NEWBURGH — Monroe resident Yasmine Kalkstein, a Mount Saint Mary College psychology professor, recently spearheaded a project to bring used children's books to new mothers St. Luke's Hospital Birth Center in Newburgh, resulting in over 200 care packages for the facility.
The project was supported by the college, Jewish Federation of Orange County, and many other organizations and individuals. Mothers received information on local community resources, why reading to kids is important, child development (cognitively, emotionally, socially), postpartum depression, breastfeeding and even encouraging notes from other mothers.
Kalkstein, Brownie Girl Scout leader, also enlisted the help of her troop in the effort.
"'It Takes a Village" packed over 1,600 children's books (in addition to many other items and educational resources," Kalkstein said. "We then had about eight carloads (and my hard working girl scout troop) delivering them to St. Luke's Hospital where they will go to mothers."
The goal, she added, was to give young mothers an "at home library" of books to read to their children.
"We got over double the books we expected," Kalkstein added, "and many helped."
- Nancy Kriz