Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida

The Literacy Buddies Program is implemented by the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida. Through the program children are paired up with adult pen pals (”buddies”) with whom they exchange letters. Additionally, the adults send their child “buddy” brand-new books on topics in which the kids are interested – a luxury for many, as a majority of these children have never owned a book. HEAR extended a grant to the program in 2009.