By: Molly Vandervest, President of The Bellin Health Foundation
Every parent remembers their baby’s first day—that perfect mix of joy, wonder, and maybe a little nervousness. What if there was a way to nurture the newborn’s development and strengthen the family’s bond from the very moment they head home?
That is exactly what is happening at Emplify Health by Bellin Green Bay Hospital, where every baby born receives their very own collection of books through the Books for Babies program.
Books for Babies is a simple yet impactful concept to give every newborn, including those in the NICU, a head start on their reading journey. Each package includes two books that are carefully selected: Nancy Tillman’s beloved “On the Night You Were Born” (available in both English and Spanish) and a high-contrast baby faces book perfect for helping little ones recognize shapes and colors.
The gift also includes something for the parents as they navigate becoming parents or adding another member to their family. Each package includes a journal and gentle prompts to encourage parents to capture their thoughts and feelings during this transformative time.
The Mike and Leanne Haddad Family Foundation launched the program on January 1 with a generous in-kind donation. Leanne has always been a big reader and knows that reading to your child early is impactful for their learning and contributes to building strong bonds between parent and child. Leanne shares that, “Books for Babies is about giving back to our community and creating meaningful connections between parents and their children from day one.”
As the program evolves, the Haddad Family Foundation aims to make it more inclusive with more languages and an expansion to HSHS St. Vincent Hospital, to reach more families throughout the community.
Books for Babies represents just the first chapter in a larger commitment to childhood literacy. The program connects seamlessly with Emplify Health by Bellin’s Prescription for Reading initiative, a new program starting to spread across all Bellin region primary care locations. The initiative will put developmentally appropriate books in the hands of kids and families at well-child appointments. This program encourages reading at an early age while helping set the foundation for a healthy life. Studies have shown engaging in reading early results in stronger relationships with families and increased engagement in preventive health measures. Together, Books for Babies and Prescription for Reading are creating a continuum of literacy support from birth through childhood.
While Books for Babies exists thanks to strong support from the Haddad Family Foundation and The Bellin Health Foundation, the mission to promote childhood literacy extends far beyond the hospital’s walls. Community members interested in supporting literacy at any stage of a child’s life can contribute to the Prescription for Reading program at this link: bellin.org/book-donation.
Every child (and family) deserves access to books and the magic they contain. Whether it’s a newborn hearing their first story or a kindergartener discovering the joy of reading on their own, these programs plant seeds that can grow into a lifelong love of learning.
Photo Credit: The Bellin Health Foundation
Published on: Jan 26, 2026 at 9:30 am