The stories behind The Foundation
In this section, we share a few of our favorite news stories and information as we partner with you to advance literacy and close the achievement gap for children in at-risk communities all around the world.

Children’s Literacy & Grade-Level Reading
Bridgette Heller, Co-Founder and Volunteer CEO of the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation, shares her passion for reading that was instilled at a young age, and why it lead her to create the M.A.S.T.R. Kids program, one of four children’s literacy programs funded by the Juvenile Welfare Board. Bridgette also shares how her organization has had to pivot to serve children during COVID, and how important relationships have been during these challenging times.

Amazing Fall Growth at SPPF!
Fall has been an amazing time for SPPF. Even through all of the challenges, we had lots of success and we’re excited to share.

Featuring Future Leaders: Meet Isaiah & Kourtney
Meet Isaiah Tell us a little about yourself. I am Isaiah, and I am a preteen. I live with both my parents and four siblings. I am in the 7th grade. I attend church regularly and I admire our pastor. The position I play on my Varsity Pee Wee football team is defensive tackle. I

Creating Community Connection by Reading with Our Elders
Many elders are suffering from increased depression and dementia due to isolation during COVID-19.

The August 2020 Community Buzz Newsletter is out now!
In this month’s newsletter: Return to School — Onsite or On-Line? This is the Question “What are we?” “Corona-Free!”; “How do we stay?” “Mask up all day!” STEAM — building skills while having FUN A blessed conversation with the elders Novartis CEO gives a lesson on vaccines Celebrating Our Readers! Read The August 2020 Newsletter

Long Term Impact on Our Children
There is a clear national perspective suggesting that the families in communities like South St. Pete will be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 given the economic demographics. The children/students of the community will likely struggle to overcome long term impacts. These articles provide additional perspective. Learn about how SPPF is dealing with COVID-19 Learn More
Subscribe To Our newsletter
behind the scenes
6 Ways Summer Day Camps Prevent Summer Learning Loss
Just because summer is a break from school, it doesn’t have to be a break from learning. By signing your child up for a summer day camp, you can give them a chance to immerse themselves in an activity that interests them, while keeping their brain engaged. This blog post on the site of the Whitby School offers great insight as to the importance of academic enrichment during the summer out-of-school time period.