Celebrating Childhood Development and Nurturing Connections with Nuestros Niños

10/19/2020

young girl reads book inside blanket fort

As the COVID-19 pandemic compelled many nonprofit organizations to rethink their community outreach, virtual events aimed at families with young children provide educational family fun while fostering connections. The Healthy Americas Foundation hosted a special Sesame Street in Communities sing-a-long and story time event on October 15 as part of their Nuestros Niños program to close out Hispanic Heritage Month. The bilingual event featured a sing-a-long in English and Spanish, and a reading of Big Bird’s Comfy-Cozy Nest was broadcast via Facebook. The bilingual resources shared during the event are available online.

"We are so proud to bring Sesame Street in Communities to families as part of Nuestros Niños, and we are thrilled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this special sing-a-long and story time," said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President of U.S. Social Impact, Sesame Workshop. "Combined with our wonderful partners at the Healthy Americas Foundation and The Centene Charitable Foundation, we’re building a circle of care around all children."

"The Centene Charitable Foundation is proud to support this important initiative in Hispanic communities throughout the country to promote the well-being of children," said Marcela Manjarrez-Hawn, Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer for Centene. "Together, we can make a positive and lasting impact on the health and wellness of kids and families in communities."

Centene expanded its support of the Nuestros Niños program for the virtual event. Nuestros Niños, with the assistance of The Centene Charitable Foundation, has opened Comfy-Cozy Spaces in health and early childhood development facilities in cities across the country. The spaces create a welcoming space for children in healthcare centers and other facilities while encouraging childhood literacy through educational activities. Based on lessons from the Nuestros Niños program, the Healthy Americas Foundation and Centene are building a healthier future for Hispanic children in communities across the country.

In times of uncertainty, Centene must continue expanding community partnerships and supporting students of all ages. Learn more about Centene's enterprise-wide relief efforts at our COVID-19 Resource Center.