United Way of the Florida Keys to Launch “Imagination Library”

United Way of the Florida Keys to Launch “Imagination Library”

United Way of the Florida Keys is excited to announce the launch of a new “Imagination Library” project in Monroe County. Thanks to the generous support of Wells Fargo, UWFK will work in partnership with Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition to provide children from birth to age five in low-income households with an age appropriate book each month for the first five years of the child’s life.

One in five children in the Florida Keys live in poverty, with little access to quality early learning resources. Imagination Library will target children living in low-income households, preparing them for kindergarten, increasing their chances of being academically successful throughout their lives, and reducing their likelihood of living in poverty as adults.

Students who are proficient in reading by third grade are three times more likely to graduate and live above the poverty level. Research from similar programs demonstrates children with access to books from birth have higher reading readiness scores and improved childhood reading habits. Early childhood literacy can help improve language development, academic success, and reduce the likelihood of living in poverty. Additional research suggests early learning initiatives like the Imagination Library provide benefits to society of roughly $8.60 for every $1 spent.

Donations to support the work of UWFK and our local nonprofit partner agencies are accepted year-round. If you would like to make a donation, you can access our online giving portal by clicking the “Donate” button at http://www.keysunitedway.org. Thank you for helping us become the leader in community caring!

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]