| | | |
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. Training and Info Session - 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
| | | | | Online Events Training: Monday - Friday at 11:00 - 12:00 PM; 1:00 - 2:00 PM | | | H.U.G. Info Session Monday - Friday at 10:30 - 11:00 AM, 12:30 - 1:00 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 | | | | H.U.G. for the Holidays
A H.U.G. Hat is more than just a cozy and stylish accessory—it’s a beacon of hope and a bridge to brighter opportunities. For children struggling to read, each word can feel like an insurmountable challenge. But with your help, we can turn those challenges into triumphs.
This holiday season, purchasing a H.U.G. Hat means giving the gift of possibility. Your support helps a child discover their voice, build their confidence, and unlock their future—all through the transformative power of reading.
Why Choose a H.U.G. Hat? Change Lives: Every hat sold helps provide children with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed. Comfort with a Purpose: Made from quality, breathable materials, our hats are as comfortable as they are meaningful. A Gift with Meaning: Share a symbol of love and hope with your friends Let’s create warmth and possibilities, one hat at a time. Whether for yourself or as a meaningful gift, your purchase will help shape brighter futures for children in need. Scan the QR code or visit our website to grab your H.U.G. Hat today—because every purchase is a step toward brighter futures and endless possibilities. Together, let’s make this holiday season truly transformative! | | | | Building Momentum: Advancing Literacy and Expanding Opportunity | | As the school year progresses, we're thrilled to reflect on the remarkable impact of the Help Us Grow Reading Program (H.U.G.) and share the strides we've made together in promoting educational equity and literacy growth. With the continued dedication of our supporters, H.U.G. is transforming lives, empowering students to achieve reading proficiency, and fostering character development across multiple states.
This month's highlights include: Expanding Reach: Since 2019, our program has impacted 782 elementary school students across three states—Kentucky, Florida, and Massachusetts. This fall, 118 students are actively participating, with 80 in Kentucky and 38 in Florida. Effective Tutoring: Supported by an incredible team of 680 tutors, our model continues to deliver impactful literacy instruction and build confidence in young learners. Valuable Partnerships: Generous support from donors like Humana, Kroger, Republic Bank, Salesforce, Publix, Dollar General, Kentucky Power and Light, Gheens Foundation, CE&S, WCAS, and Goldman Sachs underpins our ability to grow and sustain our mission. Educating Future Leaders: With interns from institutions like Valencia College, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), University of South Florida (USF), High Point University, Rutgers, Hunter College, and Arizona State University, we’re preparing the next generation of professionals while advancing our literacy mission.
Your unwavering commitment fuels our ability to reach more students and inspire future leaders. Together, we can continue to transform education and unlock potential—one word at a time. Let’s keep growing stronger, together! | | | | Fall H.U.G. & Win Sign Your Students Up Here! | | | | | | | | | | | H.U.G. Info Session We will be on Zoom from 10:30 - 11:00 AM, 12:30 - 1:00 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 | | | | | | | |
Help Us Grow Foundation Events | | H.U.G. Represented at the American Heart Association Scientific Session 2024
We’re thrilled to share that Janine Broussard, CEO of The Help Us Grow Foundation (H.U.G.), was invited to the American Heart Association Scientific Session 2024 in Chicago. This renowned global event gathered experts in cardiovascular science, medicine, and societal impact to explore advancements and initiatives that improve lives and promote health equity.
During her visit, Janine had the honor of meeting Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. The session focused on groundbreaking innovations for healthcare professionals and researchers while emphasizing the importance of creating healthier, more equitable communities. Janine shared insights about H.U.G.'s mission and its role in shaping a brighter future through literacy. We’re thrilled to see H.U.G.’s story represented in such an influential space. | | | | Building Bridges for Literacy: A H.U.G. Moment at the NCFL Conference
At the National Center for Family Learning (NCFL) conference, Emanuelle Wessels, H.U.G.'s Director of Kentucky, connected with Denine Torr, Vice President of Philanthropy at the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Their meeting served as an inspiring moment to explore shared goals and potential collaboration in advancing educational opportunities.
