A South St. Pete Family’s Story of Reading Success

In January 2020, a South St. Pete family started a transformative journey with the Family Literacy Project (“FLiP”). At the heart of their story are sisters Malaya and Jakyla, each facing unique challenges on their reading paths.

Moneshea and Carlo Franzblau at the Center for Health Equity, September 13, 2023.

Malaya was transitioning from Headstart to regular Kindergarten and entered the FLiP Program with limited knowledge of only a few letters and could not read. However, through dedication and the guidance of the program, Malaya’s confidence grew, and her progress accelerated. By the program's end, she rocketed ahead and emerged as the top reader in her class, setting the stage for her academic success.

Four years later, after the pandemic, Malaya's journey continues to unfold. Now in 4th grade, she has achieved the remarkable milestone of gaining acceptance into the Gifted and Talented program. Her mother, Monesha is inspired and so, so proud of how far Malaya’s reading has come, largely, with the help of SOAR’s FLiP program.

Meanwhile, in 2020, Jakyla found herself grappling with numerous academic hurdles. Placed in 6th-grade intensive reading due to being at least two years behind her peers, Jakyla's journey with the FLiP Program offered a lifeline of support and encouragement. By the program's conclusion, she was ready to take the remarkable step of transitioning out of intensive reading and integrating into mainstream education.

Now at 16, Jakyla stands at a pivotal moment in her academic journey. Initially considering early graduation, she discovered the opportunity to graduate on time with an LPN credential. With college on the horizon in a couple of years, Jakyla's progress is a dramatic example of the profound and lasting impact of the FLiP Program, offering hope and pathways to future success.

The impact of reading on grade level extends far beyond the brief 12-week FLiP session that Monesha’s two daughters embraced. The SOAR team congratulates Monesha, Malaya, and Jakyla! Their story fortifies our belief that every child who struggles with reading deserves the opportunity to participate in a FLiP session and experience reading success!