Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

My students go to a local elementary class to help students increase their reading skills. They are considered at risk and with the extra attention the youngsters form positive relationships and get intensive vocabulary, main idea, pronouncing words and other reading building blocks to improve their reading levels. TTRM is a great program that has varying levles of reading materials that students are interested in and after a book is completed, the students can take the book home with them to share with other brothers or sisters and reread it themselves.

Promoting literacy by reading to kindergardeners- abosulutely loved reading to those little ones and can't wait to do it again. I may even start volunteering to read regularly! I think I got more from it than the kids did.

Our school hosted a Read. Love. Learn training session for parents. Parents received materials that they could use at home to help their children with reading.

I am a volunteer with the Teen CERT program. I help now, but want to be trained as a trainer.

As a parent my daughter has really advanced herself thru the Teen Trendsetter program. Shes gone out of her way to not only help, but in doing so expanding her own skills and knowledge. Shes become a better, student, friend, leader, and shes always been a great daughter but now shes just amazing. I think Volunteer USA Foundation is an amazing organization and I hope that you expand yourselves. You have done so much for me and my family, now my wife volunteers and I try to volunteer but its my wife and two daughters that do it now. Thank you so much for everything you did for us.

Volunteer USA consistently partners with corporate sponsors who are aligned their mission, serving children in need. These partnerships allow the Foundation to donate books, supplies and curriculum for multiple programs that impact families and communities.

I am a volunteer Teen CERT Instructor. Do to this organizations efforts the CERT program has been modified for teen intrest.

Volunteer USA funds family literacy programs that impacted family throughout the state of Florida. I have witnessed this first hand through my on going relationship with their staff. I have been involved with their organization over the years and will continue to support them as they strive to meet the needs of underprivilaged families

It is a blessing to work alongside an organization that does literacy, mentoring and disaster preparedness programming as successful as Volunteer USA does. They are highly respected organization that creates and manages services/programming producing real measurable results, success stories and the backing of local, state and national partners and sponsors. I am so proud to be in this field with such professionals and look forward to what this org's future has to offer my field.

I am fortunate enough to live near one of the family literacy academies and I think it is absolutely wonderful that Volunteer USA partners with nearby universities and colleges in providing a parent and his or her child with a scholarship. Impacted by supportive staff and an exemplary curriculum, the recipients of these scholarships are so very deserving, working so hard while still instilling the fundamentals of early education in their children. Dreams do come true.

I attended a family literacy event in central florida and witnessed the celebration for four adults that had completed their literacy program and passed their graduation exam to earn their G.E.D. It was an awesome experience to see the look on the their families faces!

I've seen first-hand the impact Volunteer USA's Family Literacy Program's, have had in the lives of families through the delivery of their ESOL, parent-training, adult education, parent training services. The program has helped a couple of my relatives that have migrated to the USA from Colombia in the last few years, by teaching them basic English skills and this has helped them acquire employment.

I think Volunteer USA does a great job teaching teenagers how to be good volunteers through the Teen Reading Mentors program. The high school kids get trained to help elementary school kids learn to read better. Way to go!

Volunteer teacher familiar with the love,read,learn and teen trendsetters programs aimed at improving educational outcomes for students. Teachers in our schools cannot do all the work-it is great to have nonprofit step in to promote education and literacy among parents and kids.

Am a longtime volunteer, especially advocating for children who have disabilites. I am impressed with VOlunteer USA's many programs to help families with children who are deaf and in promoting many educational efforts.

I did a job at one of their events and got to see first hand what a difference this organization does in young people's life! The trainers came across very positive and had immediatly a good report w. the Teens.

I am the father of a high school student who participated in Teen Trendsetters. My daughter really grew from this volunteer experience. I saw her take a leadership role and go the extra mile to help a young boy with his struggles in the classroom.

I belong to a partner organization that established a family literacy program in my community. So many families today are so overwhelmed with trying to make ends meet that they don't budget important time to be their child's first teacher. They say it is easy to fall into the idea that it is the school's job to provide their child with all the necessary tools they need to learn. After learning about the important role that parents play in making their home a learning place, life changing behaviors start taking place. Responsiblity for being their child's first teacher starts to emerge and magic happens. This program truly changes lives for families and the premire beneficiary is children. Changing literacy rates in the US starts with families/parents/caregivers. This program is the proof in the pudding.

I'm a teacher and attended a workshop for parents to learn how to be good teachers at home to their kids. LoveReadLearn was the best workshop i have seen for parents of elementary children. This was our best attended training and the moms and dads were really excited.

I attended an event of the Deaf Family Literacy Academy, A volunteer USA Program last weekend and I learned so much from the deaf panelists. I walked away informed about deaf culture. I support this organization because they support families who have deaf children.

This is a quality organization. The Deaf Family Literacy Academy, A Volunteer USA Program, provides excellent and needed services.I have two children who are hard of hearing and now that they are older they volunteer with this organization and help the younger children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

I've experienced the valuable learning sessions provided by this organization in helping to develop early childhood reading. They teach parents techiniques for working with their child to develop reading skills. Their learning kits have the simplest of tools but keep you focused on learning how to do things in a creative way.

I'm active on many youth fronts in Central Florida, and recently had a chance to see their president announce a new program that will be matching foster youth with an adult mentor. What an amazing program and I can't wait to see it grow and expand.

I plan to be a reading mentor in Volunteer USA's Teen Trendsetters program next year. I have watched and helped my older sister if the young boy she mentored. She loved to help him and he had real difficulties because he missed a lot of school when he had cancer.

Became familiar with the work they do with the Teen Trendsetters reading program. My grandadughter became the leader of her high school program and we shared stories about the importance of giving back or charity and good causes. I am very proud of her

For the last two years, and for many years prior, I have seen the work of Volunteer USA and their ability to reach so many with the tools for success.

Worked with a teacher who was in charge of thier Teen Trendsetters reading program. What great way to get kids helping kids, especially in the area of reading...the most fundamental skill for kids to succeed in school.

Love.Read.Learn...... Super Program! Watching parents realize how much more they can do for their children's education is rewarding in itself. Knowing communication lines are opening... even better!

Teen trendsetters made a difference with my child. The extra practice that he got from working with his buddy made him confident.

watching the self esteem of the High School Students, who are mentoring 3rd graders, grow as they went thru the program was incredible... Not only did Teen Trendsetters help 3rd grade students improve their reading skills, it built confidence in the leaders of tomorrow.

Teen trendsetters is without a doubt the premier teen leadership program in the nation. I have seen it change many lives. Thank you for every thing you do.

I love the Teen Trendsetters program and the way it allows the teens to mentor one on one with elementary children to practice reading. They send home over 25 books to the kids home library.

As a mom, I truly believe that early literacy is the best gift you can give to a child. Volunteer USA's Love. Read. Learn! program is outstanding. The staff is well trained and knowledgeable. It is impressive that the kit is curriculum based and that it aligns with specific items associated to its sponsors or the areas that it serves.

As Parent Involvement Coordinator for my school system Volunteer USA Foundation as allowed me to bring workshop to my system that have not been possible in the past.These workshops have allowed more parents to become involved in their child's school and education.Thank you Volunteer USA Foundation. Ron Humphrey

I am so proud of my daughter-in-law's involvement with VUSA because of its many mentoring and literacy programs. I am now a grandparent and hope that the quality programming provided by this organization continues to provide for children just like her.

