ECPC co-sponsors childhood literacy event

MANCHESTER – Clinicians and staff from ECPC donated their time and support this summer to make a childhood literacy event an overwhelming success for local youth.

“ECPC is happy to contribute, in any way possible, to the development of literacy and learning skills in the children of the community,” said Dr. Dennis O’Neill, ECPC president.

The Read to Grow Bookmobile event drew 140 children to Wadell Elementary School on Aug. 7. The income-based Summer Camp program allowed children to choose an age- and language-appropriate book to keep. The children had the opportunity to read their new books to Manchester Mayor Moran.

In addition, ECPC donated individual string bags filled with back-to-school supplies for all participating children. Pet therapy dogs, provided by Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN), were also on-site.

ECHN is a long-time supporter of the Read to Grow “Books for Babies” program, which provides literacy training for new parents in its Family Birthing Center.

“Books for Babies is such an enhancement to the nurturing, patient-centered care parents receive in our Family Birthing Center,” said Deborah Weymouth, president and CEO of ECHN and Waterbury Health. “Extending more literacy opportunities to the community with the bookmobile is an initiative we’re very proud to be a part of.”