November 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. Info Session - November 6th at 10:00 AM

- H.U.G. Highlights

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

- H.U.G. Tutor Training Opportunities here

- H.U.G. Events

- H.U.G. Testimonial

- 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. Info Session

Wednesday, November 6th at 10:00 AM

Zoom line: 676 401 3003

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: Directorvr@hugreading.org

Forging Ahead: Expanding Literacy, Impact, and Opportunity

As we move through this school year, we’re excited to share the strides we’ve made in advancing social equality and educational access. Thanks to the unwavering support of our community, the Help Us Grow Reading Program (H.U.G.) continues to empower students to achieve reading proficiency by the fourth grade. Our unique model, which fosters character development and confidence, turns hesitant readers into assured learners ready to tackle new challenges.

This month's highlights include:

National Recognition: We are honored to receive a prestigious award from the Library of Congress on October 30, 2024, a testament to our impact in literacy and education.
Growing Partnerships: Our collaborations with Mort Elementary and Carrollwood Day School are thriving, and we’re preparing to welcome an additional 15 elementary and high schools into the H.U.G. family by January 2025.
New Horizons: We are poised to establish an office on the University of South Florida (USF) campus in early 2025, a step that will enhance our reach and operational capacity.
Workforce Development: With 42 interns from diverse institutions like Stevenson, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), University of South Florida (USF), Spalding University, University of Illinois, Colorado Tech University, Everglades University, Hunter College (NY), Lasell University, Arizona State University, and California University, we’re equipping future professionals with valuable workforce skills.
Expanding Reach: Our program has welcomed 165 senior participants in New York, broadening our influence and creating more opportunities for literacy engagement.

Your continued involvement remains essential as we teach literacy and nurture the potential of future generations. Let’s keep growing together!

Fall H.U.G. & Win

Sign Your Students Up Here!

Fall H.U.G. Calendar

H.U.G. Info Session

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

Please join us for updates, Info session and more!

Wednesday, November 6th at 10:00 AM

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

Meeting ID: 676 401 3003

Click Here

Help Us Grow Foundation Events

H.U.G. Honored to the Library of Congress!

We are thrilled to share that The Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Foundation Inc. was recognized by the Library of Congress as a 2024 Literacy Award Honoree! This incredible honor celebrated our mission to uplift literacy across underserved communities, and we were proud to be represented on this national stage.

Five dedicated H.U.G. ambassadors traveled to the Library of Congress to accept this prestigious award on our behalf. Our heartfelt congratulations go to Herb Shulhafer, Cheryl Furlong, Beth Mullins, Jim McNally, and Walter Melnyk, who, along with our CEO Janine Broussard, accepted the award in recognition of their unwavering commitment to our cause.

Thank you to everyone who brings passion and dedication to H.U.G. each day. This achievement is a testament to the collective effort of our entire H.U.G. community!

Oxbridge Students Support the H.U.G. Reading Program!

We're thrilled to see Oxbridge Academy students showing their support for The Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program! Their enthusiasm for our mission exemplifies the community spirit that fuels our work in creating educational opportunities for all. The H.U.G. Reading Program is dedicated to helping young learners achieve grade-level reading by the end of fourth grade—a milestone that opens doors to lifelong learning and success.

Regardless of your background, whether you're an individual seeking a way to give back, a church or community organization eager to make a difference, or a company looking to enhance workforce development and community engagement, there’s a place for you in our mission. By choosing to become a tutor or donating to H.U.G., you’re not only supporting students academically, but you’re also contributing to social equality and the empowerment of future generations.

Together, let’s uplift, inspire, and “be the difference” in a student’s life. Join us in building a brighter, more equitable future through the power of reading and community support.

H.U.G. Ambassadors Share Their Stories at the Louisville Book Festival

Our dedicated H.U.G. Ambassadors, Herb Shulhafer and Walter Melnyk, represented the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program at the Louisville Book Festival, alongside Emanuelle Wessels. Stationed at the H.U.G. table, they connected with festival-goers, sharing H.U.G.’s mission and their personal experiences as tutors. Herb and Walter engaged attendees with stories of their journey in helping young readers develop confidence and skills, inspiring others to get involved in our cause.

Their passion for literacy and dedication to the community made a lasting impression, inviting new supporters to join us in making a difference, one student at a time. Thank you, Herb and Walter, for embodying the spirit of H.U.G. and spreading the word about our mission!

Spreading Literacy Awareness at the St. James Art Fair

Camille Jackson took to the vibrant St. James Art Fair to represent The Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program, sharing our mission to empower young readers and promote literacy for all. Armed with informative flyers, she connected with fair-goers, answering questions and inspiring interest in the impact of literacy on our community. Events like the St. James Art Fair offer a unique chance to reach individuals of all backgrounds, inviting them to learn more about H.U.G.’s commitment to helping students achieve grade-level reading by fourth grade.

Camille’s outreach helped spread the message that literacy is more than just reading—it’s a pathway to confidence, opportunity, and lifelong success. Thank you, Camille, for your enthusiasm and dedication in raising awareness about H.U.G. and inviting our community to be a part of this important journey. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of young readers!

