October Newsletter: Help Us Grow Foundation, Inc.

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

BE THE DIFFERENCE™.

- H.U.G. Online Events

- H.U.G. and Library of Congress

- H.U.G. Testimonial

- H.U.G. Q&A - October 2nd at 10:00 AM

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

- H.U.G. Tutor Training Opportunities here

- H.U.G. Events

- H.U.G. Feedback Survey

- H.U.G. Partnership Highlights

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

Please follow our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube accounts to stay up to date on all of the good work we're doing!

Facebook

Instagram

Youtube

Online Events

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

H.U.G. Q&A

Wednesday, October 2nd at 10:00 AM

Zoom line: 676 401 3003

Join Us for Our H.U.G. and U.F.L.I. Event

Discover the latest insights into the science of reading and the importance of phonics instruction by Holly Lane at the University of Florida! This event will explore effective strategies, research, and practical applications to improve literacy for elementary students. Whether you're an educator, parent, or reading advocate, this event is a must for anyone passionate about fostering strong reading for our students.

How to Participate

Date: October 7th and 9th

Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST

Location: Zoom line 97273891290

FREE Event for H.U.G. students and parents! For other attendees, please donate. Sign up for the event using our registration form:

Unable to Join, But Still Want to Make a Difference?

Donate

With your generous donation, we can provide essential resources, programs, and support to help children develop strong reading skills. Every contribution, big or small, helps us create brighter future for these young learners. Please consider making a donation today and be a part of this life-changing mission. Together, we can help every child unlock the power of reading.

For questions text or email:

(502) 465-8211

directorky@hugreading.org

Help Us Grow Foundation Recognized as 2024 Library of Congress Literacy Award Honoree

We are excited to announce the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Foundation Inc. has been selected as a 2024 Library of Congress Literacy Award Successful Practice Honoree. This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to improving literacy rates and fostering a love of reading in underserved communities across the U.S.

The Library of Congress Literacy Awards, established in 2013 by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, honor organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing literacy. These awards spotlight innovative practices that help combat illiteracy and promote widespread literacy efforts. As a Successful Practice Honoree, the H.U.G. Foundation joins a select group of organizations that have demonstrated exceptional implementation of literacy programs, contributing to lasting educational improvements.

This recognition underscores the impact of our evidence-based literacy initiative, which focuses on creating accessible, cost-effective solutions for students in need. By partnering with schools and communities, the H.U.G. Foundation continues to strive toward our goal of universal literacy, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

For more information about our work and future initiatives, please visit

our website.

Join us and

BE THE DIFFERENCE™!

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! Help Us Grow Reading Program is fully virtual, including training, but we do have some in-person opportunities.

Email: volunteer@hugreading.org

Help Us Grow Reading Program

Testimonial Video

Watch a testimonial from one of our esteemed H.U.G. Ambassadors,

Jim McNally, and learn about his commitment to our mission. Click on the video below!

Gaining Momentum: Advancing Our Mission

As the school year progresses, we're eager to highlight the significant progress we've made towards enhancing social equality and educational opportunities. With the generous support of our community, the Help Us Grow Reading Program (H.U.G.) has continued to equip students with the skills to read proficiently by fourth grade. Our innovative approach includes character development and confidence-building elements that convert hesitant readers into self-assured learners.

Highlights of our progress this past year include:

Broadening Horizons: Successfully extended our educational services to over 300 students in KY, FL, and MA, fostering both literacy and personal development.
Geographic Expansion: Introduced our program to Tennessee and West Virginia, increasing our footprint and educational influence.
Cultivating Talent: Engaged with 9 new colleges, bringing on board 39 interns who have enriched our operational capabilities. Many of our interns have moved on to full-time employment or further educational opportunities, showcasing their growth and potential.
Strategic Partnerships: Formed new collaborations with Medicaid, Silver Sneakers, and The Villages, which have been instrumental in expanding our resource pool.
Community Initiatives: Initiated measures to combat social isolation among our students, enhancing their social and academic experiences.
Consistency in Education: Maintained a 100% school retention rate and incorporated 2 additional educational institutions in KY.
Tutor Dedication: Achieved a 50% retention rate of our devoted tutors, essential to our ongoing success.