For several years I have had the pleasure of working with Teecy and her staff at Teen Trensetters. Their passion and professionalism with this program is above anything I have ever experienced. They provide prompt support and are always willing to provide resources quickly and promptly. I am pleased to be a part of this great movement called Volunteer USA Foundation

Volunteer USA foundation has given my brother a way to serve our community. His accomplishments thru the foundation have helped him become a more well rounded individual. I thank your organization for all the hard work you do and continue to do.

The team at Volunteer USA is unparralel when it comes to reaching and serving families in need. I work in the hospital birthing center and impressed with the new baby journal, and even more impressed in staff member Michael Thompson, who is always available to make sure we have plenty of journals available.

I had the joy of going through the TEEN CERT program here in Tallahassee as an adult. The experience was EXCELLENT! The motivation and enthusiasm I saw in both the youth & the adults was great -- and the education provided during that training was priceless. It has moved both my sons to want to do more and be better prepared!

Volunteer USA foundation is committed to helping teens find an opportunity in their community to make a difference. Teen Cert training is working to educate teens in an empowering way that makes them feel useful and able to contribute in the face of a disaster. And Teen Trendsetters is an awesome way for teens to be teen change agents in their communities, helping younger children to become stronger readers. In a time when teens very often get a bad wrap I want to thank Volunteer USA for being so committed to the power and excitement of our youth as volunteers.

I am very impressed with the reading and early learning programs for children. I have a 2 and 4 year old and am always trying to find new and interesting ways to get them to learn and continue their excitement about reading. The information and tools provided to me were great and my children loved it!

teen cert showed me how to handle a situation without overreacting about it. They show me how to make splints out of different things around be.

Hello, we are TCB MARKETING, A direct mail business. we have been working with Volunteer USA Foundation on assisting them with their fullfillment work for kits that get shipped out to schools. These kits are a great asset for parents because they let the parents interact with their children and help them with their learning abilities.

Volunteer USA makes a difference-- The Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors Program positively impacts our entire school system and community. The excitement epressed by our high school youth regarding the volunteer committment to increase reading skills of 2nd and 3rd grade children is absolutely contagious! We started with two student volunteers in July and now we have 38 volunteers. Also, one of our Reading Mentors just won the the "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Best Idea Contest resulting in 100 "Hungry Caterpillar" books being delivered to our elementary schools. Thumbs up to you Volunteer USA! Suzanne Boynton Fulmer Teacher, Bledsoe County High School Pikeville TN

I attended the Leon County 4-H Teen CERT training in July. Our teens are more ready to help our community in a disaster.

I have followed Vol. USA since its inception and personally know many of its leaders, volunteers. They do mighty work in inspiring people to action

I coordinate a family literacy program that is sponsored by Volunteer USA Foundation. The staff are dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of people with limited opportunities. Their support and resourcefulness has led to real changes for the families we work with. They are awesome!

Through my involvement with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, I have seen first-hand the wonderful work of Volunteer USA Foundation.

They have transformed volunteerism in the State of Florida by engaging experts and partners to tackle the big problems and address unmet needs.

What the Volunteer USA Foundation does for the people of Florida is really indispensable. They have a dedicated staff that works diligently day in and day out to make a difference in the lives of so many people. As a father of two young children, and a developer of electronic education courses, their work in literacy and education is personally inspiring. I would just like to say thanks for all they do.

Michaei Thompson is great, he works with me on Volunteer USA with finacial reports and he and the staff at Volunteer USA are indispensible.

I worked with Volunteer's teen trendsetter program that helps teens help their community by helping little kids learn to read. I also had the pleasure of working with Venita Dorsey. She is a great mentor and fun to work with. I hope I get another opportunity to work with Venita again!

My experience with Volunteer USA has been outstanding. They are always ready to answer questions and the quick response on shipping was amazing.

The Volunteer USA's Family Literacy Initiative is a neccesity for this region of the country. The organization is making tremendous strides in training parents and providing mentors to promote literacy. The entire staff is highly motivated and focused on providing and improving core programs to enhance lives and build brighter futures.

Volunteer USA has a vast out-reach and is doing so much for families throughout the Southeast. The "Ready or Not" hurricane preparedness program educates families on what to do before, during and after a disaster hit with a step by step instructional booklet/kit. The information is invaluable (how to reach FEMA, how to apply for disaster recovery funds, etc) especially to those families who are less fortunate than others. I have also particpated in Celebration of Reading and have seen how the Literacy Academies have helped so many parents earn their GED while their children are learning with them. The stories shared at the Celebration were inspirational, but more importantly, they were stories that underscored the value of such organizations as Volunteer USA>

I have seen this program in action. It is great and has many benefits for the elementary student as well as the high school student. The elementary student learns to read, but also gains a role model and self-confidence. The high school student learns leadership skills, responsibility and a love for volunteerism.

They provide reading inforamtion and books for families of newborns, which is a tremendous service for the community! The books and materials are provided at no cost to our hospital.

I have worked with Volunteer USA to increase the number of adult participating in one-on-one school mentoring partnerships. Volunteer USA has been instrumental in engageing mentors in meaningful activities, that enocurages mentors to remain active year after year. Our staff mentors are scheduled to participate in "Read for the Record" Thursday, October 8, 2009

The founder and staff are exceptional - committed to helping AND competent. It's a great organization destined for an even greater future!

This is an amazing group of people who are extremely dedicated to making a difference in our country. Their literacy programs have grown leaps and bounds and make it fun and exciting for students and young adults to learn. In addition, their disaster recovery efforts have made a dramatic impact, especially in the state of Florida. Not only do they assist in disaster recovery, but they also have programs in place for disaster mitigation. All of the staff are honest and ethical individuals who take their responsibilities very personally.

Am amazinly efficient and helpful organization with an outstanding staff, helping with disasters, literacy and mentoring. TOP NOTCH in all they do!

I have been working with this organization for 5 years as a high school liason that brings students to an elementary site for reading tutoring. When we first started using the program, teen trendsetters, in the elementary schools we noticed an immediate difference in both age groups...the elementary student was gaining confidence from having their mentor, reading skills were improving, and the students actually were excited about reading, learning, and being able to have a library of books AT HOME! One of the aspects that we did not count on was how many teenagers acting as mentors were feeling affected! The teens reported that the sense of responsibility and dedication that they felt towards this program was more than anything else that they had ever done. We were also excited that all of the students that were tutored at the elementary school made significant gains on their reading assessments after being tutored. My students LOVE this program and the support that Volunteer USA gives us b providing all books, workbooks, and teacher guides is OUTSTANDING! The fouundation is easy to reach when needed, willing to help, and committed to improving lives in our state!!!

thank you for what you do to help you in literacy, mentoring and preparing for disasters. A fantastic organization that does an awesome job of efficiently delivering services to those who need them.

The Deaf Family Literacy Academy has helped my family communicate with our deaf daughter. In my family, we all have the gift of hearing. Our daughter Zoe was born with both vision impairment and profound deafness. The Deaf Family Literacy Academy sent a deaf teacher to our home. my family learned so much this summer. We were truly on our way to learning ASL. This is the only way of communication we will have to bond with Zoe. It is unfortunate that the program lacks the funding to continue to provide us with this help. Our deaf teacher, Cindy, was our only connection to the deaf culture. Now what? How can families like mine receive the help they need? Please help fund this great cause. We are living proof that the organization has the power to change lives. Let's continue to keep NPOs like the Deaf Family Literacy Academy alive!

