FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando partnership with Simply Healthcare Plans expands Early Literacy Opportunities for Children and Families!
Hudson, Fla. June 2026 — The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando (ELCPH) proudly celebrated the donation of its eighth Owlivia’s Book Nook to the UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County One Stop Shop in Dade City, creating a welcoming literacy space where children and families can discover the joy of reading together.
The new Owlivia’s Book Nook was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Simply Healthcare Plans, whose continued investment in early childhood literacy with the ELCPH is helping expand access to books and learning opportunities!
The Pasco County One Stop Shop provides families with access to education, support services, food assistance, tutoring, and other essential community resources. This literacy space will provide families with a valuable resource as they visit the center, reinforcing the importance of reading together and supporting children’s early development.
“Meaningful community partnerships create lasting opportunities for children and families,” said Steve Knobl, Ph.D., ELCPH Executive Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando. “We are grateful to Simply Healthcare Plans and the UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County One Stop Shop for joining us in expanding access to books and fostering a love of reading.
Simply Healthcare Plans’ commitment to literacy extends beyond Owlivia’s Book Nook. The organization is also sponsoring ELCPH’s Kids Read Now: PK-5 In-Home Reading Program, benefiting 1,206 Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) children across Pasco and Hernando Counties.
Through the initiative, participating VPK children receive a free copy of On the First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe, featuring a personalized message from Simply Healthcare Plans, the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando, and Kids Read Now. The book also includes customized discussion questions designed to encourage meaningful conversations between parents and children while reinforcing kindergarten readiness skills at home.
“Strong communities are built through strong partnerships,” said Simply Healthcare Representative’s Rose Pinero. “We are proud to partner with the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando to help children develop a lifelong love of reading and ensure families have access to resources that support learning both at home and in the community.”
The Owlivia’s Book Nook initiative continues to expand throughout Pasco and Hernando Counties by placing engaging literacy spaces in community locations where families naturally gather. Together with dedicated partners like Simply Healthcare Plans, ELCPH is helping ensure more children enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed.
For more information about Owlivia’s Book Nook or the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando, visit https://elcph.org/news/
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About the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening children, families, and the community through high-quality early learning programs, school readiness services, voluntary prekindergarten, family engagement initiatives, and community partnerships that prepare children for lifelong success.
About Simply Healthcare is a Florida-licensed HMO and PPO providing Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and specialty health insurance programs across the state. Acquired by Elevance Health (formerly Anthem) in 2015, it focuses on delivering integrated physical, behavioral, and social healthcare services to vulnerable and specialized populations.
