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Methodist Hospitals' Auxiliary Establishes Reading Room
The pediatric unit at Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus now
has its very own “Reading Room,” thanks to Methodist Hospitals
Auxiliary. Connie Hickman, President of Methodist Hospitals
Auxiliary, wanted to establish the room in memory of her late
husband, Robert Hickman. She donated the furnishings for the room.
The books, which are distributed to the young patients, are donated
through Project R.E.A.D. (Reading Early Accelerates Development) by
the Gary Literacy Coalition, Inc. (GLC). Project R.E.A.D. is a
Methodist Hospitals volunteer program that focuses primarily on
reading to infants and young children. While serving as the literacy
link for Project R.E.A.D., the Gary Literacy Coalition, Inc.
supports the Methodist Hospitals pediatric literacy initiative,
Reach Out and Read. Reach Out and Read is a national early literacy
program, sanctioned by pediatricians, that makes books a routine
part of pediatric care. During the last seven years, over 10,000
books have been distributed through the Methodist Hospitals’ Project
R.E.A.D. program.
Connie Hickman feels that the new “Reading Room” will place
continued support and attention to Project R.E.A.D. and The Gary
Literacy Coalition, Inc. When asked what she would most like to see
done with the new room, Connie replied that she wants, above all
else, to “keep the project going, healthy and strong.” The Hickman’s
have always felt that reading at a young age creates a solid base
for one’s future and thus, she feels that the new “Reading Room” and
Project R.E.A.D. will aid the young patients in developing this
base. “Not only does the reading help them (the children), but the
comfort that comes from a good story will also help to lift their
spirits.” Fredricka Davidson, Past President/Advisor, has been a
passionate member of the auxiliary for many years and has worked
consistently within the hospitals to promote early reading advocacy.
Fredricka, also Vice-President of GLC, stated that, “Project R.E.A.D.
and the “Reading Room” will have a significant and positive impact
on not only the children who benefit from them, but on their parents
and other family members as well. The GLC/Project R.E.A.D. literacy
link provides Methodist Hospitals another unique community service
opportunity.”
 Era C. Twyman, Executive Director of the Gary Literacy Coalition,
Inc., recognizes the value of providing books to young children. She
stated that “GLC will continue to provide books as needed. Literacy
is fundamental to leading a healthy life. By developing a strong
base in literacy, children are able to better achieve academically.
GLC provides books which give children more opportunities to read
and learn.”
The Gary Literacy Coalition, Inc. is funded via grants and
monetary contributions. Individuals who are interested in making a
contribution or volunteering as a mentor may contact GLC at (219)
885-2229.
Photo Caption: Pictured (L to R) Era Twyman, Fredericka Davidson
and Connie Hickman celebrate the opening of the Reading Room at
Methodist Hospitals' Pediatric Unit in Merrillville. The room was
made possible through the efforts of the auxillary and Methodist
Hospitals partnership with the Gary Literacy Coalition.
For more information or to interview/photograph Methodist
Hospital employees, please contact me, my contact information is
located below.
Amber Raza
Marketing and Corporate Communications
P: 219.886.4474
F: 219.886.4592
E:
araza@methodisthospitals.org
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