I have been a witness to the wonderful program called the Deaf Family Literacy Academy in Fort Lauderdale headed by Jennifer Jones. This program matches deaf adults as mentors to parents of deaf children. Deaf adults act as mentors and demonstrate how to read a children's story using sign language to these parents. It is truly awesome! Kids are enjoying stories and parents are learning how to tell these stories in a manner which makes them accessible.

Johnathon Paul Reyes. The Volunteer U.S.A foundation family literacy program, helps my family in several ways first, we can learn and develop social skills.Second, we learn academics for a better future. As a result of this,we can move on the a bright and successful future.

I voluntered for teen trendsetters for volunteer USA and helped mentor third graders in reading. We met once a week and did multiple activities to help the children become better readers and enjoy reading. I really liked helping the children and being a part of their learning experience.

I've volunteered for a very short time but am incredibly impressed with the staff and the level of projects. These folks are doing good work. They are filling critical gaps for families and education with their literacy initiatives. They are filling critical gaps to serve people and their recreational opportunities in FL state parks. They care deeply for those they serve. Service matters. Just the type of group I appreciate being associated with.

I know the priorities are accountability, efficiency and transparency. The staff truly put their heart and soul into successful programs and have a desire to impact those in need. I'm glad to see they have continued many of the great initiatives and programs they started at the Volunteer Florida Foundation. It's a pleasure to support them in their efforts to be recognized as a great nonprofit.

I am a Sign Language Interpretation student, and I attended a Singning Stories workshop provided by The Deaf Family Literacy Academy in Broward County, FL. I enjoyed the opportunity of learn on Deaf Culture and education. The program is a great support for families with deaf children.

It is always a pleasure talking with Michael Thompson at Volunteer USA. He is able to quickly answer my questions or concerns. My committee at the local hospital visit with new moms and present them with via gift items. The current item is the Love, Read, Learn booklet from this organization. Michael is able to tell me when an item is being changed, when a new item will be available, request what our supply needs will be and when we can expect it. This booklet is being well received by the new moms and they look forward to reading and filling in the information requested. It's like a diary for the new baby. Again, it's a pleasure talking with Michael who is always available to help.

The organization is Deaf Family Literacy Academy, formerly known as Alliance for Families with Deaf Children. I direct a program to prepare sign Langauge Interpreters at a local college. My students have attended program activities and have vlunteered for the organization. Family members with deaf children who are involved in the organization have heard about our program and classes through the Academy. I have attended their events for several years and I can speak without any hesitation that the program is doing suberb things. Their director, Jennifer Jones is remarkable in her dedication and commitment to the program and her insights into its needs and the needs of families with deaf children. This organization is a tremendous resource in the South Florida area.

My experience with this organization comes in the form of working with Jennifer Jones and the Deaf Literacy Academy. This organization provides wonderful supportfor the parents of newly diagnosed deaf children (most of whom are born to hearing parents) and to the young deaf children in south Florida. She provides role models, access to deaf adults, and hope for the parents of deaf children that their children can succeed in life and more specifically, in literacy, Among deaf children, literacy is an elusive skill and one that requires an intensive program to develop. It can only succeed when parents are confident enough to allow their children to use sign language to mediate their environment. Jennifer provides this for children and parents. She is a welcome alternative to the established programs with different philosophies in South Florida. Personally, I have attended the Family Reading programs...I have had the opportunity to see children blossom as they make connections from sign to English. I have had the opportunity to see parents feel positive about their child's future and to feel like a full participant in their child's present....a rare joy for parents of deaf children.

I would like to take this opportunity to write about the Deaf Family Literacy Academy, a program of Volunteer USA, to express how their services and programs have affected families with deaf children. As a former mentor for DFLA, I had personal experience going into the homes of families with deaf children. I worked with children ranging in age from newly-diagnosed babies up to eleven years old. In all of the homes I visited, the families lives were very profoundly and positively impacted...parents learned to read TO and WITH their deaf children and children improved their American Sign Language skills--which led to improved reading comprehension. I will never forget the day when I was working with a parent of an eleven-year old boy. The mother and I were having a Sign Language lesson, sharing stories about our childhoods. I asked her to tell me about a time when she remembered being scared. She thought for a moment, then began signing a true story about a time she & a classmate became lost while on a school field trip to a museum. As the story continued, her deaf son--who had obviously never been told this story of his mother's past (or perhaps any others?) sat captivated with a smile on his face. There was such joy and wonder in his eyes...as if he realized for the first time that his mom had also once been a child of his age. I just sat back and let them "connect"...I knew I was witnessing an important moment--a boy getting to know his mother better through stories of her childhood. It had taken a few years of lessons through the home-mentoring program provided by DFLA for the mother to know enough Sign Language to communicate fluently with her son, but what a reward for those efforts...a bond that will continue to grow and strengthen forever. Thanks, in huge part, to Deaf Family Literacy Academy.

Volunteer USA had its humble beginnings in Florida - and though it has never lost its humility, it has grown exponentially by recognizing that volunteerism is best in a one-on-one environment. When I was in state government, we were encouraged to volunteer in youth programs -especially literacy programs, because the Tallahassee area is economically challenged and has many underprivileged children who read far below their age level. Many of my staff volunteered, and the reports of the joy on the children's faces can not be matched. At one reading event, I read with kids in Key West as part of a coordinated event statewide, and we set a world record for the number of readers reading the same material out loud at the same time! Volunteer USA makes sure it's easy and that you have the tools you need. After that, it's you and the children, and I just thank God for Volunteer USA and the good work it does -- and allows many of us individuals to do. Of course, they do so much more now, but their focus is still on serving, and they do so with a humble heart.

They are a great association that helps a large number of families throught the Southeastern United States. They are dedicated to improving the quality of life for families through educational services. If there is just one literacy program that you would support, this should be the one!

Great organization staffed by talented people highly motivated to effectively manage the organization's programs and provide stewardship over the organization's assets.

Volunteer USA Foundation is an organization that is thoroughly committed to providing quality services for youth. No only do they have a passion for children and youth, they are committed to doing so in an evidenced-based manner ensuring that they are providing services that make a difference.

I have been working with the Volunteer USA foundation in connection with their Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors program and their Family Literacy Initiative program. I have found that the Foundation staff and volunteers have a real commitment to make a difference in the lives of children, youth and families. The Foundation makes use of data collection and evaluation to improve their programs and to measure the change that their efforts have produced for the people they serve.

I HAVE ACTED AS ADVISOR FOR THE TEEN TRENDSETTER PROGRAM FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS. BOTH THE TEENS AND THE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS GET SO EXCITED TO BE IN A MENTORING RELATIONSHIP. STUDENTS ON BOTH ENDS MAKE A TREMENDOUS COMMITMENT AND ARE MAKING A SPASH IN THE COMMUNITY. PRINCIPALS, PARENTS, COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS ALL COME TOGETHER TO ADVANCE READING SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENT. THE EFFORT BUILDS COMMUNITY AND BRINGS SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SUCCESS TO THE YOUNG STRUGGLING READERS--A TRUE EFFORT FOR NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND. SUPPORTERS IN THE PAST INCLUDE FPL AND THIS YEAR COMCAST AND STATE FARM INSURANCE. IT'S A WIN-WIN, STRUCTURED, RELEVANT AND MUCH NEEDED SCHOOL-COMMUNITY EFFORT!

