Every year, the Community Pediatrics Department of Columbia University Medical Center and the Ambulatory Care Network of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital host an Appreciation Breakfast to honor all of the Community Based Organizations of Washington Heights and Inwood who collaborate with them. These partnerships have created meaningful academic and community-based partnerships by developing population health initiatives that address major threats to children’s health.
The Y is honored to receive such recognition. Andrea Schnee, the Literacy Program Coordinator, attended the Community Appreciation Breakfast on June 10th as the Y’s ambassador in honor of the partnership with Reach Out and Read. Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit organization of medical providers who promote early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud.
On May 13, 2014 the Literacy Program at the Y hosted a reading celebration during which Reach Out and Read graciously donated books to the children and families. This was the beginning of our partnership with them.
Starting in September 2014, the Y’s free Literacy Program, which provides reading and literacy programs for local families, will be expanding its programming by partnering with CHALK, Literacy Inc, City Harvest, People’s Theater Project, PS 132, and Health Plus, other Community Based Organizations who collaborate with the Community Pediatrics Department of Columbia University Medical Center.
