Mid-Columbia Programs

BOOKS FOR BABIES

Books for Babies provides a new board book, early reading information and a 'Read To Me" baby bib to each new mother after the birth of a child at local hospitals. Fluor Corporation has sponsored this program since its inception in 1996. Participating hospitals are Kennewick General Hospital in Kennewick, Kadlec Medical Center in Richland, and Lourdes Medical Center in Pasco.

McDonald's Summer Reading Challenge

Beginning the week after school ends in June, and continuing for 10 weeks, four local McDonald's restaurants host children's story time once a week. Story times begin at 1 p.m. (except in Prosser, which starts at 1030 a.m.) and feature different themes and guest readers each week. Ronald McDonald will read with children during the first week and last week . Children who document reading ten books during the previous week can earn a free McDonald's Happy Meal. Schedule:

Tuesdays - Kennewick McDonalds, Kennewick Avenue & Hwy 395

Wednesday - Pasco McDonalds, Road 68 Thursdays - Pasco McDonalds,

Thursday - Prosser McDonald's (10:30 a.m.) and Pasco Court Street mcDonald's(1:00 p.m.)

La Clinica Outreach

Children in families using Community Health Center La Clinica's Women's, Infants, and Childrens (W.I.C.) clinic receive a free new book during each monthly visit. Parents receive information on the importance of early reading.

Our Babies Can't Wait

Our Babies Can't Wait (OBCW) is a series of workshops for first-time parents with new-born children (under 12 months).  The workshops provide information and research-proven techniques dealing with congitive development, social/emotional development, safe baby practices, safe family proctices, nutrition and well baby care, and positive parenting.

OBCW sorkshops are presented under the auspices of the Community Solutions Initiative of the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties, and were developed in partnership with the Benton-Franklin Health Department, Washington Department of Early Learning, Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Catholic Child and Family Services, Lutheran Community Services, Washington State University Tri-Cities Cooperative Extention Services and numerous volunteers.

For informaiton of workshop dates and locations contact program coordinator Kristy Wolters at 509.987.BABY (2229).

First Teacher Libraries

First time classroom teacher in grades K-3 working in local schools receive a free classroom library of 100 books. This program is supported by QWest Communications in Franklin and Walla Walla Counties, but Bookwlater Wineery,  and by local Rotary clubs and the Make The Dash Count Foundation.