Children's Literacy Initiative

Today, we launch Freedom to Read: A Juneteenth Literacy Celebration.

From June 17–23, we’re inviting our community to honor history by investing in futures — supporting joyful, culturally affirming literacy experiences that help children become confident readers, writers, thinkers, and leaders.

This campaign gives every supporter a way to take part:

🍿 Purchase popcorn
💛 Make a gift
📣 Share the campaign
✨ Invite someone else to learn more

Every action helps open more doors through reading.

Join us: https://bit.ly/4etBPoK

Freedom to Read: Juneteenth Literacy Fundraiser in Florida | CLI Support the Freedom to Read Campaign, a Juneteenth literacy fundraiser with CLI, NAACP, and Urban League chapters across Florida supporting children, educators, schools, and communities.

Central Florida families: join Children’s Literacy Initiative and New Worlds Reading for free Parent and Family Literacy Workshops this June!

Families will enjoy:

📚 Reading activities and games
💡 Strategies, tips, and tools to support your child’s reading development
🍽️ A free meal for registered participants
🎁 Free giveaways

Upcoming events:

📍 Maitland Public Library
Tuesday, June 16 at 5:30 PM
501 Maitland Ave S, Maitland, FL 32751

📍 Sally Ride Elementary
Thursday, June 25 at 12:45 PM
9601 11th Ave, Orlando, FL 32824

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/4ug8Lak

Free Family Literacy Workshops in Central Florida | CLI Join CLI and New Worlds Reading for free family literacy workshops in Maitland and Orlando with reading activities, helpful tips, meals, and giveaways.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a thoughtful discussion on the intersections of health, literacy, and the well-being of children, educators, and communities. We are especially grateful to Dr. Diana Greene, Dr. Parvez Ahmed, and each attendee who brought their perspective and commitment to the room.

The conversation centered on a simple but important truth: children’s literacy development does not happen in isolation. Health, emotional well-being, family support, community conditions, and the systems surrounding children all shape their ability to read, learn, and thrive.

Together, the group created space to look at the data, listen across disciplines, and consider stronger pathways for children and families.

Thank you to all who helped make this such an enriching experience.

The Giving Gallery is a community-centered platform that connects supporters with organizations making an impact across education, health, arts and culture, and human services.

We’re honored to be included alongside organizations working every day to strengthen communities and create opportunity.

For CLI, this is about more than fundraising. It’s about creating more pathways for people to discover the mission, connect with the work, and support literacy alongside a broader network of community changemakers.

We invite you to explore the Giving Gallery, learn more about the organizations involved, and discover causes that resonate with you.

🔗 [https://bit.ly/3PRk8Y6]

Thank you, Philadelphia. 💙

Last Thursday, our community came together around something bigger than a meal.

Families, friends, educators, and supporters showed up to help support literacy, teachers, and young readers across our city through our Panera Bread fundraiser benefiting Children’s Literacy Initiative.

Because of your support, more children will have opportunities to build confidence as readers, strengthen critical skills, and experience the joy and power that literacy can unlock.

To everyone who shared the flyer, placed an order, spread the word, or simply showed up—thank you.

When communities come together with purpose, meaningful change becomes possible.

Tomorrow’s the day.

📍 Panera Bread – Center City
⏰ 4–8 PM

Show the flyer or use code FUND4U
→ 20% supports literacy

Everything you need is here:
👉 https://bit.ly/42j1cUQ

This week is about something simple—and something powerful. Gratitude.

Teachers show up every day for children, families, and communities. They create spaces where curiosity grows, confidence builds, and futures begin to take shape.

At CLI, we’re grateful for every educator we partner with, and every teacher doing this work across the country. This week, we’re celebrating you. 💙

Tag a teacher who made an impact on your life.

We’re just a few days away. Make it a night out that gives back. Bring a friend. Bring your family. And help turn dinner into opportunity.

📍 May 7 | 4–8 PM
📍 Center City Panera

Don’t forget:

✔️ Show the flyer
✔️ Or use code FUND4U
👉 View details + access the flyer: https://bit.ly/4usbmyv

Poetry often stays with us long after we first read it.

A line that resonates.
A poem that captures a feeling.
A story told in just a few powerful words.

📖 Is there a poem you’ve carried with you over the years?

Share it in the comments.

Every child deserves the chance to become a confident reader.

At Children’s Literacy Initiative, we partner with educators to strengthen literacy instruction and help students build the skills and confidence that shape their futures.

On May 7, our Philadelphia community has a simple way to support this work.

Join us at Panera Bread in Center City, where 20% of net sales will support teachers and young readers.

Because when our community comes together, we help build a future filled with readers, thinkers, and leaders.

👉 View details + access the flyer: https://bit.ly/48vOUvT