Singing Our Way Back: How Innovation Helps Children Recover from Hurricane-Related Learning Loss
The powerboat sitting in a Bay Pines living room after Hurricane Helene tells one story of destruction. But there's another, less visible story playing out in homes across our region—the story of children falling behind in their education.
The Hidden Cost of Storms
According to RAND Corporation research, natural disasters create educational setbacks that can last a lifetime. For every $100 in physical damage per resident, communities lose approximately $200 in human capital—future earnings and opportunities that may never be recovered.
Innovation Meets Crisis
Enter Sing Out and READ's Family Literacy Project (FLiP), perfectly positioned to help hurricane-affected children recover lost learning time. Through the power of singing and technology, FLiP helps children gain a full grade level in reading in just three months—at 1/10th the cost of traditional tutoring.
Why FLiP Works for Disaster Recovery:
Flexible in-home learning fits displaced families' schedules
Personal coaches support parents through the recovery journey
The tablet-based program works even in temporary housing
Gamification keeps children engaged despite the disruption
Program completers earn a new tablet, providing lasting educational access
Real Results, Real Stories
“Izaiah started this year reading at level ‘C’ (beginning of 1st grade). Now, he is at level ‘N’ (end of 2nd grade, beginning of 3rd grade). That is truly amazing progress in 5 months!”
Why Support Matters Now
Carlo Franzblau, founder of Sing Out and READ, explains: "When a family's world is turned upside down by a natural disaster, the learning setbacks are significant and prolonged. The fact that the SOAR program provides under-served families with an effective (and FUN) tool to power through this challenging time is an oft-cited reason why donors both old and new are excited to support our work!"
Right now, your impact is doubled through the Hough Family Foundation's matching grant. Just $500 sponsors one child's complete FLiP journey—a small investment that can change a life trajectory.
