with families. It’s a beautiful way to connect with and uplift our community.
We’ll keep you updated as Tandem begins its literacy programs at GRIP’s family shelter this spring. We are grateful for partners like Tandem who share our vision of building brighter futures—one story at a time.
