With research estimating that we spend a third of our lives asleep, rest is not only a crucial part of everyone’s routine, but is also essential to our overall well-being.
The importance of sleep is even more vital for kids! Children who get enough sleep each night develop better learning retention, memory, concentration and general mental and physical health. In contrast, poor sleep during early childhood can be linked to weaker immune systems, anxiety, depression and negative consequences that travel far into their adult lives.
Despite the significant benefits of a good night’s sleep, it may not be accessible for everyone. Poverty imposes numerous obstacles for families as they try to pursue happy, healthy and restful lives. CHOC’s Social Services Department fills these critical gaps by connecting vulnerable families to helpful resources and information.
Michelle Greene, licensed clinical social worker, says “Our role is to be a support system and advocate for families through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. We assist a wide array of families who often do not want to ask for help with basic needs.”
One of the many ways that CHOC’s social workers meet the sleep needs of children in our community is by providing them with high-quality beds, which is made possible through a partnership with Ashley HomeStore’s Hope to Dream program. Recently, Hope to Dream, the philanthropic arm of Ashley Homestore, had a donation of over 75 new mattresses, including the bedframes, pillows, pillowcases and sheets, for CHOC’s Social Services Department to distribute to families in need.
Providing life-changing support and sweet dreams
During a phone conversation with a CHOC family, Leigh Volker, a licensed clinical social worker at CHOC, learned how a 13-year-old CHOC patient was having body aches and hip and back pain caused by sleeping on his old mattress.
“[His mattress] is gross and needs to be thrown in the dumpster,” the mother told Leigh during their call.
However, the mom could not afford a new mattress for her son. Instead, she planned to search on Facebook Marketplace for a free one.
Leigh assured the mom that she did not need to look online, and that CHOC can help. Within an hour from that phone call, a new mattress was ready to be scheduled for a drop off.
The mom was in shock once she heard the news, and was so appreciative for the kindness shown to her and her son.
In her note to Ashley HomeStore, she wrote, “Thank you…for my [kid’s] mattress. He won’t have any more back pain! You helped us when we needed it most, [and] we appreciate your gift.”
A bed to call their own
Ashley HomeStore started Hope to Dream in 2010 to be able to positively impact the communities that their retail furniture stores operate in. Since then, the program has gifted over 125,000 underserved children with comfortable twin beds to call their own. This is funded by a portion of the mattress sales at participating Ashley HomeStore locations. Local Ashley HomeStores in Laguna Hills, Yorba Linda, Santa Ana and San Marcos are all contributing to the CHOC donation of over 75 beds, ensuring that children in our community can rest a little easier.
Thank you, Ashley HomeStores and Hope to Dream for your valued partnership and the way that you care for the essential needs of our CHOC families.
Your company and CHOC’s trusted pediatric care can create a lasting impact on the kids and community we serve.