My experience with the Volunteer USA Foundation has been in the area of program development, training, and curriculum design. Their programs serving families and youth are exemplary and provide opportunities for personal growth and educational success. Staff and volunteer efforts ensure that families receive quality services and continuous support. The commitment to excellence is shared by all.

Teen Trendsetters is a great program that is doing important work in the community. The high school students who volunteer to mentor 2nd and 3rd graders in reading are proving to the community that teens can make a difference. My grandson loved the BrainStorm magazines, and he is becoming a more confident reader.

Volunteer USA Foundation works hard to promote reading through its Teen Trendsetters program. The teens gain leadership skills and the elementary students get extra help in reading. The Teen Trendsetters staff is enthusiastic and has great passion for the work they do. Thank you Teen Trendsetters for the impact you are making in the lives of our future leaders!

I am an event planner for adult educators & adult learners & their families. Staff members from the Volunteer USA Foundation (VUF), Inc., have provided training & resources to the participants at many of these events. VUF's comprehensive literacy program strengthens the education of the family as a whole. In addition to learning how to become better readers, parents/caregivers learn how to become involved & effective teachers in the education of their children. As a result, everyone benefits: adult learners, their children, their neighborhoods, their communities, & society as a whole.

I was the board chair for AFDC, the former organization. During my tenure with the organization, I saw the impact that the program made in the lives of the deaf children and their families. These unique services fill a void that no other organization fills in this underserved population.

I worked with my niece to help create recruiting posters,sign up sheets and year end party plan for Teen Trendsetters as she was lead teen at her high school.

I know Volunteer USA from my involvement with the Deaf Family Literacy program. The Deaf Family Literacy activities have served a critical need in Southeast Florida for nearly 10 years. Volunteer USA was the first agency to fully recognize the importance of Deaf Literacy and has made the program one of its own. This group understands literacy from the ground up. They get my full recommendation.

Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors Program is an outstanding program of Volunteer USA! This wonderful leadership development opportunity for Teens allows them to be change agents in their community. Great work Teen Trendsetters staff!!

I have been volunteering with the Deaf Family Literacy Academy for just over a year. The monthly Signing Stories at the Library allow me to meet families working to strengthen their relationship through ASL. I appreciate the opportunity to learn ASL as I have no family affected by hearing loss or deafness. A friend's daughter is deaf and these session have helped me communicate with her directly rather than asking her mom to translate. Thank you Jennifer for the great work you are doing in our community :)

Teen Trendsetters has grown to be an outstanding program that impacts the lives of many teens throughout the state of Florida and the southeast US. I am especially pleased with the focus on the environment. Volunteer USA is aware of how important it is that our children know and understand the environment.

Love. Read. Learn! is a simple and parent friendly program that has made a huge difference with parent throughout the southeast. Volunteer USA has done a great job reaching out to parents and helping them to use their time with their children wisely.

I am a parent of a Deaf daughter. The Deaf Family Literacy Academy is a wonderful program for families with Deaf children. It brings together hearing families, deaf families, and professionals to help hearing parents learn to communicate with their deaf children through ASL and English/and other languages. The mentorship that DFLA provides to parents is invaluable. Thanks to Volunteer USA Foundation for recognizing this very valuable program.

I would like to write a short review on the incredible work the Deaf Family Literacy Academy has done, is doing and hopefully will continue to be supported in doing. This organization fills a critical gap in services for our deaf and hard of hearing children. I have been honored to do some trainings and workshops for their mentors and parent groups. The feedback is always the same. Parents are absolutely thrilled with the resources, activities and real support they receive from the DFLA. I am continually amazed at the level of service they provide and the opportunities they extend to their participants. It is a pleasure to watch the growth and impact this group has on the well-being and literacy development of the DHH child. Their workers are a group of serious minded, whole- heartedly committed professionals who believe in the innate abilities of the DHH child and seek to bring literacy to them in tangible ways where traditional avenues have failed. Thank you for funding this academy! You have no idea the far-reaching influence it has on the overall development of the children, their families and society.

This organization is committed to the education of parents and children. As an educator I appreciate their work with Teen Trendsetters and Love. Read. Learn! Parents are the key to success in education and Volunteer USA believes in the power of parents.

I've worked with and provided pro bono production services to Volunteer USA Foundation since its inception. They are a fabulous and dedicated group of professionals. They are committed to creating and supporting literacy and mentoring programs throughout the US.

Teen Trendsetter Reading Mentors is a great program. It puts books in the hands of children and they can take them home and share with their family. I love teen trendsetters!

This organization is committed to the education of parents and children. As an educator I appreciate their work with Teen Trendsetters and Love. Read. Learn! Parents are the key to success in education and Volunteer USA believes in the power of parents

It was great to work with this nonprofit on their Teen Trendsetters program. My conmpany was approached to donate t-shirts for the teen training summit.

This organization has greatly enhanced the lives of many families in Lake wales through education. Many without diplomas have achieved their GED and moved onto higher education.

Residents of Lake Wales, Florida, one of the poorest communities in our country, have been significanlty impacted because of the belief, foresight, and generosity of Volunteer USA Foundation, Inc. These are individuals who otherwise would have been left behind but because of their persiistance and belief over the past several years, their unwaivering support of the local Family Literacy Initiative has resulted in an extraordinary number of GED graduates. But the story is more then just the GED graduates. A former graduate has since graduated from our local state college which has spawned a real and growing belief from others in the program that a better future is possible not only for themselves but their families. All of this would not be possible if it were not for VUSA.

As a business that understands being a good corporate citizen means investing in the communities we serve, selecting an organization to share our resources with to ensure our philanthropic investment is well spent, goes beyond asking the typical questions of “do they service the target market, mission or need that we are focused on”. There must be a high level of trust that not only does the organization have the passion, focus and resources to succeed... we must ask. “Can they execute the plan with fidelity and integrity?” As I was pondering your question on what our experience with Volunteer USA has been... my immediate first thoughts were two words… fidelity and integrity. There are many organizations that have the best of intentions, yet are unable to deliver. The Volunteer USA Foundation thinks big, shares high level thought leadership; delivers by exceeding highly set goals time and again -despite today’s economy; is collaborative beyond the "WIFM" for their organization, which many organizations start benevolent then place feed the organization as high as achieving their mission; and has the success record to back it up. Success of their magnitude happens only through strong leadership and a team of professionals that are stealth and competent. Given their high levels of achievement, diverse activities, and large multi-state focus –I’m constantly amazed of their ability to deliver, yet not surprised. The team at the Volunteer USA Foundation is stellar, experienced and professional and it shows. They are truly a winning force that enables communities to be the best they can be. Therefore, as a business and community partner choosing to work with the professional staff at Volunteer USA is a very easy decision to make and wise investment.

Volunteer USA Foundation Family Literacy Program Helps My Family By The program help me how to read,spell and also how to help my grandchildren with there homework. And that why I like this program because they can help me to get my G.E.D and with this program I have learn a lot and I am stall am learning about math.

Volunteer USA Foundation's Family Literacy Program help my family by Preparing for myself to get my GED so I can get a better job also every Thursday they have Parenting. It helps a lot espeashaly when you have children. My main goal is to receive my GED. So I can better myself and that would help me to get a better job. I would like to be a role model for my children so they can finish will know of I can go back to school that they can finish school. Findley having Parenting every Thursday really helps my family a lot. There were things that I never new and now I do but also the most important thing it teaches us to spend time with our kids. To bond with them. As you can tell I am driven to get to get my GED and better myself so I can be there to help my kids with their homework also the Parenting have a lot to do with that cause that really do have an important in pack on out life's. Like I said it teaches us both.

