Porter Place Residents Start Weekly Read To Youth And Families

TINLEY PARK, IL — The coronavirus pandemic has halted many regular activities that have since folded or have been altered in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. Tinley Park's Porter Place, a facility operated by Anthem Memory Care, has found a way for its residents to interact with children and families, pandemic style.

The memory care facility, located at 17833 S. Harlem Ave. has initiated the "Story time at Porter Place" program, where each week a resident reads a children’s book aloud, and is then shared on Facebook for kids, families and the public to enjoy. The program was put in place in January 2021, according to Porter Place.

For Valentine's Day, youngsters and their parents are invited to watch Lorita Deering, a resident and great-grandmother, read the book, “Grandma Loves You," written by Danielle McLean and illustrated by Allison Edgson. Deering is a retired secretary and a painter. Porter Place says this book was chosen as a way to bring two different generations together.

“Being apart for this long has been very hard on our residents and their loved ones,” said Jennifer Boonstra, life engagement director for Porter Place. “We have worked hard to keep them in touch through Facetime and other technology. In sharing their caring by reading the books, the residents are experiencing purpose and connection that are very rewarding.”

The story time will be shared on Valentine's Day on Porter Place's Facebook page. The page can be found here.

In January, one resident read "If I Could Open Doors," by Collin Hand to listeners. The reading can be seen below:

“Families are telling us they love seeing and hearing their loved ones through this program and that it provides what they consider a gift they can cherish forever," said Meredith Morris, Porter Place’s community relations director. "We encourage everyone with children to enjoy these virtual story times.”

Learn more about Porter Place and Anthem Memory Care, here.