New programs are soon coming to Brownsville to help stabilize and strengthen families.

The expansion was announced Thursday during “Brownsville Reads,” a summertime early literacy program for children and their families.

The seven-week program by SCO Family of Services promotes family involvement in literacy by encouraging parents to read to their kids.

SCO is launching a "Fatherhood Initiative" to promote high parental involvement from noncustodial fathers, as well as "Brownsville United" to improve outcomes for kids age 3 and younger. It is also expanding several other programs.

The goal of the programs is to help families build a strong foundation for the future.