MONROE — Monroe Clinic & Hospital Foundation, a member of SSM Health, recently received a $2,500 grant from the Monroe Fund of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. The grant was written to provide additional financial resources to the Reach Out & Read program benefiting the children who receive care at SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group in Lena. 

The Reach Out & Read Program encourages families to celebrate literacy as part of healthy childhood development. Through this initiative, children receive a free book at each of their well-child visits, from age 6 months through 5 years. Books vary depending on age and are selected based on stages of development.

“We are appreciative of the Ray & Betty L. Stamm Grant for helping to Reach Out & Read program,” said Jane Sybers, Monroe Clinic & Hospital Foundation Executive Director. “In 2021, 466 books were given to our littlest patients in Lena and with this grant we will be able to continue creating this special opportunity for families to read together.”