Reading Buddy Recognition
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
I’ll never forget the year United Way Charlotte County did a Day of Caring project. Volunteers were sent into homes to help families organize and clean. It was a rewarding experience but also eye opening. In several of the homes, volunteers were stunned to find no books. In many cases, there was not one book found in the homes for the children. Whether or not that surprises you, it speaks volumes about the barriers many local families face.
Research shows that when children– especially those from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households who aren’t reading on grade level by the end of third grade are significantly more likely to drop out of high school and face long-term challenges. That’s why early literacy is a crucial foundation and why relationships are the key.
As one of United Way’s most heart-driven initiatives, the Reading Buddy program is rooted in connection and community. A Reading Buddy is a volunteer who meets one-on-one with a student to read age-appropriate books, helping build vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. But beyond academics, something even more powerful happens: a relationship begins to grow.
At last year’s Reading Buddy Lunch, Charlotte County Public Schools Superintendent Mark Vianello said, “We want 100% of students graduating with a coordinated plan of what’s next and the skills needed to be successful. Graduating good citizens who are academically proficient and part of the workforce and economic solution to Charlotte County. All means all-100%.” He continued, highlighting the direct link between literacy and broader life outcomes– employment, wages, and even incarceration.
The Reading Buddy program is part of that solution. When students connect with a caring adult who shows up for them consistently, reading becomes more than an assignment, it becomes a shared joy. Volunteers and students alike look forward to their time together, often forming lasting bonds rooted in encouragement and trust.
Reading Buddies don’t just build literacy—they build confidence. They help students feel seen, heard, and valued. These moments of connection can make all the difference in a child’s academic journey. Reading Buddy of the Year Award Sponsor and a Reading Buddy herself, Kim Amontree, Charlotte County Public School Board Member states, “As a school board member, I’ve seen firsthand the impact our Reading Buddies have on students. Volunteers play a vital role in building literacy and confidence. Charlotte County Public Schools is grateful for the community members who share their time and love of reading to help our children succeed.”
We absolutely adore and appreciate our Reading Buddies and can’t wait to honor them at our upcoming Reading Buddy Lunch on Monday, June 9 at Life Celebration Center. Join us in celebrating the heart and commitment they’ve shown throughout the school year! This is also the perfect opportunity for newcomers to learn more about the program.
If you’re interested in becoming a Reading Buddy, register for the upcoming May 13 Reading Buddy Training today. To learn more about the lunch or the program, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/AllMeansAll
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.