Collaborating for Community Literacy at the Children’s Board

Our Director of Volunteer Recruitment, Nick Hodges, and Assistant Director of Florida, Danielle Blaxton, recently attended a live session at the Children’s Board in Tampa, invited by Lianna Alexander, the Literacy Coordinator for Hillsborough County Public Schools. The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County frequently hosts these events to foster community engagement and support local families. This session provided a valuable opportunity for Nick and Danielle to connect, learn, and collaborate with fellow literacy advocates, reinforcing our commitment to uplifting young readers and building strong community partnerships.

We’re grateful for the chance to work alongside dedicated professionals like Lianna and the team at the Children’s Board. Together, we are working to create a brighter future through literacy and empower children across Tampa and beyond!

A Visionary Tour of USF’s Taneja College of Pharmacy

Recently, our Assistant Director of Florida, Danielle Blaxton, had the privilege of touring the stunning new USF College of Medicine building in downtown Tampa. Guided by Dr. Kevin Sneed, the Dean of the Taneja College of Pharmacy, Danielle witnessed firsthand the depth of Dr. Sneed’s dedication to his students. Every detail of this state-of-the-art facility—from breathtaking views to collaborative spaces equipped with ample outlets—was designed with students in mind, creating an environment that fosters learning, innovation, and connection.

Dr. Sneed’s commitment extends beyond his current students; he is eager to partner with middle school students who have a passion for medicine or innovative ideas. His compassion and vision shine through in every aspect of his work, as he strives to support student success and well-being at every level. Danielle left the tour feeling inspired and grateful, knowing that such dedicated leadership and opportunities exist within our community. This visit underscores the potential for collaboration between H.U.G. and educational leaders like Dr. Sneed to empower the next generation.

Building Stronger Partnerships for Student Success

We are pleased to share highlights from a recent meeting between Danielle Blaxton, our Assistant Director of Florida, and Dr. Dustin Krein, the Sustainability Director for Community Schools and Partnerships at the University of South Florida. Dr. Krein’s exceptional talent for uniting community partners and recognizing their unique strengths aligns perfectly with the mission of the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program. His deep-rooted commitment to student success and community restoration resonated with our own goals of promoting literacy and empowering young learners.

This inspiring connection reaffirms H.U.G.’s vision of a brighter future for students and communities alike. With Dr. Krein’s support and partnership, we look forward to creating meaningful opportunities for students, fostering academic growth, and building a stronger, more connected community. Thank you, Dr. Krein, for your dedication to education and for joining us on this journey to uplift the next generation. We’re excited to see what we can accomplish together!

Expanding Our Impact Through University Partnerships and Internships

The Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program is proud to be building a diverse and talented team of interns from universities and colleges nationwide. Our interns hail from esteemed institutions such as Stevenson University, Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), University of South Florida (USF), Spalding University, University of Illinois, Colorado Tech University, Everglades University, Hunter College, Lasell University, Arizona State University, and California University.

These passionate interns are essential to H.U.G.’s daily operations, contributing their skills across various departments, including Data and IT, Cybersecurity, Training, HR, Social Media, the Avochato Team, and Volunteer Recruitment. Their dedication enables us to expand our reach and strengthen our literacy initiatives. By gaining hands-on experience in their respective fields, these students not only support H.U.G.'s goals but also grow as future leaders committed to educational equity and community development.

We are immensely grateful for their hard work, creativity, and commitment. Together, we are making strides in literacy and empowering young readers to succeed!

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.

Password Security

Password Complexity: Why It’s Important: Use strong passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to prevent unauthorized access. Avoid simple passwords, as they’re easy for attackers to guess. Set minimum lengths and encourage diverse characters for added security.

Password Reuse: Why It’s a Risk: Don’t reuse passwords across accounts. If one account is hacked, attackers can use the same password on others. Avoid reuse to prevent widespread breaches.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds extra security by requiring a second form of verification, like a code or fingerprint. It protects your accounts even if your password is stolen, defending against threats like phishing.

Further Learning:

YouTube: Password Security Tips
YouTube: Importance of MFA

Welcoming Danielle Blaxton to the H.U.G. Team!

We are thrilled to introduce Danielle Blaxton, our new Assistant Director of Florida, who brings over 20 years of educational experience to The Help Us Grow Foundation, Inc. (H.U.G.).

Danielle, a proud native of Tampa, FL, holds a degree in Varying Exceptionalities and a master’s in Educational Leadership. Her passion for education is clear through her impressive career as a teacher and an Assistant Principal in Orange and Hillsborough Counties. Her dedication aligns perfectly with H.U.G.’s mission to promote literacy and social equality, allowing students to achieve grade-level reading proficiency by the end of fourth grade.

Danielle was drawn to H.U.G. by its powerful mission to "Grow Reading." She believes that reading is a fundamental pillar for both survival and success, and she deeply admires H.U.G.'s efforts to uplift literacy through its impactful tutoring programs. Danielle is excited to join the team and contribute to such an inspiring cause, helping students build confidence and achieve their full potential through reading.

Danielle's extensive background and passion for empowering students will be invaluable as we continue to help young readers build confidence and achieve success. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on the H.U.G. family and the students we serve.

Help Us Grow Reading Program

Testimonial Video

Catch a testimonial from Kindall Leslie who is leading our Avochato Team as she shares her dedication to our mission. Discover her commitment to our mission by clicking the video below!

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!

We’re eager to hear from you. Click button below to share your thoughts and help us grow stronger together. Your feedback is the key to making our programs even better. Survey powered by SurveyMonkey.

Click Here