A Powerful Partnership Brings Books and Opportunity to Life In Bethlehem, PA

At Lincoln Elementary School in Bethlehem, PA, nearly half of fourth and fifth graders started the year needing extra literacy support. Today, thanks to an innovative reading program and support from Patient First, those students are gaining more than skills– they are building confidence, connection, and a love of reading.

The school’s “Lunch Bunch” program offers a welcoming space during the day where students can read, talk, and grow together. By eliminating barriers like after-school transportation, it ensures every student can participate. In this relaxed setting, students explore books they are excited about, making reading feel engaging and enjoyable.

A donation from Patient First helped bring the program to life, providing students with books to keep and build their own home libraries. That access matters since students with books at home are more likely to practice and strengthen their skills over time.

Just as important, students lead discussions, share ideas, and support one another, growing into more confident readers and leaders.

School leaders say the partnership’s impact extends well beyond the classroom.

“Community partnerships transform schools into places of support, collaboration, hope, and growth. Together, we can remove barriers and give students the resources they need to succeed,” said Lincoln Elementary School activities coordinator, Shima Ensminger.

“This kind of support does more than fill shelves, it creates a space where every student can connect, build confidence, and discover a love of reading,” she added.

At Patient First, we are proud to partner with schools like Lincoln Elementary, to support programs that make a lasting difference, helping students grow academically while discovering new passions along the way.

“We remain deeply grateful for Patient First’s generosity and partnership. The Lunch Bunch program is a huge hit. Every time I pass by, I see students excited and engaged in reading. That says everything,” said Daniel Garcia, Lincoln Elementary School’s principal.