Volunteer U.S.A Foundation Family Literacy Program helps my family and I gain skill of education. It teach me to stay focused on thing that are overcoming obstacles in life. The program has me a focused,seriously about education skills for my children. Been in this program I will gain a higher education,be a better parent .It will open greater doors for you by being in the program.

Volunteer USA Foundations Family Literacy Program helps my family by, getting my GED I will be able to get a better job, and to be able to help my children with there homework. When I received my GED I will be able to get a better job. I work for the Polk County School Board, but I will like to go further in the school system. My oldest son started school this year, and my middle son is starting next year. By getting my GED I will be able to help my children with homework, or science project etc. If they get confused I will be able to help them understand, whatever subject they are working on at that time. Like any other parent I want to help my children, make it in this world. Nothing is wrong with working at a fast food restaurant, but I want my children to reach higher than they arms can touch. I want to help my children in their successful future.

The Volunteer USA Foundations Family Literacy Program helps me to obtain a GED to be able to further my education,to get a better job and to help my parenting skills improve. This program is helping me in earning my GED. It gives me a positive place to come and further my education. It also gives me a refreshing in my studies. It feels good to know that once I complete this program I will be able to obtain a better job, with a better salary rate. After all is said and done, I will be able to help my children with their homework assignments. I also will be able to teach them things that i didn't know at their age. Because of this program I will be a more highly educated young adult. Thank You so much, Emily B

The Volunteer Family Literacy Program helped my family in many ways, but most of all they have shown me that i can do something with my life. That how i now have my GED, and it makes me very proud to tell my daughter that i am all done with school. That shows her that she can be something in life and do things in her life to make it better.I had a great experience with the program and all the people i was with,i would recommend this school to everyone i know and meet.AS a result of these things i am glad that i found and had the opportunity to do this. Thank You Ashley Carruth

The volunteer u.s.a foundation family literacy program help my family by given me chance to get my G.E.d and better my life,by a better job.so i can provide more for them,this program gives me a second chance,in life.To finish what i could not do in the past,due to money problems.As a result of these things i am glad i found and had the opportunity to do this. thank you,John Cordes.

Volunteer U.S.A. Foundation Family Literacy Program is a great place to be it helps us learn it is helping my Family and myself,We are learning a lot from it we are very happy with the program. I have learn how to read well and also learn how to do a lot of math like fractions and decimals. As a result of this program I feel that I will do great on my GED when it's time. Thank You for a GREAT PROGRAM. Thanks again Nancy Kilburn Lake Wales, Florida

Volunteer USA Foundations Family Literacy Program helps my family by, Helping me get my GED and helping my kids to do their homework..This program will teach me how to be a better parent and a teacher to my children but in order to teach them i would need to get my GED first,,my GED will will allow me to be able to help my kids with their homework.... When Coming to school i am studying to get my GED to better my families finances as i want to go into the medical field as a respiratory therapist when i get my GED and move into Polk State College.It will also help my family become closer to one another and interact well with one another and the everyday public.. This Program is also helping my kids with their homework and their other studies from school.because of this program my children are doing better on their homework and actually turning it all in as they complete it.... Because of these things I See my family wanting to do better and more...We have been coming to this program for 3 years and because of this wonderful program I've learned a lot and my kids have done well every year..Their Grades are better and their attendance is a lot better also...I am so glad to have been apart of this big family ,This Program and everyone in it is Family from the staff to the newest student who enrolled..This Program will help a whole lot of people who thinks there is not a chance to go back and accomplish the most important thing in your life ,Get your GED.You can find all you need from dinner to classes for your child while you are in your class studying and they have family night and thats amazing also it really helps you and your family out too,,,I encourage anyone who does not have their GED to contact someone about this program and try it and you will see the difference it makes for you and your Family I have came a long way myself and if i were to give up man i would loose so much.....Well I Hope this will help you to decide whether or not you and your family want to see what it is all about.......

Volunteer USA Foundation's Family Literacy program helps my Family by getting a better job for myself and helping me to get my GED. By coming to this class it is helping me to pronounce words in the correct way, so when I go for a job interview I will know what to say and how to say it correctly. The GED will be a great part of the job that I get as well as one day being able to encourage someone else to go back to School and do what i did.

volunteer usa foundations family literacy helps my family by.Helping me grow in education to achieve my GED.Helping my kids with their homework.Help me and my family stay focused on positive things in life.Helping me prepare myself for an positive outlook in the future!

The volunteer U.S.A.literacy program helps my family by ONE they watch my kids while I try to get my G.E.D. They have also helped my family by getting my five year old son ready for school both mentaly and financaly . They helped me get the supplies for my my son, which helped me out A whole lot. By having the program watch my kids it helps me to work on my G.E.D., Which I hope to graduate this year. Thank you U.S.A LITERACY for all your help and support. Sincerly, Angie Johnson

I had the privilege of being involved with Teen Trendsetters throughout all four years of my high school career. What I thought was just a simple mentoring program turned in to a life-changing experience. It was this experience that ignited my passion for community service and helping others. I was able to see progress in the students we worked with and also see the differences made in the lives of the mentors. Our sponsor once told us, "What you get out of this is up to you. You will get out of it what you put in to it." We all took that to heart and devoted ourselves to the success of our students. I do not know where those students are today or how they are progressing in their educations, but I do know that they are much better off from the lessons they learned from Teen Trendsetters.

Family Services of Metro Orlando partnered with Volunteer USA Foundation to pilot a new foster youth mentoring program in central Florida. Volunteer USA Foundation staff are professional, and the organization consistently reflects our values of innovation and leadership.

As the Service Learning Coordinator at St. Andrew's Episcopal School I have been more than pleased with Teen Trendsetters. The training, contact, and opportunities provided for mentors and mentees has been amazing.

I have a niece involved with their Teen mentoring program. She just loves it, talks about how helping a younger boy read has really impacted her life. It's good to hear a teenager talk about helping others and not concerned with their own needs and desires. I think they run a great program to promote volunteering among young people.

Everything about this organization is absolutly great. Ive learned so much in how to help these kids to read, and they also let me learn alot about myself. I'm a junior in highschool, and I already feel like ive made a huge difference in a kids life, and hopefully, they will take that with them forever. Once a week, we go with our 2nd-3rd graders, and help them read, and use many ways to let them understand reading, and make it fun. Its absolutly amazing!

I fist became involved with Volunteer USA in 2004, when I started working for Healthy Start. We delivered “I am a reader” envelopes to families. The kits included: a Clifford book, card from the Governor, library card application, and a skill building book from birth to age 5. The families enjoyed the information in the envelopes. This year, we began distributing “Love.Read.Learn!” book and the families are thrilled. Volunteer USA is really in tune with what the families want. I was included in a focus group they conducted called “Inspire Your Baby”. They gathered feedback on the Love.Read.Learn! book and how they can continue to distribute it. I thought it was great that they included us.

When it comes to making a difference in someone's life you can't find a more effecive group than Volunteer USA Foundation. Whether it is the mentoring program provided through Teen Trendsetters or the family literacy initiative Floridians are achieving success they never thought possible. During the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 when our state was rocked by distruction Volunteer USA Foundation was there helping in too many ways to even list!! I was present at many of the locations and saw the difference they made in people's lives. If I sound like a fan I am but I also know the difference between "talk" and "action". Volunteer UAS Foundation is all about action and helping.

