Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation

I have had the opportunity to work with Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation for the past year. The growth and progress that they are making with students is great. They are a light on the community.

My students have been clients of the after school program. I have witnessed their academic growth due to them participating in the MASTR kids program.

SPPF is doing fabulous, measurable work in the community.
The board is a group of dedicated, passionate professionals.

This organization is deeply committed to improving literacy among children and youth in South St. Pete. It's an outstanding gem in our community.

The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation and their MASTR program has a huge impact on underserved and underperforming grammar school children of St Petersburg. This program grabs and engages children and they in turn enthusiastically apply themselves to bringing their skills to meet or exceed expected standards.

While the Pinellas schools system has recognized the problem, the steps being taken will not have an impact today on the kids that the system is failing. SPPF does exactly that and gives these children an opportunity to have a successful and productive experience with the education system. This is one of the organizations that deserve the support of anyone concerned about the level of education and it’s shortcomings.

The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation (SPPF) is positively changing lives and fulfilling its mission in phenomenal ways! As education is key to a bright future, they have a strong focus to grow and deepen student learning and are getting results! Not only are students demonstrating increased confidence, learning, and leadership , they are also exploring various careers including STEM options and are participating in college/university partnerships. I strongly encourage others to support SPPF because they have lasting impact that can shift generational outcomes!

The Shirley Proctor Puller has quickly become a pillar for the Southern Pinellas County Community. The literacy rate for the youth of the St. Petersburg has been nothing less than tragic. The school system has simply not been able to meet the needs of children in this area. This is due to a number of factors. Too many to discuss in this short writing.
However, there are those who refuse to allow this to go unchecked. SPPF is one organization who’s mission is eradicate the illiteracy of the minority children who deserve so much more. The organization has shown itself to be data driven and has experienced great success in a short time. They are truly making a difference!
The commitment of the leadership has been stellar and innovative I would also like to commend the staff and teachers for all of their incredible work! I look forward to helping to increase the outreach of the organization and to make it even more of a soaring success.

I was blessed to have Shirley Proctor Puller as teacher at Northeast High School and she opened the world of literature to me. This Foundation personifies her commitment to her students especially those of us who came ESL and financially challenged homes. I’ve had the privilege of seeing first hand the impact her spirit has had on this generation of scholars. Progress is only progress when measured and the educational team does just that. To watch this children engaged in their studies not just reading but science, math and arts is a phenomenal thing to see. The staff from the teachers down to the bus drivers are invested in their lives. This investment goes past the classroom and deep into their lives. Watching the children’s involvement is contagious and is just fulfilling to all those on the board. We celebrate their victories in their academic life. It is my honor to serve and a small price to repay what that teacher did for me 50 years ago.

I can't say enough about the incredible work that the SPPF does in the field of literacy education. This organization is nothing short of a beacon of hope, shining a light on the path to a brighter future for countless individuals.

From the moment I became involved with the SPPF, I was struck by their unwavering commitment to their mission. They are not just teaching people to read; they are igniting a lifelong passion for learning and opening doors to a world of possibilities. It's not merely about words on a page; it's about transforming lives.

What truly sets the SPPF apart is their holistic approach to literacy. They recognize that literacy goes beyond the ability to read and write; it is the key to empowerment, self-expression, and self-confidence. Through their innovative programs and dedicated team of educators, they create an environment where individuals of many ages and backgrounds can thrive.

The impact of the SPPF is profound and far-reaching. I've had the privilege of witnessing the transformation of individuals who once felt trapped by illiteracy. Seeing someone discover the joy of reading, watching a child's eyes light up as they explore new worlds through books – these are moments that the SPPF creates every day.

Moreover, the SPPF understands that literacy is not a one-size-fits-all journey. They tailor their programs to meet the unique needs of each learner, ensuring that no one is left behind. This personalized approach speaks volumes about their dedication to making a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.

In addition to their exceptional work at the grassroots level, the SPPF is also a force for change on a broader scale. They advocate for literacy awareness, pushing for policies that promote literacy education and access to books for all. They understand that true change requires systemic transformation, and they are actively working toward that goal.

In summary, the SPPF is an organization that embodies the true spirit of literacy education. They are not just teaching people to read; they are empowering individuals to become confident, capable, and compassionate members of society. Their impact is immeasurable, and their dedication is unwavering. I wholeheartedly support their mission and believe that they are paving the way for a brighter, more literate future for all. Thank you, the SPPF, for your incredible work. You are truly changing lives and shaping a better world through literacy.

This is my first year as a board member of The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation. The organization is true it’s mission and is dedicated to serving the local community.

This foundation is making a difference for underserved children in the realm of reading and exposure to career options and new educational experiences to broaden their horizons. I believe in the mission and have witnessed the dedication and devotion of the leaders and volunteers.

