This Thanksgiving season, we are thankful for the many individuals, organizations and businesses who give back to their community. Here at CHAS Health, we are fortunate to witness the generosity of others who donate their time, talent, and treasure.
Earlier this year, the children’s corner at CHAS Maple Street Clinic got a makeover thanks to Katie Mathews and Junior League of Spokane. Katie reached out to us ask if she could do a project to create a reading nook for children. She went with a Dr. Seuss theme, and Junior League provided wall hangings, book racks, and books!
“In alignment with the mission of the Junior League of Spokane to develop the potential of women and improve the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers, the new member group I was a part of was tasked with creating a reading nook at a community partner/agency of our choosing. With the League’s current focus area of improving childhood literacy in Spokane, we wanted to reach children in a location where they might not normally have access to books. We especially liked the idea of a reading nook at CHAS because there is a correlation between health and education, and CHAS is committed to serving all families and individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their situation. Also, as a Social Worker, I believe it’s important to meet the individual where they are. By providing a reading nook at the Maple CHAS clinic, not only could the JLS provide a fun, whimsical space where reading can be approachable and entertaining, the child can bring the book home where it can enhance the child’s imagination and help increase their vocabulary.”
-Katie Matthews
Encouraging children to read fits right in at CHAS Health. Our pediatricians participate in Reach Out and Read, a program proven to increase literacy and school readiness for children ages zero to six. During a medical exam, the pediatrician reads an age-appropriate book to the child, encourages the child’s family to spend time reading out loud every day, and the child gets to take their book home.
Amerigroup sponsored over 7,000 Reach Out and Read books to give out to children this year. Thanks to generous partners like Katie Mathews, Junior League of Spokane, and Amerigroup, children and families in our community are being encouraged to read.
In the words of Dr. Seuss, “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” Thank you for being the world to our patients!
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This blog post part of a special CHAS Health series for #GivingTuesday 2019. #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that focuses on the collective power that individuals, communities and organizations use to celebrate generosity and philanthropy worldwide. During the Thanksgiving season, it is easy to get swept up in the fervor of shopping events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. #GivingTuesday, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, will kick off the giving season and inspire people to collaborate and give back. Follow CHAS Health on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.