My name is Patricia Greene and I have worked with the Volunteer USA Foundation and its founder Liza McFadden through my association with the Florida Girl Scouts Legislative Network. The sheer dedication to its mission that this organization embodies makes it topnotch and why I will continue to support it.

As the former Director of the Hospital Liaison Program in Palm Beach County, we screended newborns for specific risks. One of our main goals is to equip parents to provide their children with the foundation for a healthier and productive future. Parents reading to their children is paramount to establishing the foundation for children's school success. Volunteer USA Foundation has been an important key in providing a tool that encourages parents to start reading and connecting with their children from birth. I commend the organization for such an outstanding work and commitment to the future of our nation.

As an employee of the Florida department of business and professional regulation and a mentor at Raa Middle School, I am well aware of the long-standing dedication of the Florida Mentoring Partnership. Becasue of their leadership, state employees like myself have the opportunity to mentor local youth.

The Deaf Family Literacy Academy, a Volunteer USA Program, has consistently provided outstanding support to the deaf community. I have seen, firsthand, how children and their families are enriched through the services provided by the Academy. There are many opportunties for expansion of these programs, both in the South Florida community as well as in other communities nationwide. Through their partnership with Volunteer USA, DFLA is positioned to partner with educational institutions/organizations to expand their programs and impact.

As a volunteer Teen CERT instructor, I appreciate VUSA and DEM for providing the materials needed to train and equip our students.

I attended the teen CERT TTT class in tampa fl. This was an excellant class,and the Instructor did an excellant presentation. The local school's are very interested in this program and wants to know how soon their students can get trained

I attended a VUSA Teen CERT Instructor course. I was very impressed with the way the components were laid out. It is obvious they are very effective working with teens. And, they are not newcomers to the disaster preparedness and recovery community either. What a great combination for Teen CERT.

I have a long history with Volunteer USA. I was a Teen Trendsetter for 3 years, and attended their leadership summit. I am now involved with the Teen CERT program as an instructor. I think Volunteer USA is an important component in youth leadership.

I was a Teen Trendsetter for 3 years and now I'm involved in the VUSA Teen CERT program. Both of my experiences with Volunteer USA programs were great.

During the Spring of 2009, I was high school sponsor and coordinator of the Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors Program at Robinson High School in Little Rock, AR. I am now retired after teaching high school for 38 years, and have said several times that working with the TTRM Program was one of the most rewarding and beneficial of my career. The staff of TTRM are most professional and so great to work with!

Found to be very helpful for underprivileged children with their literacy programs. A dedicated cadre of people who really want to make a difference in family literacy.

I feel very encouraged that we have non-profits like Volunteer USA reaching out to undereducated families and helping them realize their educational goals and to provide for their families.

In my relationship with this organization I find them extremely active in working to educate parents on how to help their children learn to read.

The many benefits of Volunteer USA Foundation's programs are too great to mention. However, the positive results of their successful reading mentoring and literacy outreach efforts can be seen every day, here in Florida and throughout the southeast. Though my direct contact with their office has been somewhat limited, I have always found their team to be highly professional, responsive, and deeply committed to improving our communities through their many innovative mentoring & training programs.

volunteer usa has made such a difference in low income families quality of life, through family literacy servies, it is a pleasure to work with the staff

I attend the annual Celebration of Reading, and fully support their Family Literacy Initiative which reaches so many children and families with tools for success. I am looking forward to the 2010 event, where they will celebrate 10 years of making a difference in the educational lives of so many.

This organization has worked to create community and school partnerships throughout the country. For our small county in Highlands County, Florida, VFUSA has helped over 60 children increase their reading skills while building better character. Many of our teenagers have gone on to college and continued to mentor in some capacity. Last year several of our mentees began to bring library books they had checked out on their own to share with their mentors. These are kids who did not even want to read with us at the beginning of the year. It is our pleasure to continue working with VFUSA as they strive each year to create better citizens in all of our communities.

I am extremely moved and happy about the impact the Volunteer Foundation has had on my teenage son. His involvement in the program has had a positive impact on his relationship with his much younger brother. After assisting struggling young readers I was moved to see him assisting his younger brother with his homework. He is looking forward to continuing with the program and I'm more than happy to facilitate this new found enthusiasm. What a wonderful impact this program has had on our community!

The Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors program has provided my daughter one of the greatest experiences she could have as a high school student. Her improved self-confidence and newly found love of community service are proof this program benefits both the high school students who volunteer and the elementary students who are mentored. Helping the younger kids improve their reading skills while helping the high school students mature into future leaders is what makes this program so great. Thanks Volunteer USA Foundation!

After having the youth of our schools work with my students it was a wonderful experience. Each child in my classroom made a wonderful friend and excelled far above their normal expectations. I would highly reccommend this program to any school or teacher who needs the assistance to make a difference in the learning atsmospere of their classrooms. Thanks for sharing and careing.

I have seen this organization's endless pursuit of continue to strengthen and support Literacy work in various capacity - from teen trendsetters mentoring to deaf literacy.

My daughter participated in a similar program like Volunteer USA provides and she truly enjoyed working with the youngsters as a mentor and a "teacher". She saw the results on her weekly meetings with the 2nd and 3rd graders and still keeps in touch with a few of them. They all enjoyed the opportunity to read with someone they "looked up to".

Serving as a literacy volunteer for Volunteer USA's family literacy program has been one of the most rewarding experiences ever. Helping adults learn to read so they can in turn teach their children is simply empowering.The work this organization does to keep their family literacy network funded is amazing. I am proud to be affiliated with such dedicated professionals.

Teens Trendsetters is a program from Volunteer USA Foundation for teens that has been implemented in 11 states, Florida being one of these states. It is the concept of Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors to pair high school students with second and third graders who struggle with reading on one to one reading sessions. This program is beneficial in more ways than one as it not only helps the youth at risk but installs the mentoring spirit in the teens that are participating and are our future leaders. In addition to this, the program provides books, curriculum and training at no cost to the schools, parents or students, fostering the enjoyment of reading, thus improving their basic skills. The people that I know and participate in the program from Volunteer USA Foundation’s Teen Trendsetter Reading Mentors Program such as Carolyn Vega are young, bright and passionate and sure to provide leadership and guidance so that we can make sure that no kid that struggles with reading stays behind. Sincerely, Dora Casanova de Toro CEO/Publisher La Prensa an ImpreMedia Co.

I have been involved in Literacy efforts in Florida for over 14 years, serving as Board Chair of The Florida Literacy Coalition for 8, and a founding committee member of the Palm Beach Literacy Coalition. I also Chaired Rotary Literacy for our District. Prior to that I was K-College Manager for the IBM Corporation. Throughout these experiences I have never been so thrilled as to see the work done by Volunteer USA Foundation for youth. Through their Mentoring programs(200K + mentors), and the Family Literacy programs(30 programs, I believe) funded throughout Florida, Florida's young people are becoming more competitive and raising their self confidence, academic and character strengths. Because of these efforts young learners have either a mentor or a parent as their support team for self direction and improvement. Volunteer Florida takes a lot of the fund raising burden off of the participating local volunteers so they can concentrate on the mission of helping! This very professional group of volunteers and staff at Volunteer USA Florida is set to expand to other states, and it can't happen soon enough! Scott Ellington President and CEO Florida Atlantic R & D Authority Boca Raton Florida

Volunteer USA uses it's resources and management expertise to equip and increase the capacity of nonprofits, like the one I helped, to truly strengthen families and individuals through education.