Looking ahead, your ongoing involvement remains crucial. Together, we are not only teaching literacy but also shaping future generations.

Stay engaged. Grow with us.

Click Here

H.U.G. Q&A

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

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

Wednesday, October 2nd at 10:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9475524041

Meeting ID: 676 401 3003

Fall H.U.G. & Win

Sign Your Students Up Here!

Fall H.U.G. Calendar

Help Us Grow Foundation Events

Technology Ready for Success: Pi Beta Phi Lends a Helping Hand

As we gear up for the Fall 2024 semester, The Help Us Grow Reading Program (H.U.G.) is thrilled to announce a significant update to our educational resources, made possible by the kind-hearted members of Pi Beta Phi at the University of Louisville. In a generous display of community support, Kaylie and her team dedicated their time to help charge and update our iPads, ensuring they are ready to enrich our students’ learning experiences.

At H.U.G., we are committed to helping every student achieve grade-level reading proficiency by the end of fourth grade. These iPads are essential tools in our tutoring programs, where we integrate literacy with character development and confidence building to transform the educational journey of our students.

We are immensely grateful to Kaylie and everyone at Pi Beta Phi for their commitment to our mission. Their support not only enhances our capacity to deliver effective tutoring but also empowers our students with the technology they need to succeed. With these updated iPads, we look forward to another year of making significant strides in education and helping our students build brighter futures.

Devidasa Kawal Engages at Early Learning Coalition Summit

Devidasa Kawal, Chief Operating Officer of the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program, attended the influential 'Redefining Childcare' summit, hosted by the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. The event convened leading figures in early childhood education to engage in critical discussions on evolving childcare paradigms.

Representing H.U.G., Devidasa actively participated in strategic conversations that align with our organization's mission to enhance literacy and developmental outcomes for young learners. Her presence at the summit underscores H.U.G.'s leadership in educational advocacy and our commitment to influencing policies and practices that benefit early childhood education.

This engagement with key stakeholders is part of our ongoing effort to collaborate on innovative solutions that support educational advancements and ensure every child has access to optimal learning environments.

Oxbridge Academy Students Boost Literacy at the Police Athletic League

Students from Oxbridge Academy are contributing significantly to community development by collaborating with the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program at the Police Athletic League (PAL) in West Palm Beach. These diligent high schoolers serve as tutors, dedicating their time to enhance the literacy skills of younger students and instill a profound appreciation for reading.

This initiative reflects a commitment to educational excellence and community service, as Oxbridge students work to elevate literacy levels and promote academic enthusiasm among PAL participants. Their efforts not only support essential skill development but also foster a nurturing environment for educational growth.

The partnership between Oxbridge Academy and the H.U.G. Reading Program is a testament to the impactful role that educational collaborations can play in enriching communities. It underscores the value of youth engagement in driving social change and enhancing educational outcomes.

The Villages Charter School - Middleton Campus Partners with H.U.G. for Enhanced After-School Tutoring

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with The Villages Charter School - Middleton Campus, as part of our ongoing effort to enhance educational opportunities for students. This initiative will introduce our acclaimed tutoring program to the campus, offering it during after-school hours to help students strengthen their literacy skills and academic performance.

The Villages Charter School - Middleton Campus shares our commitment to improving educational outcomes, making this collaboration a natural fit. Our tutoring sessions are tailored to support students in developing strong reading skills and building confidence that extends into their regular classroom activities.

We look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the students at The Villages Charter School - Middleton Campus and are committed to providing them with the tools they need to succeed academically

Uniting for Literacy: Silver Sneakers Partners with the Help Us Grow Reading Program

We are thrilled to announce a dynamic partnership with Silver Sneakers® to foster an intergenerational approach to literacy through the Help US Grow Reading Program. This collaboration offers Silver Sneakers members a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by volunteering in virtual tutoring sessions aimed at enhancing literacy skills among K-4 students across the United States.

