“Redefining who we are.”

Sentiments echoed by Niswonger Children’s Hospital CEO Lisa Carter were shared by those in attendance Thursday morning for a press conference inside the hospital about Ballad Health’s B.E.A.R. Buddies program going on within the region.

It’s a bit unique, but part of the health system’s goal of giving back to the future generations, said Alan Levine, Ballad Health CEO. The B.E.A.R. Buddies program is provided through the Children’s Resource Center at Niswonger Children’s Hospital and encourages volunteers to read with students to help them reach the grade level for reading.

With the investment made following the merger of Mountain States and Wellmont, Levine added that programs like B.E.A.R. Buddies also help the health system focus on the future of the area and help improve literacy across the region.

“We are redefining what we do,” Carter added. “It is really not enough for us to just treat kids that come into our hospital with acute illnesses. We really have to meet with the children where they are, meet the needs that they have and really try to set them up for success for the future. With this program, we want to offer the resources they need because our children are the future.”

Currently, B.E.A.R. Buddies operates through two different areas — South Side Elementary and the Boys and Girls Club of Johnson City/Washington County. While the program has seen success in the area, five other programs are looking to implement B.E.A.R. Buddies, including the Wandell Early Learning Center located at East Side Elementary in Elizabethton.

The purpose of Thursday’s event was to showcase the program, and also a challenge to the public. With the program starting to take shape, the health system is seeking volunteers to assist at different areas.

One of the individuals slated to help with the project is Whitney Oliver. The Ballad Health team member and Elizabethton native is no stranger to working with children and added that she thought it was a no brainer to join in the initiative.

“The smile on children’s faces when they accomplish something they thought they couldn’t … it is absolutely contagious,” Oliver said.

Oliver shared the experience of working alongside a “sweet” second grader that struggled with reading. Joining Oliver was Anne Littleford, South Side Elementary principal. Littleford spoke about the program’s success at her school and how it can be a welcomed addition throughout the region.

The program pairs high school students and other individuals about the age of 14 with elementary students to help boost reading skills. The “buddies” meet weekly with children to help bolster their reading along with being a positive role model for a child.

Levine added that Ballad Health team members have offered to volunteer and that the health system is looking to make donations to local children’s charities in honor of those participating.

To learn more about the program or to volunteer, visit www.balladhealth.org and click on the B.E.A.R. Buddies banner at the top of the website.