I'm proud to share with you my personal experience. I have been a student in GROWS for the last 3 years; time in which I have acquired much knowledge not just in English, but also useful skills in the education of my daughters that have helped me involve my husband as an important part of a team that we can, together as a family, construct a legacy that will be fundamental for the future: such as love of books, literacy, teamwork, the beauty of virtue in our daughters, the fortitude of self-esteem, and the struggle of personal growth. The labor of all the teachers and the teamwork of GROWS is invaluable; for this I cannot help but feel gratitude for all the good things they've given; not just to my life, but the hundreds of mothers and children that like me feel blessed for having participated en the program. Furthermore, also my gratitude and esteem go to the gifts of the institutions such as Volunteer USA that make possible institutions such as GROWS to continue for the benefit of the community. Thank you.

More than serving as a group that helps other non profits succeed in their missions, Volunteer USA Fund is an innovator. Having served thousands of children and families, Volunteer USA has developed leading strategies in the engagement of targeted groups. Harnessing its expertise in the programmatic development section they have created fun and insightful ways for people to learn and thrive in a community that requires love from all to learn. Through its well connected board the foundation has leveraged its political capitol to achieve monumental results in the areas of charitable funding. What sets Volunteer USA Foundation apart is that among the most important mission it completes each year…it aids other foundations that are specializing in needed initiatives in our communities.

While picking up my fifth grade son I was able to meet a volunteer at his elementary school. The office secretary and one of the teachers were going on and on about how the volunteer was dedictaed to her assigned students and the impact that she had not only on their reading skills but on thier overall self confidence. I spoke to the volunteer and the teacher about the program and it came highly recommended with great results.

This is a terrific organization with exceptional people who are totally committed to serving. They help so many people and I happened to work with some of the people they have helped and they all say they would not be where they are today were it not for the help they received.

Volunteer USA reaches out to educate parents! Their work is focused on helping parents be the best teachers/parents that they can be. In Georgia and Tennessee thousands of parents have learned to help their children even with already busy schedules. It is a great service to all the parents and the children. I am impressed with their committment to provide resources for all parents.

As a passionate advocate for education improvement, mentoring programming and as the developer of beneficial social human needs programming, I can say without a doubt, Liza McFadden, her team, and organization are a top notch class act and innovator in these areas. Having worked with the organization and various staff members over the years, I have been repeatedly impressed by their ability to achieve success in all they do. I am so glad to see the expansion of their efforts throughout the nation and know their programs, their genuine care and concern will create incredible good for communities across America. This organization should be a 'model' for a national initiative!-- Marti Garlow Leib

I commend this organization on their professionalism in general and their personal commitment to making Florida a better place for our Youth. The Organization directly impacts both very young children and high school students. High scool students get a tast of giving back to the community by mentoring children that have difficulty reading, and the young children benefit from positive role models. It is a real win-win for Florida!

Volunteer USA Foundation has helped with an education revolution in this small rural poor Central Florida town. By providing funds and technical assistance, we have been able to educate some 300 families in adult and childhood education and help improving reading comprehension and parenting skills. VUSA knows that parents are the first teachers and that school readiness means greater parenting skills and involvement. They know how to work with communities, to promote enthusiasm and cooperation, to make educational dreams for entire families come true. This is an organization that defines family literacy and defies illiteracy, that realizes the value of community. Deming Cowles, Coordinator, Lake Wales Family Literacy Academy

The Volunteer USA Foundation is a tremendous organization that truly understands the importance of literacy in our communities and helping strengthen families in need. As a volunteer, I have witnessed first hand their tireless efforts to develop programs that encourage education among teens, provide scholarships to deserving families, and propmote reading in the home through their "Inspire Your Baby" newborn journal. They are truly making a differece in the lives of many throughout this country.

The Calhoun County Public Library (Northwest Florida) has worked closely with Volunteeer USA Foundation, Inc. for over 3 years to provide a comprehensive Family Literacy Academy. The Academy provides Adult Education to parents and school readiness to children; primarilly ESOL families and Minor Mothers. Calhoun is a poor county of around 14,000 residents with high numbers of adults who are functionally illiterate and unable to help their children succeed in school. Without the expertise and guidance of the USA Foundation this very important Academy would not exist. Our Academy works with approximately 20 families. The support the Academy provides has insured that ESL children entering VPK, K, and Elementary School can compete with other children. The Blountstown Elementary School works closely with ESL families to insure that children and parents are referred to us. There is frequent feed-back from teachers giving Academy instructors insight into what is needed. There is nothing any more thrilling that seeing families and children coming to the library for programming and leaving with books under their arms. Particularly when we know that these are families who would usually not be found in a library. The USA Foundation has provided funding; helped the Academy raise funds; encouraged efforts to pursue educational grants; provided training; provided monitoring; provided best practices curriculum, and insured that the the Academy has maintained the highest standards. Liza McFadden, Roxann Campbell, and Michael Thompson are 3 of the most dedicated professionals that I know in the field of family literacy education. They are dedicating their working lives to helping people least able to help themselves. My admiration and respect for their efforts knows no bounds. The library is grateful to be a small part of what USA Foundation is accomplishing.

I have been involved with the Teen Trensetter Program for the past five years. In my position as Vocational Administrator in charge of all Teacher Assisting Programs in Marion County, Florida, I coordinate Teen Trendsetter Programs in six of our high schools in our county. This program has been extremely successful for both our high school students and their corresponding mentees at the elementary level. The reading scores for our mentees have improved to the point where we have had several cases where 100% of the mentees were able to pass the FCAT with a 3 or better!

I have had the pleasure of working and volunteering in the field of family literacy. The Volunteer USA Foundation has supported and sustained some of the most outstanding and greatly successful family literacy programs in the state of Florida. It is because of their commitment and support that families are reading and learning together.

Our children and families have reached academic success through the wonderful programs that Volunteer USA Foundation offers. Many of our families come to us because they have children that are struggling in school and they are afraid that their children will be held back a grade because they cannot function at grade level. Volunteer USA Foundation has provided the tools and the support needed to be able to help the children and families of our community.

The dedication and support of Volunteer USA Foundation INC is a crucial factor in the success of the Apopka, FL GROWS Family Literacy Academy

We have participated with the Teen trendsetter program sponsored by Volunteer USA Foundation and seen dramatic differences in student achievement for students with low reading skills. In addition, the teens who work as reading mentors with the children are more likely to go on to high school and increase grades on their report cards and daily attendance. We see a 33% decrease in discipline referrals for these students.

The Teen Trendsetters™ program pairs high school teens with struggling 2nd and 3rd graders for weekly mentoring sessions. It centers on research-based reading curriculum and aims to boost a child’s reading level before he or she enters the standardized testing years. The program also promotes parent involvement through home literacy activities to be shared between parent and child. In addition they send the younger students home with 15-25 books a year.

As a Board Member for Naples Alliance for Children I just wanted to say thanks for the information sources provided on your website as we have used your site's information to help us in planning our child advocacy efforts.

As a Parent and teacher, I saw our daughter, Rebecca, along with her friends, do a terrific service for our neighborhood elementary school third graders. These were the students struggling in Reading and not meeting the FCAT scores. She was a part of this program for four years and many of the Parents of those students thanked her for her efforts.

Volunteer USA does a good job of Motivating youth to take time out of their busy schedules and give back to their community. Anything we can do to direct their energy towards positive goals is admirable. Thank you Volunteer USA!