These connections reflect the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. Together, such partnerships have the potential to make a lasting impact on communities through enhanced access to literacy and education.
| | | | A Heartfelt Thanks to Pi Beta Phi!
We are thrilled to share that Pi Beta Phi nominated H.U.G. for a $2,000 grant from First Book, and we are excited to announce that we were awarded the grant! Thanks to their incredible support, we were able to purchase over 500 books for our H.U.G. students.
These books will directly enhance the literacy journey of the young readers we serve, giving them access to the resources they need to grow and thrive. Thank you, Pi Beta Phi, for helping us make such a meaningful impact in the lives of our students. | | | Gratitude in Action at Old Mill
This November, Old Mill students showcased the spirit of gratitude as they participated in our "BE THE DIFFERENCE" campaign. With "Be Thankful" stickers proudly displayed, these young learners embodied the theme of the month, reminding us all of the power of appreciation and growth.
Every day, as they turn pages and conquer new words, these students are not only building their reading skills but also developing confidence, character, and a lifelong love for learning. The "Be Thankful" theme ties directly into our mission to inspire both academic achievement and personal growth, encouraging students to recognize and celebrate their progress.
Their excitement and dedication are a testament to the importance of fostering both literacy and a positive mindset in education. At Old Mill, gratitude isn't just a theme for November—it’s a foundation for building brighter futures. | | | | A Bright Start at Cane Run
Our first tutoring session at Cane Run was a resounding success. With the support of our dedicated tutors, young readers eagerly dove into their learning journey, setting the stage for growth and achievement.
The enthusiasm and engagement from both students and tutors were truly inspiring, reflecting the power of community and collaboration. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Cane Run community for welcoming us and supporting this meaningful initiative.
Together, we’re creating confident readers and shaping brighter futures, one session at a time.
| | | | | Teamwork in Action: Pi Beta Phi Lends a Helping Hand
A big thank you to the incredible members of Pi Beta Phi for their hard work in organizing inventory at the H.U.G. office. Their dedication and efficiency have helped ensure that all materials are sorted and ready to support our literacy initiatives.
This collaboration highlights the power of teamwork and the impact of community support in advancing our mission. With their help, we’re better equipped to serve young readers and provide the resources needed to make a difference in their educational journeys. Thank you, Pi Beta Phi, for being an integral part of the H.U.G. family!
| | | |
H.U.G. Attends the Salve Regina College Info Luncheon
Janine Broussard, CEO of The Help Us Grow Foundation, Inc. (H.U.G.), proudly attended the Salve Regina College Information Luncheon in Newport. This engaging event brought together educational leaders and advocates, including Dr. David Bazarsky and Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong, President of Salve Regina University. The luncheon served as a platform to discuss shared goals and innovative approaches to advancing education and empowering students.
Janine’s participation underscored H.U.G.’s commitment to building meaningful connections and exploring collaborative opportunities with like-minded organizations. The discussions highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships that drive impactful change, ensuring students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.
H.U.G. is honored to be part of conversations that align with our mission of improving literacy and building confidence in young learners. We are grateful for the chance to engage with inspiring leaders at Salve Regina University, who share our dedication to creating brighter futures for all. Events like these remind us that together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of students and their communities. | | | | Focused Learners at Mort Elementary
This snapshot captures the heart of our mission at Mort Elementary—a group of dedicated young learners fully immersed in their tutoring session. Equipped with laptops and headphones, these students are engaging in personalized learning activities designed to build their reading skills, confidence, and love for learning.
With the guidance of our program and support from the community, these students are making strides toward literacy success. Moments like these remind us of the incredible potential within every child and the importance of creating environments where they can thrive. Together, we’re shaping brighter futures, one session at a time! | | | | Exciting Updates from Florida
Incredible things are unfolding across Florida as H.U.G. continues to build connections and make a difference. On December 13th, Mort Elementary will host a special community partner breakfast, where high school students from Carrollwood Day School will meet the Mort students they’ve been tutoring virtually. This milestone event highlights the power of building deeper relationships and fostering meaningful partnerships within the community.
In The Villages, FL, our H.U.G. Ambassador has launched a H.U.G. Club, creating a space for community members to engage with our mission and contribute to the success of our virtual tutoring programs. This initiative opens new doors for local involvement and demonstrates the strength of collective action in empowering students to thrive.
