Partnership to promote equity and inclusion for New York City families through distribution of free books.
June 22, 2021 (Long Island City, NY) – Today, Fidelis Care, a health plan serving more than 2.3 million members across New York State and Literacy Inc. announced Diversity through Literacy, a timely initiative which brings diverse books and stories to underserved communities across New York City. Fidelis Care will work with Literacy Inc. to identify and distribute children’s books that provide perspectives on race, social justice, equity and inclusion.
“LINC creates culturally responsive programs that build community and drive visible, measurable parent-child change. Families are empowered and inspired to be part of the solution. LINC is thrilled to launch our Diversity through Literacy campaign on Juneteenth with representative and age-appropriate books and programs that build community, add value, and drive change. Poverty eradication and racial justice start with children’s access to quality early education regardless of their zip code...Equity begins with early literacy.” -- Eliana Godoy, Director of Advancement, Literacy Inc.
An in-person book donation will take place on July 7 at the Dyckman Houses in Manhattan and Marble Hill
Houses in The Bronx – New York City Housing Authority locations that, combined, are home to
more than 4,400 New Yorkers. Literacy Inc. has partnered with these centers for many years to improve early literacy skills and would like to acknowledge and celebrate their dedication. On this day, Literacy Inc. and Fidelis Care will present each community center with an educational library of books about Juneteenth and the importance of diversity and representation in children’s literature. Each location has a community center with a growing library where the books will be available to all.
A Diversity through Literacy parent workshop will be held on July 28 hosted by Literacy Inc. and Fidelis Care. Literacy Inc. staff will explain the importance of reading diverse books as a way of building early literacy skills and exposing their children to new cultures. Children’s book authors Jessica Ralli and Megan Madison will share their book Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race. Literacy Inc. will distribute 140 copies of the book across the 5 boroughs of New York City.
For more information about LINC and our Diversity through Literature campaign, visit us at: www.lincnyc.org/onlineprograms or contact Virginia Taddoni, Communications Manager, LINC at vtaddoni@lincnyc.org or 212-620-5462, ext. 133.
About Fidelis Care: Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 2.3 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. Follow us on Twitter at @fideliscare, Instagram at @fideliscare, and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.