Scott Embry and the folks at the United Way of Cumberland County have one goal in mind with their launch of a new partnership with Cape Fear Valley Health — that 100 percent of the babies born in Cumberland County will go home with a book and access to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
The members of The United Way of Cumberland County hope to do this by giving every parent of a newborn “The Little Engine That Could” and helping assist them to enroll in the Imagination Library. This program provides children ages zero through five with a free book every month mailed to their homes.
The partnership with Cape Fear Valley Health began this past month.
“This partnership will enhance our efforts to promote early childhood literacy,” Embry said. Embry said they are operating this program in collaboration with Smart Start and Partnership for Children.
“Our collaboration with Cape Fear Valley Health is instrumental in spreading awareness of this program. We believe this book is a great entry point. The impact of early childhood reading research highlights the critical role of early literacy.”
Embry mentioned a study done by Ohio State University that found children who are read to daily hear an estimated 78,000 words per year.
“Over five years, this translates to a cumulative 1.4 million more words compared to children who are never read to. This exposure is vital in bridging the Word Gap and fostering better educational outcomes.”
The book they are giving out to the newborns, “The Little Engine That Could,” was recommended by those at Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Cape Fear Valley Health delivers between 300 and 350 babies each month and the goal of the members at The United Way of Cumberland County is to make sure each one receives this book.
Embry says they are having on-going conversations with local leaders and hope to open additional collaborations.
“We welcome area organizations to join us in this important work,” he said.
At the end of the day, Embry says, the mission is to improve lives across Cumberland County by “strategically raising and investing resources that successfully impact prioritized human service and health needs.”
Once enrolled, the parents will continue to receive a book a month mailed to their homes, funded by about $2.20 per book. For more information about The United Way of Cumberland County or this program, visit www.unitedway-cc.org.