June Newsletter: Help Us Grow Foundation, Inc.

You Can BE THE DIFFERENCE™.

The Help Us Grow Reading Program is offering FREE digital literacy training to anyone ready to lift literacy and change a child’s life.

Join us online for 1:1 learning sessions and help build multigenerational connections that make a real impact.

Let’s do good—and feel good—together.

- H.U.G. Testimonial Video

- H.U.G. Training and Info Session

- H.U.G. Highlights and Events

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

- H.U.G. Tutor Training Opportunities here

- H.U.G. Internship Opportunities

- 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

H.U.G. Reading Program Explainer Video

We’re excited to share our official explainer video that captures the heart of the Help Us Grow Reading Program. In just a few minutes, you’ll see how our Verified Reading Mentors, research-based tools, and one-on-one virtual tutoring sessions are transforming lives and closing the literacy gap for Pre-K to 4th grade students.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or potential volunteer, this video shows how you can Be The Difference™ in a child’s reading journey.

Click the video below to see how H.U.G. is changing lives through literacy.

Online Events

Training: Monday - Thursday at 11:00 - 12:00 PM; 1:00 - 2:00 PM

H.U.G. Info Session

Monday - Thursday at 11:00 - 12:00 PM, 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Zoom line: 947 552 4041

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

Free Tech Help for Seniors –

Stay Connected and Confident!

Need help navigating your phone, email, or Zoom? Our trained Digital Navigators at H.U.G. are here to make technology simple, safe, and stress-free — at no cost to you!

From spotting online scams to learning how to scan QR codes, we offer one-on-one support to help seniors stay connected with family, friends, and the world around them. No tech experience needed — just bring your questions, and we'll guide you step-by-step!

Ready to get started?
Call or text us at (813) 330-0117 or email directorvr@hugreading.org today!

Welcome Christopher Booker, New H.U.G. Board Member!

We’re proud to welcome Christopher Booker as a new Board Member at The Help Us Grow Foundation!

Christopher is a seasoned leader in venture capital and healthcare innovation. He currently serves as the Chairman at Hoover Learning Group, an academic coaching and dyslexia intervention center based in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Prior to this role, Christopher served for over eight years as a Partner at Frist Cressey Ventures, where he supported entrepreneurs focused on improving healthcare outcomes. His earlier experience includes nearly nine years with XMI, where he held several senior roles including President of XMI Capital, Partner in XMI’s Venture Funds, and Director of Corporate Development.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Economics, Christopher is passionate about building stronger communities through equity, innovation, and opportunity.

Now joining H.U.G. as a Board Member, Christopher is committed to helping expand the reach and impact of our literacy programs nationwide. We are honored to have Christopher’s leadership and insight on the H.U.G. board as we continue to grow our mission to build confident readers and support educational equity across the country.

Please join us in welcoming Christopher Booker to the team!

Help Us Grow Foundation Events

Pell Elementary School Kicks Off Summer with H.U.G. & Win Program

The Help Us Grow Reading Program is proud to announce the official launch of its H.U.G. & Win summer literacy program at Pell Elementary School. With iPads now in hand, students will engage in a self-paced digital reading challenge designed to keep minds active and motivated throughout the summer months.

The initiative encourages students to log into interactive platforms, complete reading tasks, and earn rewards, all while preventing summer learning loss. It’s literacy, reimagined: fun, flexible, and focused on growth.

Pell Elementary joins a growing list of schools embracing H.U.G.’s innovative approach to out-of-school enrichment. With every page turned, these young readers are one step closer to becoming confident, capable learners.

H.U.G. Hosts 7th Summit in Newport, Rhode Island with Insightful Talk on Generative AI

We’re excited to share a highlight from our 7th H.U.G. Summit, hosted in the beautiful city of Newport, Rhode Island. A special thank you to Salve Regina University and David Altounian, Vice Provost of Graduate and Professional Studies and Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, for joining us as featured speakers.

David delivered an engaging presentation on Generative AI and productivity, offering fresh insights into how emerging technologies reshape how we learn, teach, and grow.

This summit marked an exciting step forward as we work to establish a local presence in Newport, furthering our mission to empower young readers and build stronger communities through literacy.

Celebrating Educators and Partners with Special Guest Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman

On June 3, the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Foundation proudly hosted its Educators & Partners Appreciation Luncheon at the University of Louisville Club and Alumni Center. The event brought together school leaders, community partners, and corporate supporters to celebrate the individuals who make our mission possible.

We were deeply honored to welcome Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman as our guest speaker, who delivered an inspiring message on the importance of early literacy, cross-sector collaboration, and the tireless work of Kentucky’s educators. Her presence underscored the powerful impact of community-driven solutions in shaping brighter futures for students.

Our CEO, Janine Broussard, also shared heartfelt reflections on the growth of the H.U.G. program and the vital role of partnerships in expanding our reach across multiple states. With volunteers and support from organizations like Humana and Republic Bank, the luncheon served as a reminder that when we come together to uplift literacy, we build stronger communities.

