Reading Buddies Support Early Literacy for Cortez Youth

Many Cortez children lack consistent access to books and reading support at home, leaving them without the early literacy foundation they need to succeed in school. After visiting a library with a “reading buddies” program that paired books with stuffed animals, one community member had an idea to bring the concept to Cortez. LOR’s funding helped her purchase 100 book-and-stuffed-animal kits for children in grades one through four. The kits will be distributed through local nonprofits like Good Samaritan Food Pantry, Four Corners Child Advocacy Center, and others, giving each child a personal reading companion and books to build confidence and literacy skills.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Onward! A Legacy Foundation.