Page 9 - Hobe Sound Reflection - March '22

Hobe Sound, Page 9

Good Works from page 8 According to the most recent data, only
47 percent of Martin County children are
important components of early childhood learning,” said considered ready for kindergarten, lower than
Carol G. Houwaart-Diez, president/CEO of United Way of the state average of 57 percent. Additionally,
Martin County. “Children are literally ‘born learning,’ and only 52 percent of Martin County students
we know that what happens in a child’s early years matters are reading on level by third grade, lower
for success in life and for school readiness.” than the state average of 54 percent. The Born
Learning Trail is designed to help adults interact
with children to boost language and literacy
development.
The city of Stuart is a strong supporter of the
Born Learning Trail. “Early childhood learning
is so important and the Born Learning Trails will
help our community do even more to get kids
off to the right start,” said city of Stuart Mayor
Merritt Matheson.
For more information about the Born
Learning Trails, visit www.UnitedWayMartin.
org or www.Facebook.com/UnitedWayMartin.
About United Way A team from Cleveland Clinic Martin Health painted the trail at Guy
United Way of Martin County’s mission is to Davis Sports Complex. Back row left to right: Maggie Ross, Amy Longar,
improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of Janie Toney, Alicia Mackenzie. Front row left to right: Angela Aulisio,
David Ellis and Deborah Davis paint the trail at Shepard Park. our community. Since 1972, the United Way has Karen Raymond, Diane Grant, Debbie HettZaugg, Kenny Mofield
been working to create long-term social change
and provide support to Martin County residents
by investing in programs that strive to enhance
healthy living, improve education and support
financial stability.

A team from Pratt & Whitney painted the trail at Shepard
Park: Deborah Davis, David Ellis, Chris Padrick, Cindy A team from SouthState Bank and other community groups painted the
Cahill, Dan Murphy, Michael Counos, Mary Anne Cannon, trail at Flagler Park. Left to right: Juliette Foster, Marissa Glynn, Beverly
Frances Ferguson. Natalie Desmangles painted the trail at Flagler Park. Brinkley, Natalie Desmangles, Brandon Febres, and Amy Bottegal