UNITED WAY SUNCOAST READING ROOMS
Program Overview
Our United Way Suncoast Reading Rooms are designed to bring educational resources and programs to community housing neighborhoods where our ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed) families live. This “place-based” neighborhood initiative is designed to reduce barriers to quality education in early learning and youth success, while providing a platform for financial stability resources for families.
In collaboration with community leaders, United Way Suncoast renovated underutilized community rooms in apartment complexes strategically located in the attendance zones of schools of focus. Program services for children and families are designed to support the efforts of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (SCGLR) Initiative.
Reading Room locations offer the following services:
- Learn and Play sessions two days a week, focused on families with children ages 0-to-5-years-old. Lessons provide opportunities to play, explore, and experiment using a variety of learning, sensory, and motor experiences in a language and literacy-rich environment to build early literacy skills.
- After school tutoring is provided to children ages 5-to-9-years-old two days a week.
- Summer Enrichment and School Readiness activities for children ages 4-to-9 years- old participating in the Summer Reading Challenge.
- Families are connected to 2-1-1, VITA, employment coaching, financial coaching and other community resources.
LOCATIONS:
La Mirada Garden Apartments Reading Room
In 2017, a community neighborhood housing partnership was established between United Way Suncoast and La Mirada Garden Apartments. Site renovation of the community room and neighborhood place-based site was established with funds provided by the Selby Foundation. Since its inception:
- Free high-quality summer programming has been provided at the site to children ages 5-to-12-years-old.
- Early Childhood Stimulation sessions three days a week, focus on families with children ages 0-to-5-years-old. Lessons provide opportunities to play, explore, and experiment using a variety of learning, sensory, and motor experiences in a language and literacy-rich environment to build early literacy skills.
- Afterschool tutoring is provided to children ages 5-to-9-years-old three days a week.
- Families are connected to 2-1-1, VITA, employment coaching, financial coaching and other community resources.
Address:
1636 55th Ave Cir E
Bradenton, FL 34203
Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Appointment Only
Contact:
941-932-8256
Bradenton Village Reading Room
Bradenton Village Reading Room is a newly established site located in the downtown Bradenton area. Programming at this location began in July 2021, providing the following services:
- Early Childhood Stimulation sessions two days a week, focused on families with children ages 0-to-5-years-old. Lessons provide opportunities to play, explore, and experiment using a variety of learning, sensory, and motor experiences in a language and literacy-rich environment to build early literacy skills.
- Community partners organize afterschool tutoring, weekend STEM enrichment activities and youth success activities focused on building life skills, digital literacy and entrepreneurship.
- Families are connected to 2-1-1, VITA, employment coaching, financial coaching and other community resources.
Address:
1302 3RD Street
W. Bradenton, FL 34205
Hours:
Tue, Thu: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Appointment Only
Contact:
941-256-3073
Education
United Way Suncoast brings together people and resources to tackle complex issues and drive sustainable positive change to help our community thrive.
Improve the lives of children, families and
communities today.
Not ready to donate? Find ways to improve your community >