Thank you to everyone who joined us — and a special thank-you to the educators who inspire us every day to Be the Difference™.

Tiffany Benjamin Highlights the Power of Partnership at H.U.G. Luncheon

We were thrilled to welcome Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation, as a featured speaker at our Educators & Partners Appreciation Luncheon on June 3. Tiffany shared heartfelt remarks on Humana’s longstanding partnership with H.U.G. and the importance of investing in literacy as a driver of health equity and community resilience.

Her speech highlighted how Humana’s early belief in the H.U.G. mission, from seed funding and volunteer engagement to executive support — has helped us expand across Kentucky, Florida, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Tiffany also recognized the Humana volunteers who have helped bring our reading program to life, noting that every act of service contributes to stronger, healthier communities.

We are deeply grateful for Tiffany’s leadership and Humana’s unwavering commitment to being part of the solution. Together, we are making literacy more accessible, equitable, and impactful for children and families nationwide.

Scenes from the 7th H.U.G. Summit in Newport, RI

From the historic halls of The Breakers, to the charm of Newport Harbor and the iconic New York Yacht Club, our H.U.G. team and ambassadors came together to reflect, connect, and grow.

This summit wasn’t just about celebrating milestones, it was about deepening our mission to uplift young readers, build meaningful partnerships, and continue being the difference in communities across the country.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this gathering unforgettable. Here's to new places, new connections, and a future filled with impact

Board Members Show Up in Support of Literacy at H.U.G. Luncheon

We were proud to have several of our dedicated H.U.G. Board Members in attendance at the Educators & Partners Appreciation Luncheon held on June 3. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the leadership, vision, and behind-the-scenes support that drive our mission forward every day.

Our board plays a critical role in guiding H.U.G.'s strategic growth and sustaining our commitment to expanding literacy access for students across the country. From championing partnerships to amplifying our impact, their dedication continues to shape the future of the H.U.G. Reading Program.

Thank you to our Board for showing up, supporting our team, and truly being the difference.

H.U.G. Spotlighted on 10 Tampa Bay's Great Day Live

We’re proud to share that Danielle Blaxton, our Director of Florida Schools, was recently featured on Great Day Live on 10 Tampa Bay! During the segment, Danielle highlighted the transformative impact of the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program and its mission to close the literacy gap for students across Florida.

From boosting reading skills to building confidence in young learners, Danielle emphasized how H.U.G.’s personalized, one-on-one support model is making a measurable difference in communities statewide. It was an inspiring moment that reflects our commitment to uplifting children.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to see how we’re growing literacy in action!

H.U.G. Delivers Tech Tools to Children & Families Resource Centers

It was a great day for literacy! To kick off the summer with purpose, H.U.G. delivered iPads and headphones on June 3rd to the Children & Families Resource Centers (CFRC), equipping students with the tools they need to continue their reading journey outside the classroom.

Thanks to this strong partnership, children now have access to vital technology that supports their participation in H.U.G.’s online tutoring and literacy activities. These resources help bridge the gap during the summer months, allowing students to build their skills, confidence, and love for reading, even while school is out.

At H.U.G., we believe learning doesn’t stop with the school bell. We’re proud to collaborate with CFRC in creating year-round opportunities for growth and educational success.

Growing Partnerships & Elevating Intergenerational Impact

We’re thrilled to announce that H.U.G. is expanding in Bullitt County, Kentucky with two new school partners: Overdale Elementary School and Maryville Elementary School! These partnerships reflect our continued mission to increase access to literacy support and provide personalized learning opportunities to students across the region. We look forward to working closely with school leaders, educators, and families at both campuses to empower young readers and build lasting connections.

In addition to these exciting local partnerships, H.U.G. will also be participating in the Generations United Annual Conference from June 26–27. This national event brings together thought leaders and practitioners to explore the power of intergenerational collaboration—something we value deeply in our tutoring model. Our attendance will help inform how we continue to use intergenerational learning to strengthen our program, deepen student-tutor relationships, and build bridges across age groups.

We’re honored to keep growing, learning, and partnering with communities that believe in the power of literacy.
Thank you to all who help make it possible to Be The Difference™

WHY H.U.G. Works

Proof in Progress: How Partnerships Drive Student Success

At the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program, collaboration isn't just a strategy—it’s the foundation of real, lasting success. One of the best examples of this impact comes from our partnership between Mort Elementary and Carrollwood Day School, where students are achieving life-changing reading milestones.

This year, a H.U.G. student from Mrs. B’s class at Mort Elementary showed extraordinary progress, improving by 200 points on the STAR National Test in just one semester. Starting at a Pre-K reading level, this student is now proudly reading on grade level, a transformation made possible through personalized tutoring, daily classroom support, and an environment focused on encouragement and growth.

This powerful outcome reminds us that when schools, volunteers, and mentors unite with a shared mission, students thrive beyond expectations.

We are grateful for the commitment of our partner schools, tutors, and volunteers who make stories like this possible—and we remain inspired to keep building bridges to brighter futures, one reader at a time.

