our journey of literacy and community impact

Mother and daughter read a book before bed

What began as a vision to improve early childhood literacy has blossomed into a community-wide effort, reaching thousands of families. In the last five years, we’ve seen firsthand how the simple act of receiving a book in the mail can spark a lifelong love of reading in children.

The excitement of opening the mailbox and discovering a new story to share at bedtime is more than just a routine—it’s an opportunity for families to bond, create lasting memories and build a foundation for future learning success.

the power of books for kids

The impact of the Imagination Library is undeniable. Research has shown that early exposure to books helps develop critical language and cognitive skills in young children, preparing them for kindergarten and beyond.

For many families, this program has made books more accessible, bridging the gap for children who might not have easy access to reading materials at home.

Over the past five years, our program has distributed thousands of books, helping children grow their home libraries, one book at a time. Families like Andrew Spoon’s have expressed how much the program has enriched their lives.

“Receiving books from the Imagination Library program has been such a blessing to my little family,” shares Andrew.

“My son, Odin, loves checking the mailbox for his Dolly books, and the countless memories we’ve shared reading together at bedtime are truly priceless.”

looking ahead as a community

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also excited for what the future holds. Our goal is to continue expanding our reach, ensuring that every eligible child in Montgomery County has the chance to participate in the Imagination Library.

But we can’t do it alone. As a community, we rely on the generous support of donors, volunteers and partners who believe in the power of books to shape a child’s future. To help us mark this special occasion, we invite you to join us in continuing this mission. Your donation to the program through the Dayton Foundation helps us deliver books to more children for years to come. For just $66, you can provide a child with books for 5 years—an investment that will spark a lifelong love of reading and learning.

join us in celebrating this milestone

As we reflect on the past five years, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the families, community partners and donors who have made this journey possible. Together, we’ve helped build a brighter future for the children of Montgomery County, one book at a time.

Here’s to many more years of fostering a love of reading and making a lasting impact in our community. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!

woman helps young child with asthma inhaler

Asthma is a significant challenge for more than 4.5 million children under 18, impacting their daily lives, aspirations and dreams. At Dayton Children’s, we are dedicated not only to treating asthma but also to enhancing the overall wellness of every child living with this condition.

Our Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a pivotal role in this mission, serving as important links between our patients and the resources that can transform their lives. By reaching out to families after a diagnosis, CHWs empower them with the knowledge and tools they need to manage asthma comprehensively, fostering resilience and a brighter, healthier future.

CHW’s like Precious Brown have a unique connection to our community which impacts the way they carry out their job.

Precious’ path: making a difference as a Community Health Worker

“I always wanted to give back to the community in which I grew up and helped mold me into the woman I am today. The only issue was I was unsure of how to fulfill that passion.”

Precious Brown, community health worker, has been serious about her mission to make a difference in this community.

When the opportunity was presented to join the team at Dayton Children’s, she was excited to be supported in pursuing her Masters in Public Health while also fulfilling her lifelong dream of helping others.

“Being in this position, the impact that we are able to make for the families we serve is inexplicably rewarding,” shares Precious. “I remember when I was growing up I would watch my mom do things for people around her. Whether it was just a conversation or a gesture, I would see a sense of relief present on their faces and in their body. It was like a language that brought a calmness to everyone who was there to witness.”

For Tabitha Miller, when her 8-year-old son Mason was diagnosed with asthma at Dayton Children’s, the presence of a CHW made her feel instant relief.

“I started crying when she called me and she shared how she could help,” explained Tabitha. “I thought this was a blessing to have that extra help instead of just going to the doctor.”

above and beyond support for asthma patients

So what exactly is the role of a CHW? It may be hard to label but easy to tell that it makes a big impact.

“Sometimes we are therapists, educators, advisories, mediators and the lists can continue,” says Precious. “But of most importance we are advocators. As asthma Community Health Workers, we strive to help patients and their families healthily manage their asthma. This can look many ways, such as providing education to the patients about medication, environmental triggers, the importance of making office visits and what to do when symptoms are present and threatening.”

Beyond education, CHW’s may also provide allergen bedding, swifter dusters, green cleaning buckets as an alternative to using harmful and asthma triggering chemicals, HEPA vacuums, spacers and more. All to limit the patient’s exposure to triggers that could cause irritation to the airways and provoke their asthma symptoms.

Of course our CHWs also go above and beyond like Mekayla Pullins, who is the CHW for the Miller family.

A Community Health worker poses with an asthma patient

“She goes with us to doctors’ appointments. She’s always messaging to see how Mason is doing. She met up with us last minute because my son does not like taking his steroid inhaler to help with his asthma and he was going to have to start taking shots once a week and she printed off some papers and explained everything to us and he’s been doing his breathing better since!”

By holistically helping the family to improve factors, stressors and triggers, it can make outcomes for the child patient much better!

“What I think most are unaware of when it comes to asthma, is that it can be deadly. Asthma is a life-threatening disease and should be treated as such. Therefore, if you are unfamiliar with the effects of asthma and you help asthmatic families at any capacity try and find time to research do that you are best equipped to help these families.”

the importance of asthma awareness

By raising awareness, people are more likely to recognize the signs of asthma, seek appropriate medical care, and understand how to manage the condition effectively. Additionally, increased awareness can lead to advocacy for policies and resources that support asthma prevention, research, and access to quality healthcare for asthma sufferers. Ultimately, the purpose of raising awareness is to enhance the quality of life for people living with asthma and reduce the burden of the disease on society.

Today, Mason is an active kid who is excited to start playing football this year! Thanks to support and guidance from CHWs, this is possible and our hope for all kids!

“I find it important to not assume that everyone around you, including the families, are as knowledgeable. So, educate profusely but not with the absence of compassion. Extend grace and patience and make sure that you are serving each case uniquely because it will be most beneficial,” shares Precious.

To learn more about our CHW program and our hospital’s commitment to health equity, click here.