We are also excited to announce a new partnership with Village of Excellence Academy. Through this collaboration, H.U.G. will provide virtual reading intervention services, furthering our commitment to helping students succeed academically. With each new initiative, H.U.G. continues to expand its reach and impact, making a difference—one hug at a time. | | | | Collaboration Across Teams: A Thanksgiving Connection
This Thanksgiving holiday, Nicholas Hodges, our Director of Volunteer Recruitment, and Nagini Akkinepalli, our Director of Human Resources, came together, showcasing the power of connection within The Help Us Grow Foundation (H.U.G.). Their meeting underscored the importance of aligning recruitment and HR efforts to create a seamless experience for our volunteers and staff. Nicholas’s passion for engaging dedicated volunteers and Nagini’s expertise in fostering a supportive workplace formed the backbone of H.U.G.’s thriving community.
At H.U.G., collaboration has always been at the heart of everything we do. Whether building relationships or working behind the scenes, moments like these highlighted our shared commitment to literacy and growth. Thank you, Nicholas and Nagini, for embodying the teamwork and dedication that continue to propel our mission forward. Together, we have made and will continue to make a lasting impact! | | | | 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.
Common Cyber Threats
It is important to stay aware of common cyber threats in order to protect your data as well as H.U.G’s data. Cybersecurity threats come in many forms, from malware like spyware, adware, ransomware, viruses, and Trojan horses, which can steal data, disrupt systems, or demand payment, to cyberattacks like Denial of Service (DoS), Distributed DoS (DDoS), and botnets, which overload systems or execute large-scale attacks. Password attacks such as spraying (guessing common passwords), brute-force (trying all combinations), and dictionary attacks (using lists of likely passwords) target weak account security. To protect your data, use strong, unique passwords, regularly update software, and back up important data to stay resilient against these threats.
Current Events in Cybersecurity:
3 in 4 Educational Institutions Have Uncovered a Cyber-Attack: According to a survey conducted by cybersecurity company Netwrix, 77% of institutions across K-12 and higher education have identified a cyber attack on their infrastructure within the past 12 months. This is a significant increase from the 69% reporting metric from 2023.
| | | | | Welcoming Odlanier Pena-Moulier to the H.U.G. Team! | | | We are thrilled to introduce Odlanier Pena-Moulier, our Social Media Manager! A junior at the University of South Florida majoring in Information Science with a focus on Web Development Technologies, Odlanier brings creativity, strategy, and a passion for making an impact to his role. At H.U.G., he manages our social media presence, creates and curates engaging content, analyzes performance metrics, and leads innovative campaigns to connect our mission with a broader audience.
Odlanier joined H.U.G. inspired by its mission to empower children through literacy and education. With a strong belief that literacy is the cornerstone of opportunity, he uses his skills to amplify the foundation’s work and support struggling readers on their journey to confidence and success. His daily work includes planning content, brainstorming new ideas, and collaborating with the team to ensure H.U.G.’s story is shared effectively.
Looking to the future, Odlanier envisions H.U.G. growing its online presence through creative and interactive content, strengthening its digital strategies, and reaching more children and families in need. He’s excited to help build a vibrant, connected community that supports H.U.G.’s efforts to shape brighter futures through literacy.
Odlanier shares this message with the H.U.G. community: “The Help Us Grow Foundation thrives because of the collective efforts of everyone involved—volunteers, staff, donors, and supporters. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps us move closer to our goal of empowering young readers. Together, we are shaping brighter futures, one story at a time. Let’s continue to inspire and make a difference | | | | Help Us Grow Reading Program Testimonial Video
Watch a testimonial from Jenna Hamdan, who was a valued member of our Social Media Team. Hear her share her dedication to our mission and the impact of her time with us 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. | | | | | | | | Market & Partnership Updates | | | | News That Informs Help Us Grow Reading Program | | | | | | | Copyright © 2023 Help Us Grow Foundation, Inc. You are receiving this email as you signed up for our newsletters. Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can Unsubscribe or Update your preferences
| | | | | |