We are grateful for our dedicated H.U.G

Reading Mentors

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions. Here's to continued success as we progress together throughout the year ahead.

Helps Us Grow and Win

(H.U.G.) & WIN

Sign Your Students Up Here!

Join the H.U.G. & Win Program!

Keep your child's reading skills sharp year-round with our H.U.G. & Win Program. By engaging in educational games on ReadingEggs.com, children can earn up to $30 in gift cards while enhancing their literacy skills. It's a fun and rewarding way to prevent reading loss during school breaks.

How to Participate:

Sign Up: Complete our registration form.
Get Credentials: We'll provide your child's ReadingEggs.com login details.
Start Learning: Log in and begin playing educational games to earn points.
Earn Rewards: Accumulate points to receive gift cards.
Join Check-Ins: Attend our virtual Zoom sessions for fun activities, program updates, and a chance to win additional prizes.

For more information, contact us via text or call at +1 (786) 232-3449 or email at

hugandwin@hugreading.org

Encourage your child to learn and earn with H.U.G. & Win!

H.U.G. Calendar

H.U.G. Info Session

We will be on Zoom from 11:00 - 12:00 PM, 1:00 - 2:00 PM to meet with YOU!

Please join us for updates, Info session and more!

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

Meeting ID: 9475524041

Are You a Highschool Senior or College Student Looking For a Rewarding Opportunity?

Join the H.U.G. Reading Program as a Reading Mentor and help young children improve their reading skills, all while earning field, practicum, or service hours!

✨ Why Join?

Just 1 hour a week
Fully virtual—mentor from anywhere
Perfect for individuals or groups
Eligible for #WorkStudy or #FederalWorkStudy programs

Make a positive impact while gaining valuable experience. Scan the QR code or enroll today at H.U.G. Reading website.

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and empowerment!

Join Our Team – Exciting Internship & Job Opportunities!

H.U.G. is growing, and we're looking for passionate individuals to join our mission! If you're eager to make a difference in education and literacy, check out our available opportunities:

🔹 Internships Available:

Tutor Recruitment Intern
Cyber Security Intern
Volunteer Recruitment Intern
Remote Learning Specialist Intern
Social Media Intern
IT/Data Intern
Communications Intern
Donor Relations Intern

This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to meaningful change in education.

📩 Apply today! Send your resume to directorhr@hugreading.org

Testimonies That Matter: Why Paid Family Medical Leave Makes a Difference

At the Help Us Grow Foundation, Inc., Paid Family Medical Leave isn’t just a policy—it’s a promise. These testimonials from Rebecca Marcano, Shayla Branch, and Danielle Blaxton reflect how H.U.G.’s commitment to flexibility, family-first values, and virtual support empowers working parents to thrive both personally and professionally.

Whether it’s attending a child’s school event or adjusting hours to support family needs, H.U.G. makes it possible for parents to thrive at work without compromising at home. It’s more than just a job—it’s a community that grows with you.

Internship with Purpose: Ariana Granados Shares Her H.U.G. Journey

Watch as Ariana Granados, a dedicated intern from the University of South Florida, shares her transformative experience with the H.U.G. Reading Program. Working remotely, Ariana honed her skills as a communicator, multitasker, and mentor, all while making a meaningful difference in the lives of students. Her commitment to service not only improved her abilities but also ignited her passion for growth and connection.

Click the video below to hear Ariana's inspiring story and see how one connection can truly make a difference.

Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats: Protecting Our Digital Learning Environment

At The Help Us Grow Reading Program, we recognize the critical importance of safeguarding our digital platforms against evolving cyber threats. By understanding the risks and implementing proactive measures, we ensure a secure environment for our students, staff, and volunteers.

Cybersecurity: Social Engineering Attacks

Fake Story Scam: Attackers invent a believable story to get users to share personal information.
Trade-for-Help Scam: Attackers offer a fake benefit in exchange for access (passwords, credit card information, etc.).
Fake Warning Pop-Up: Fake urgent security alerts prompting users to download malicious software or pay for unnecessary "protection."
Baiting: Promises something beneficial, but instead delivers malware or steals data.
Booby-Trapped Website: Hackers infect frequented websites, hoping to catch unsuspecting users.
Tailgating (Piggybacking): An unauthorized hacker follows someone into a secure area without proper credentials.
Dumpster Diving: Hackers go through discarded materials to find confidential information.

Current Events in Cybersecurity

Microsoft OneDrive File Picker Flaw Grants Apps Full Cloud Access — Even When Uploading Just One File

Cybersecurity experts have found a serious vulnerability with Microsoft's OneDrive file upload tool. If you use it on other apps like ChatGPT, Slack, or Trello, a website could secretly get access to all your cloud files—not just the ones you picked to share. This happens because the system asks for too much permission and doesn't clearly tell users what they’re agreeing to. Microsoft knows about the problem but hasn’t fixed it yet, so it’s a good idea to stop using OneDrive uploads for now or make sure your security settings are strong.

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

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