I recently took a tour of a session of the M.A.S.T.R. Kids® Summer Program. It was amazing to watch the students engage with their schoolwork during the summer months. I saw kids working on math, science and reading projects. The classes I observed were led by instructors who had a wonderful rapport with their students. There were also some students who were working independently on assignments in their well-appointed computer lab.
I am proud to be a donor to the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation. I think the organization does amazing work to help kids at risk in the St. Petersburg community with both the After-school and Summer programs that they lead.

I have had the pleasure of working with the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation. I also see the benefits to the recipients and the surrounding community.

The individuals who volunteer and work for the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation are a part of the St. Petersburg community. They know firsthand, the impact they make and can continue to make - with more support and funding.

This organization in my opinion is the embodiment of the phrase "each one help one" as they build a stronger community child by child.

As a donor, I know every dollar contributed is spent to accelerate the learning and support to children in need

wonderful organization! They care about the kids, help them get to grade level reading and show them they can be successful. The foundation is a jewel.

I had the opportunity to attend their open house as well as a few program events. I was thoroughly impressed by the passion and commitment of the staff. Further, watching the discipline and preparation of the program administrators to ensure tangible, measurable academic improvement was incredible. It's not often that you can draw a straight line back to measurable results, but this foundation has it down to a science. I am a willing donor and supporter of this foundation. Well done!

With so many worthy causes, it's hard to know where to contribute but this one is a no-brainer. I personally know the founder and she leads this program with evidence-based educational practices that have closed the reading and math gaps for these underserved youngsters. Her results speak for themselves and I love knowing my money is invested in programs that change lives for the better.

My great grandson met Mrs. Heller at the 2019 Literacy festival at the Johnson Library. She spoke to him with such kindness and motivating words. He said 'I want to go to her program'. I went home, collected needed funds from the family and enrolled him. He was going to 4th grade. His grades improved, his personality started showing and he became more confident. (In 3rd grade, the Pinellas County School System said he had a learning disability. He was just easily distracted ) He made the Honor roll for the first time. He is still with the SPPF Master Kids program. He is in 6th grade at Bay Point Middle School. He made 7 A's and one (1) B on his first report card. I just hope that he can maintain that momentum. His Mom, my granddaughter was an honor student. He was featured on Bay News 9 when they showed the Mastr Kids interviews.

I have been a Board member for five years and I've watched it grow into an amazing organization. The students of the SPPF have experienced large gains in closing the achievement gap overall in learning. Not only have the students academic achievement been addressed but their social emotional well being and sense of belonging also; which are some of the foundational elements to learning. I am proud to be apart of an organization who providers this level of education, care, and concern for the students they serve.

The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation’s after-school and summer programs focus on a “literacy plus STEAM” curriculum to help close the educational gap of students in the community. It uses data to improve outcomes. It takes a holistic approach by supplementing its curriculum with different programs, i.e., addressing mental health, civics and social justice, and field trips to expose children to new experiences. The SPPF team is focused on making a lasting, positive impact and fostering intellectual curiosity in each and every student going through its program. Children not only learn, but gain confidence. I feel very fortunate to be a Board Member of an organization that is providing such a valuable and necessary program to the community.

The Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation through its M.A.S.T.R. Kids Programs provides educational enhancement for the children living in South St. Petersburg, FL. I am very proud to be a part of this mission driven organization focused on closing the achievement gap of the children of this resource challenged community.

IThe Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation is the first place I would recommend for students who who are having difficulty in their studies. We have top notch certified teachers and other educators who provide assistance and produce results in the classroom. I'm sure grateful for this program.

Working with SPPF has been fantastic. It has allowed me to be a positive influence on young minds and have an active role in helping students fulfill their academic potentials. This program is great!

Awesome program for families who student's are struggling academically as well as students who desire to remain on grade level and above. The program is centrally located with a fun, caring family friendly environment of diverse population.

Great place to learn, grow and achieve greatness.

As a volunteer board member for the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation, I am so pleased to share with everyone my joy with being associated with this wonderful non-profit. Over the last five years, I have watched this organization blossom and grow. The foundation started as a Summer program focused on increaseing the literacy skills of students stuck in an educational system that left them further and further behind each year. Today, the foundation not only provides Summer academic remediation, STEM and arts programming but also academic year round tutoring, StEM and arts programming. The success of the program is evidenced by the smiles and achievements of each of the amazing children they serve. When a community has the heart to move beyond the shackles of a failing system, they move the hearts and minds of others to do the same. Please join me in celebrating this wonderful organization.

As a newer member to the board of directors for SPPF, I am continuously inspired to be part of an organization where we can see a direct impact on the community at large. Like others involved with the organization, I am part of the board because I want to help close the achievement gap. I believe in the mission, the student curriculum and am thrilled when I see the data points and learnings we are sharing with our enrolled students. Thank you SPPF for all that you do for the South St. Pete community!