By integrating Silver Sneakers’ vibrant community with our proven literacy tools, we are creating a safe, rewarding environment for both young students and senior volunteers. This partnership not only boosts educational outcomes but also bridges generational gaps, enhancing mental health and reducing isolation among seniors.

Join us in lifting literacy and enriching lives through this powerful collaboration. Together, we are nurturing the readers and leaders of tomorrow.

Security Protection in Cybersecurity

At The Help Us Grow Reading Program, we prioritize creating a safe and secure virtual learning environment for our students. Our cybersecurity team plays a vital role in protecting personal privacy and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information. From rapid response to cyberattacks to maintaining a robust incident response plan, our team is dedicated to safeguarding our digital platforms.

Security Hygeine

Security hygiene is essentially the practice of keeping your online activity and technology devices clean. Like personal hygiene, there are several things you should do to keep yourself and your computers from getting viruses. Here are some things that anyone can do to keep their information healthy and safe:

Antivirus Software - Make sure this is installed on your devices, and check for updates regularly!
Multi-Factor Authentication - This is a great way to make sure people are who they say they are online.
Strong Passwords - Use different passwords for different log-ins, make it random, and make sure to include numbers and special characters. There are also password managers that generate and store all of your passwords so you don’t have to remember them yourself!
Only Connect to Trusted Networks - You never know who else is connected to public Wi-Fi or who owns the Wi-Fi network that you connect to, so be extra cautious in places like coffee shops and airports.
If something seems suspicious, it probably is - Links to other websites, usually from emails or messages or even buttons from some websites can contain viruses or malware. Make sure you know who is sending things to you before opening any attachments or clicking any links.

Spotlight on Nagini Akkinepalli: Our Director of Human Resources at the Help Us Grow Reading Program

In her vital role as the Director of Human Resources at H.U.G., Nagini Akkinepalli oversees all human resource functions, including recruiting, payroll, employee engagement, and performance management. She collaborates closely with local universities to recruit students for internships and work-study programs, ensuring the foundation has the right team in place to support our literacy initiatives and improve educational opportunities for underserved communities.

Nagini's journey to H.U.G. was fueled by her passion for non-profit work, particularly in education and community building. She believes in the transformative power of education and is driven by the desire to align her professional skills with her commitment to giving back to the community.

A typical day for Nagini is filled with meetings with university partners, coordinating internships, conducting interviews, and organizing career fairs to bridge students with job opportunities. She finds it incredibly rewarding to see the direct impact of her work on students' lives, whether it's helping them secure a job or guiding them on their career paths.

Looking ahead, Nagini envisions H.U.G. expanding its reach significantly, not just in literacy programs but also in preparing students for future careers. Her aspiration is for the foundation to evolve into a comprehensive support system that guides students from early literacy all the way to career readiness.

Nagini expresses gratitude to everyone supporting the foundation. She believes in the enduring power of education and encourages everyone to continue inspiring and uplifting one another. Together, she is confident in the foundation's future success and its continued impact on building literate and strong communities.

Meet Daisia Jones, Student Athlete and Intern in the Tutor Training Department at The Help Us Grow Reading Program

Daisia Jones, a student athlete from Spalding University, brings her energy and passion to the Help Us Grow Reading Program. Daisia's journey with H.U.G. is fueled by her faith and a heartfelt desire to positively impact the lives of young children. As part of the Tutor Training Department, she is dedicated to helping young learners enhance their reading and pronunciation skills.

Her role at H.U.G. allows her to engage closely with younger kids, an experience she cherishes deeply. Daisia believes in the power of kindness and education to transform lives, and she aims to be a guiding light, making a significant difference one child at a time.

Daisia's commitment to the foundation's mission is evident in her volunteer efforts, where she not only supports children in their educational journey but also strives to be a better person every day, inspired by the potential to change the world little by little.

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.

Let Your Voice Be Heard: Take the H.U.G. Tutor

Feedback Survey!

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