The Volunteer USA Foundation in Tallahassee does amazing things with and for disadvantaged and at-risk youth. They continue to stay strong in a down economy and just plain work harder than just about anybody. They really care and it shows.

The leadership team for this group is inspiring and filled with talent. The focus on deserving youth is admirable but the way they do it is amazing. Turning older students into mentors to work with younger students strengthens the community fabric of this generation. Keep it up!

I can not say enough good things about the Volunteer USA Foundation. In my capacity with FEMA they have been instrumental in assisting us with getting the word out about preparedness to all age groups, but their work with the children is awesome. In addition, they have helped many survivors recover from many traumatic experiences dealing with hurricanes and making them less fearful when another storm comes---Liza, Kay and their entire TEAM rock!!!

The Volunteer USA Foundation is wholly committed to mentoring, volunteerism and community service in the most significant of ways. They have been incredibly successful in developing programs that have become national models for schools and other nonprofits. Their work with promoting literacy (Teen Trendsetters), especially, is exemplary. The Volunteer USA Foundation is an incredible organization for our community.

I cannot say enough fabulous things about Volunteer USA. When I began employment with Healthy Start, they provided "I Am A Reader" packets which included a Clifford book, skill building booklet, library car application, and a welcome your baby card. This was given to us complety free of charge. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to share the information with the prenatal moms and moms with babies and encourage reading to the baby (even while in utero). This past year, we received a "Love.Read.Learn!" photo/baby book, again free of charge. The expression of gratitude seen on the faces of these moms is priceless. I was recently involved in a phone conference with them to provide feedback on the responses of the Love.Read.Learn! I thought it was so considerate of them to include others in the feedback process. They were very willing and ready to listen to any ideas we had.

Volunteer USA Foundation continually strives to better the children of America. Their relentless dedication to programs to promote child literacy such as the Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors program helps students find the support they need to academically and personally excel. Overall a truly wonderful organization - keep up the good work!

The administration and staff of Volunteer USA Foundation are dedicated to their work night and day. Whatever it takes to get a job done, they will do it and more. Programs like Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors and Family Literacy Academies, are creative, well-run and continually improving. The Foundation uses data tracking for all program sites and regards the metrics as feedback for improvement. VUSA hustles to help.

I love working with the Volunteer USA Foundation! We have worked with their team mostly on the mentoring projects, but other programs as well. They are passionate, very innovative, and the results and outcomes are impressive. They have recruited and trained a great group of youth, volunteers and staff. Everything they do is professional and always well done. We continue to work together and this is an organization that I would drop everything to support. I'm always comfortable referring colleagues, peers and clients to them because I know their experience will be first-rate. They have my complete trust.

I am truly thankful for Volunteer USA Foundation and its many tremendous programs. In my long affiliation with the people and programs that make this nonprofit great, I have witnessed first-hand the tremendously positive difference their programs make in the lives of children and families. The Teen Trendsetter program is especially important and effective in giving our young people their first demonstrative leadership role, helping them discover the power of mentoring, reading and service to others. Little wonder it is one of the most rapdily growing and highly desiered team leadership programs in the country. Perhaps the best testament to the greatness of a nonprofit is its ability to insprie hope, nurture promise and maintain the steady level of effective work that ensures positive results. That is Volunteer USA Foundation.

I love and support the Volunteer USA Foundation wholeheartedly because through its efforts, this organization continues to find fun and innovative ways to engage people of all ages in both mentoring and literacy activities. It is evident that each and every person on that staff is passionate and committed to the organization's mission, and is led by an individual who understands the importance of thinking outside the box in order to get results.

We support Volunteer USA not just because they do good work that makes a positive difference -- but also because they make it relevant to our community. When we decided to support their efforts in promoting teen role models and reading, they came back with a program for the community where we live and work. Volunteer USA Foundation has a national reach, but a local touch.

Volunteer USA is one of the best non profits in the country. They have helped lead one of the best literacy and mentoring programs in the country. I am proud to know their leadership and they are recognized as some of the best professionals in the country. Steve Uhlfelder Chair of Florida's Mentoring Partnership.

The Volunteer USA Foundation is an organization dedicated to improving lives through education be it literacy, mentoring or long-term disaster recovery. My heart is in helping families learn to read (family literacy). Volunteer USA has the best network of family literacy programs in the country as proven by rigorous annual evaluation, longitudinal data and measureable program outcomes. I am confident each time I make a contribution to Volunteer USA’s Family Literacy program each dollar goes directly to program services.

Volunteer USA is a great organization that fills an important role in shaping the future of our country. They do such great work with the youth of our country by encouraging mentoring, reading buddies and training. My hats off to them.

My daughter is in high school and has been the lead teen for this great mentoring program. I have seen her grow from the experience. She loves helping her young mentee and understands she is his role model. She is excited to continue this volunteer activity during her senior year. Good work teens and Volunteer USA!

Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors program where family and friends mentor kids at over 110 programs in Fl high schools. Volunteer USA trains teen mentors to help struggling elementary students improve their reading skills.

I am proud to say that Cooper City High's FFEA group will begin their fourth year mentoring students at Embassy Lakes Elementary. The materials are abundant, and the support staff (Heather)is efficent and helpful.A greater variety of books would be appreciated by my returning mentors!:) The program has enriched my high school mentors, and allowed them to earn valuable community service hours. For many it has provided career exploration. It has also provided individualized instruction that surely has increased the elementary students love of books, self esteem, and reading skills.Our program is fortunate to have an exceptional supportive partnership. Embassy's Principal, Mr Becker, encouraged the program by providing space, and a wonderfully talented and compassionate reading specialist,(Cheryl Retchin), to assist with identification of mentees, paperwork, and supervision!! The teamwork between the schools has made it an exceptional program!!

In 2001, I began mentoring youth at local schools because of the outreach made through the Florida Mentoring Partnership, an effort now managed by the Volunteer USA Foundation. To this day, I continue to see the oustanding strides being made by the programs this organization offers. Whether it's serving teens and youth through their Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors program, or serving families and their children through their many literacy efforts, I know for a fact Volunteer USA is making a difference in many lives.

Volunteer USA Foundation sponsors the Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors Program. They have over 110 programs in Florida high schools, where teens are trained to mentor elementary students struggling with their reading skills. This helps both the elementary students and the high school students. In the elementary students, improved reading will translate into better academic performance and self-esteem. For the high school students, it may foster interest in careers in teaching and public service. My niece participated in this program and had very positive things to say about her experience.

Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentoring Program is part of the Volunteer USA Foundation and is a "win-win" situation for both teens and elementary students. My high school originally began a similar program about five years ago, but after participating last year for the first time with Teen Trendsetters, we found the reading materials were wonderful!

Volunteer USA is an impressive,well organized nonprofit making a difference in the lives of elementary children struggling with reading/ reading below grade level with its Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors program. Hundreds of high schools provide volunteers to serve as reading mentors - meaning these teen volunteers not only provide valuable tutoring they benefit by experiencing the joy and satisfaction of being a volunteer and giving back to one's community (a wonderful starting point for potentially a lifetime of volunteer work).

I think this is a wonderful program for both sides the mentors and the mentees. The young high school aged children learning about helping others through volunteering their time and the children that are receiving the help from their mentors. It is a win-win situation for both sets of children. It takes a lot of people volunteering to make these non-profits work and I think this is a wonderful program we have in our community!!!