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Take 5 to Help Me T.H.R.I.V.E

Encouraging language and literacy development, healthy habits, and meaningful interactions with your child from the very start.

All families welcoming a new baby at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center - Appleton, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, ThedaCare New London, and ThedaCare Regional Medical Center - Neenah receive a literacy bag.

Partnering with various organizations including Omicron Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Fox Cities Chapter of Credit Unions, and the AASD Birth-Five Outreach Team, we aim to equip families with resources for early engagement and development.

Since its inception in May 23, 2008, over 13,000 literacy bags have been distributed to local hospitals. Each bag contains two books, developmental milestone resources, letters from participating school districts, community information, and opportunities for ongoing support.

The "Take 5 to Help Me THRIVE" project emphasizes the significance of early interaction and literacy. Research underscores that the first five years are pivotal for brain development, with reading playing a vital role in strengthening attachment, communication, memory, and vocabulary skills.

As advocates for early brain and child development, we recognize parents as a child's first and most influential teachers. With nurturing care and meaningful engagement, families can lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth.

Volunteering

We're always seeking volunteers to assist with this program. If your company or group would like to help assemble bags, make a donation, or otherwise assist with Take 5 to Help Me Thrive, please reach out to the Birth-Five Outreach office at (920) 832-6470.

Take 5 Logo

 

  • Talk: Engage in conversation throughout your day to nurture language skills.
  • Healthy Habits: Promote healthy choices for a vibrant lifestyle.
  • Read: Share stories daily to expand vocabulary and language abilities.
  • Interact: Embrace learning through play, fostering exploration and relationships.
  • Value: Cherish moments spent with your child as invaluable.
  • Engage with your child in all that you do

Participating School Districts

  • Appleton Area School District
  • Freedom School District
  • Hortonville Area School District
  • Kaukauna Area School District
  • Kimberly Area School District
  • Little Chute Area School District
  • Menasha Joint School District
  • Neenah Joint School District 
  • Seymour Community School District
  • School District of New London
  • Shiocton School District