By Ted Hoskinson, Founder
As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude. This has been a year of measurable progress, expanding partnerships, and powerful moments that remind us why literacy matters so much. What began as a simple belief — that every child deserves the foundational skill of reading — has grown into a countywide movement that continues to elevate students, families, and schools throughout Palm Beach County.
This year affirmed that literacy is the gateway to opportunity. Because of your support, Roots and Wings is making a lasting and visible difference in the lives of children who need it most.
Our Impact in 2025: A Snapshot of Growth and Achievement
This was a defining year for Roots and Wings. We reached more students, deepened our partnerships, and strengthened the programs that anchor our mission. We have become the largest, free, small-group, after-school literacy program in Palm Beach County.
Project UpLift, our flagship after-school literacy program continued to produce strong gains in reading fluency and comprehension. Many students advanced multiple reading levels during the program period, and teachers consistently reported higher confidence and engagement in class.
Teachers shared that students using BuddyBooks arrived more prepared, more excited to read, and more comfortable participating during lessons. Early access to quality books is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success, and BuddyBooks continued to deliver meaningful results.
Support from district leaders, principals, and teachers made it possible to extend our reach into new campuses. The growing number of schools we serve reflects the trust this organization has earned over time. We are now in 20 schools across Palm Beach County, working with over 1,500 students who began the year in the bottom 25% of their class, reading one or two grades below grade level.
Foundations, civic groups, corporate donors, and local leaders have stepped forward with renewed commitment to programs with clear, local impact, and youth-focused results. Their support strengthened our ability to scale, innovate, and reach additional students in high-need areas. Roots and Wings embodies these priorities. Our donors continue to invest in literacy because they can see the transformation happening in our classrooms.
Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever
The landscape of giving is evolving. Donors are becoming more intentional, more strategic, and more connected to the causes they support. Charitable decisions are often shaped by personal values, interest in specific issues, and a desire to strengthen the local community.
Roots and Wings is uniquely aligned with these motivations. Our programs address a clear and urgent need. Our outcomes are measurable and consistently improving. Our work directly benefits Palm Beach County students and families, and our mission creates long-term community impact.
Every gift fuels this progress. Every hour volunteered, every book donated, every partnership formed helps create a brighter path for the children we serve.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Ambition with Purpose
We enter 2026 with optimism, determination, and a clear vision for what comes next.
1. Expanding Project UpLift.
Demand continues to rise, and we are prepared to reach additional campuses and support even more students who need intensive literacy intervention as additional funding allows.
2. Deepening support for teachers.
Teachers are essential partners in our mission. We plan to improve resources and strengthen teacher engagement across all Project UpLift schools.
3. Growing BuddyBooks.
With additional funding, we hope to place thousands of additional leveled books into the hands of early readers, especially in Title I communities with limited access.
4. Exploring future expansion beyond Palm Beach County.
Our approach is proving successful. Over the next year, we will explore opportunities to share our model with neighboring communities while ensuring Palm Beach County remains our anchor and priority.
An Invitation to Give Before Year’s End
As we close out the year, I invite you to consider a year-end gift that directly supports students and teachers across Palm Beach County. Your generosity before December 31 helps us:
- Serve more students through Project UpLift
- Equip more classrooms with BuddyBooks
- Support teachers with additional tools
- Strengthen our program’s delivery and evaluation
- Build a stronger foundation for the required work ahead
Every contribution helps us shape a child’s future.
A Final Word of Gratitude
Roots amd Wings exists because of the people who believe in it. To our donors, educators, volunteers, families, and community partners: THANK YOU! Your commitment to literacy changes lives, and our students feel the effects every day.
Thank you for standing with us throughout 2025. Thank you for believing in our mission and in the potential of every child. We look forward to building an even brighter, more hopeful 2026 together.
With gratitude,
Ted Hoskinson
Founder, Roots and Wings
