Addressing a critical need
As one of many solutions to improve outcomes for children and their families, Cobb Collaborative is committed to uniting families, educators and community partners to enhance literacy and foster a love for reading among children. With two-thirds of Georgia’s third graders not reading at grade level, Cobb Collaborative’s Family Literacy Kit program intervenes with resources and support. By providing high-quality, age-appropriate reading materials for children from birth to age 5, this program fosters positive interactions between children and their caregivers and promotes kindergarten readiness. Family Literacy Kits address a critical need identified in Wellstar’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA): improving literacy as a social determinant of health.Collaborative effort
Cobb Collaborative, a key player in the Get Georgia Reading Campaign, has been instrumental in improving third-grade reading levels across the community. This pilot initiative, supported by Wellstar Community Health and Wellstar Center for Health Equity, along with Small TALK, will distribute 10 Family Literacy Kits each month for a year through the Sibley Library. Kits will incorporate a bilingual book (in Spanish and English), a hands-on activity related to the book's theme, instructional inserts with additional activities and other resources. Wellstar will also contribute materials to support pediatric health education and access to social care such as food and transportation resources. Rae-Anne Pinckney, manager of community benefit for the Wellstar Center for Health Equity, notes, "As we launch this initiative, we are reminded of the profound impact that early literacy can have on a child's future. By providing these Family Literacy Kits, we are not only fostering a love for reading, but also laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success. This work is crucial in bridging the literacy gap and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive." The Family Literacy Kits pilot collaboration launched in January. Monthly themes include:- January: Security and Exploration
- February: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
- March: Growth/Community
- April: Sleep Health
- May: Emotional Wellness
- June: Life Cycles
- July: Physical Activity
- August: Oral Health
- September: Working Together
- October: Community/Belonging
- November: Nutrition
- December: Cultures/Celebration
Learn more about the Wellstar Center for Health Equity.
