About Us
Founded over 30 years ago by Howard and Kat Grossman, SOS—Read emerged from a deep-rooted recognition of how vital early literacy is to a child’s development. Driven by a passion for empowering families, our nonprofit is dedicated to providing free books to infants and toddlers (ages 0-3) across San Bernardino County via their doctors and organizations that serve them. We are 100% volunteer and our mission is built on the belief that every child deserves a strong start, and we specialize in sourcing sturdy, high-quality board books that can withstand the enthusiastic hands of very young readers.
We pride ourselves on being an active thread in the fabric of our community. From participating in the St. Bernardine Medical Center's Community Baby Shower to collaborating with local initiatives like the Valley College Turkey Giveaway, we work tirelessly to put educational resources directly into the hands of parents. Each year, we deliver thousands of books—including major contributions to Children's Fund—while constantly seeking out bilingual and culturally relevant titles that reflect the diverse families we serve.
As we look toward the future, SOS—Read continues to expand its reach through new collaborations and a growing network of volunteers. We remain committed to the tradition of our founders, fostering a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.
Cynthia Ludvigsen
A San Bernardino resident for five decades, Cynthia Ludvigsen served the city as both a lawyer and a Superior Court Judge. Beyond the bench, she is a dedicated volunteer for Mary’s Mercy Center and the San Bernardino Symphony. A champion for early literacy, Cynthia has spent 20 years volunteering with SOS—Read, carrying on a love for books she first shared with her own children.
Kat Grossman
Howard and I started SOS-Read to give all children in the Inland Empire a leg up when they begin life. Reading to infants is critical to their development and we hoped our program would save thousands of children needing remediation later in their school lives.
Phyllis Helwig
More details coming soon!
William Lucas
I joined SOS READ because I personally relate to its mission. Growing up in a Hispanic household, I did not speak English until kindergarten and struggled with my reading skills. Through SOS READ, I hope to help other children overcome similar challenges and succeed in their education
Thomas Pierce
A retired CSUSB professor who taught economics for more than 40 years
Jim Pierson
More info coming soon
Elizabeth Silvius
Elizabeth Silvius was born and raised in San Bernardino. She has been volunteering with SOS read for nine years and she currently serves as Secretary of the Board. Elizabeth is a passionate reader who believes every child deserves a library that begins at birth and she is grateful for every chance to give back to the community that shaped her.
Elizabeth Sneed
Elizabeth Sneed-Berrie is a San Bernardino native. She has been volunteering with SOS Read since 2023. Elizabeth has always enjoyed spending time at the local libraries with her son. She believes that once a childs imagination is ignited their future is limitless.
Why this matters
Reading to your child from day one creates a rich language environment, which is one of the most critical factors in building a healthy brain—second only to a secure emotional attachment. When parents engage in interactive "parent talk" and read aloud starting in early infancy, they are quite literally helping their child’s brain grow.
Why the First Three Years Matter
The first three years of life are a high-speed construction site for the human brain. Here is why your involvement is the most important tool:
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Rapid Growth: 85% of brain growth occurs during these first three years.
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Constant Connection: Over 1 million neuronal connections are made every single second!
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Building the Brain: Hearing a high volume of words "grows" these neural connections, physically shaping the brain's architecture (Suskind, 2015).
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"Use It or Lose It": Pathways in the brain that are stimulated by nurturing caregiving, conversation, and book sharing are reinforced. Conversely, brain pathways that go unused are "pruned" away during these formative early childhood years.
By sharing a book today, you aren't just telling a story—you are building a foundation for school readiness and lifelong success.
Our Impact
Since 2021, SOS-Read has provided 10,500 books to families with children ages 0-3 via their healthcare providers and nonprofit organizations.
SOS Read significantly contributes to early childhood literacy, fostering cognitive development, emotional security, and vocabulary growth in infants and toddlers. Our efforts are transforming lives, one book at a time.