March into Literacy, Spark a Change with Each Page!

The Help Us Grow Foundation expresses gratitude to the volunteers—unsung heroes of literacy, embodying

BE THE DIFFERENCE™.

- H.U.G. Q&A - February 7th at 10am

- H.U.G. & Win sign up today!

- H.U.G. Tutor Training Opportunities here

- H.U.G. Partnership Highlights

- H.U.G. Tutor Tips

- Why we H.U.G.: Resources and Stories

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H.U.G. Events

Exciting News: The HUG Reading Program is Thrilled to Announce a Collaboration between Oxbridge Academy and the Police Athletic League!

The HUG Reading Program is thrilled to announce a dynamic collaboration between Oxbridge Academy and the Police Athletic League (PAL) to champion literacy. This innovative partnership aims to empower young minds and foster a love for reading among elementary school students in our community.

Through the HUG Reading Program, Oxbridge Academy and PAL are joining forces to provide children with engaging one-to-one tutoring, mentorship,

and resources, ensuring they develop strong reading skills critical for academic success and lifelong learning. Together, we're dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of our youth, instilling confidence, curiosity, and a passion for storytelling.

Stay tuned for updates on our collaborative efforts to nurture the next generation of avid readers and learners! Join us as we embark on this journey to unlock the magic of literacy and shape a brighter future for all.

The H.U.G Reading Program partook in the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County's "LOOP for Literacy," a vital fundraiser supporting literacy enhancement across the region. This event, featuring walking, running, and cycling, plays a crucial role in funding diverse literacy programs that benefit over 55,000 individuals annually in Palm Beach County, from children to adults and families.

Beyond the LOOP for Literacy, the coalition offers multiple engagement and volunteer opportunities to boost literacy levels. Programs like "Read with Me" allow volunteers to read with elementary students, while other initiatives encourage organizing book drives or tutoring adults. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve literacy across all age groups, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in fostering a culture of reading and lifelong learning.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new tutoring session in partnership with Sumner Whittier School, a member of the Everett School District, marking our first collaboration with a Boston school. This exciting program is scheduled to commence with tutoring sessions every Tuesday from 3-4 pm and 4-5 pm, embodying our commitment to fostering educational growth and community engagement.

In this collaboration, students and faculty from Lasell University will be joining forces with us at H.U.G. to provide these tutoring services. This initiative not only supports the academic advancement of the Whittier students but also offers Lasell University students the opportunity to earn practicum credit, enriching their educational experience and professional development through the H.U.G. program.

Join us in welcoming this exciting educational opportunity!

Click Here

Online Events

Training: Every Tuesday at 11am or 4pm & Thursday at 1pm

H.U.G. Q&A

Wednesday, February 7th at 10am

Zoom Line: 676 401 3003

We are grateful for our dedicated H.U.G Tutors. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions. Here's to continued success as we progress together throughout the year ahead.

Join us and

BE THE DIFFERENCE™!

We are partnering with Everett Public Schools in Boston to onboard new schools. Boston is coming online!

Call to Action: We Need Volunteers!

Do you know of a church group, company volunteer board, or a group of mission-minded folks that are looking to give back? Well we would love to present our volunteering options to them! H.U.G. is fully virtual, including training, but we do have some in-person opportunities."

Email: volunteer@hugreading.org

H.U.G. Q&A

We will be on Zoom from 10:00-10:30am to meet with YOU!

Please join us for updates, a Q&A and more!

Wednesday, February 7th at 10am

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6764013003

Meeting ID: 676 401 3003

H.U.G. & Win

Sign Your Students Up Here!

Market & Partnership Updates

Join us in welcoming Clara ten Berge, our new Grant Writing Specialist at H.U.G.

Here's to continued growth and strengthening our mission together!

Meet Clara ten Berge, the new Grant Writing Specialist at Help Us Grow Foundation, Inc.. With a rich background in Museum Studies, Clara initially honed her skills in grant writing while volunteering at a museum in Tampa. This experience ignited her passion for making a tangible difference in the world, leading her directly to H.U.G. Here, she saw an opportunity to contribute her skills towards a cause that resonates deeply with her values: fostering social equality and literacy.

For Clara, literacy is not just a skill but a gateway to a broader, more open-minded understanding of the world. Her personal motivation stems from a lifelong love of reading, which she views as essential for navigating life and fostering mutual understanding among people.

As a grant writer for H.U.G., Clara plays a crucial role in securing the funding necessary for the foundation to thrive and expand its reach both nationally and internationally. Her work involves meticulously researching grant opportunities and crafting compelling applications that highlight H.U.G.'s impactful programs and vision. Through her efforts, Clara aims to attract financial contributions and support, thereby enabling more students to become confident readers by the third grade.

Clara's advice to those looking to contribute to literacy and social equality is simple yet profound: Start where you are, and embrace learning as you go. She emphasizes the value of every individual's unique skills and experiences in making a meaningful difference.

For those unsure of where to begin, Clara recommends starting with organizations like H.U.G. or exploring volunteer opportunities at local libraries. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of achieving literacy and social equality. Through her dedication and hard work, Clara embodies the spirit of H.U.G. and its mission to empower students through literacy.