Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Expands into Northwest Harris County Through Cy-Fair Helping Hands
Children in northwest Harris County will soon have greater access to books and early literacy resources thanks to a new partnership between Cy-Fair Helping Hands (CFHH), Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and the Weekley Family YMCA. The initiative will provide children from birth to age five with free, high-quality, age-appropriate books delivered to their homes each month, at no cost to their families.
“Education is a key tool in breaking the cycle of poverty, and children who love to read perform better in school overall,” said Janet Ryan, Executive Director of Cy-Fair Helping Hands. “Those first five years of life are some of the most crucial years for learning in a person's lifetime. This initiative will connect low-income families to resources their children will need for lifelong success.”
Promoting Early Childhood Literacy and Educational Success
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, founded in 1995, has become one of the world’s most influential early childhood book-gifting programs. Since its inception, the initiative has provided over 200 million free books to children across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. The program, a flagship initiative of The Dollywood Foundation, seeks to foster a love of reading by mailing more than 2 million books each month to enrolled children.
The program was inspired by Dolly's deep admiration for her father, Robert Lee Parton, who was unable to read. She founded the program as a tribute to him, with a mission to foster a love of reading among children. What started as a local initiative to support kids in her home county has grown into a worldwide program, delivering books to young readers across the globe.
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Studies have shown that early exposure to books and reading can significantly impact a child’s cognitive development, language skills, and long-term academic success. Research indicates that reading to children from infancy helps increase their IQ and vocabulary, promotes independence, and enhances self-regulation skills.
“We are thankful to be a part of bringing books to more children through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Weekley Family YMCA,” Ryan added. “This program complements our initiatives to assist students in CFISD and our scholarships for Lone Star College. We believe strongly in helping everyone have access to a good education, setting them up for success in the future.”
Cy-Fair Helping Hands Expands Its Impact
CFHH, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in 2010 to support homeless individuals in the Cy-Fair area. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services to include a Community Food Pantry, emergency shelter assistance, student scholarships, a Homeless Outreach program, a Homeless Day Shelter, and specialized programs for students experiencing homelessness. Through strategic partnerships, CFHH continues to enhance its ability to serve vulnerable populations, ensuring that educational resources are accessible to all.
The collaboration with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library aligns with CFHH’s mission to break cycles of poverty by equipping families with tools for educational success. Funding for this program is provided by the Weekley Family YMCA and Imagination Library program funds, enabling CFHH to bring books to more children in northwest Harris County.
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Expanding Literacy Opportunities for Children in Northwest Harris County
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been widely recognized for its impact on early literacy and school readiness. Through its partnership with CFHH, the program will now extend its reach to more families in the Houston area, fostering a culture of reading and learning among young children.
With an emphasis on accessibility, the initiative ensures that families, regardless of socioeconomic status, can provide their children with the foundational literacy skills needed for lifelong success. The books delivered through the program are carefully selected to be developmentally appropriate, engaging, and diverse, reinforcing the importance of early literacy in childhood development.
For families in northwest Harris County, this collaboration represents an invaluable opportunity to receive free books and cultivate a love for reading at an early age. Parents interested in enrolling their children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library can visit imaginationlibrary.com for more information about eligibility and registration.
By working together, Cy-Fair Helping Hands, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and the Weekley Family YMCA are making strides toward ensuring that every child has access to books and the opportunity to thrive academically and beyond.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
