The Literacy Alliance

Awesome group of dedicated volunteers! I’ve seen them providing story times and special programs for kids at low-income daycare centers, a juvenile detention center, a hospital, and a homeless shelter for families. Truly great work going on!
Thank you!

The Literacy Alliance is the best non profit that I have been a part of. I have been working with them for the past 4 years and have grown to love all of those that volunteer for the non-profit. We are a close nit family and do our best to inspire and help those in need.

It was wonderful to see the Literacy Alliance still providing programs online during Covid! They do so much for the community and we are grateful they are able to be out and about now providing safe entertainment for children of many ages!

I have been to several programs with grandchildren, excellent and educational. They enjoyed the programs and so did I.

Richard Poole
Longwood, FL

The Literacy Alliance is well known for its bringing of life, love and education to students in its reachable audience. Perhaps not as well known is the effect it has on the predominate high schoolers who volunteer to bring live shows to students in their very own schools. These actors and advocates are enthralling as they bring the stage alive with stories, science experiments and fun filled segments. Equally important are the lasting effects on the performers as they regale each other with observations regarding the reception from their young students as they too are often enthralled and enchanted. This from an adult who drove the high schoolers to various venues and listened to the animated conversations they engaged in when returning them to the drop off point. These “big kids” with their tuff guy facades are clearly softies at heart!

We love Diane and the Literacy Alliance. They are extremely loyal and have been volunteering at our children's hospital for years. They are professional and so entertaining for the patients. They engage well with the audience and always comply with our HIPAA regulations. We are so incredibly lucky to have such a great non-profit by our side. After the Covid 19 outbreak, Diane and some volunteers have even done virtual shows for our patients. We had a child giggling with joy who was completely terrified upon arrival to the hospital. They have truly made a big impact on us and we are grateful. Thank you, Diane!

The Literacy Alliance's Cat in the Hat efforts have warmed the hearts of kids in our community for years. Nothing gets a new reader inspired quite like a grown-up dressed like a cat, and I appreciate all that this group does to help kids get excited about becoming lifelong learners through reading!

I used to volunteer with them and read to kids at a homeless shelter and put on puppet shows for them. It was both rewarding and heartbreaking at the same time but I'm really glad I did it. The kids really enjoyed it and then they got to leave with a free book. So many of them had so little so it was clear it made a huge difference for them.

The Literacy Alliance is a wonderful non-profit that encourage reading to children in a fun way by bringing the stories to life.
I believe that ever child walked away with a better relationship to reading.

they're the best - excellent storytimes, always fun!

I love The Literacy Alliance and all the work that they do for the Central Florida community. Their volunteers work hard to produce quality programs. I spent a day with them at the FL Children’s Hospital. Not only did I have a great time as “grandpa,” but I also learned about puppetry and bringing books to life. The smiles on the audience’s faces were priceless. For one hour, children who were battling health issues were able to laugh, make crafts, try out science experiments, and take an active role in The Very Hungry Catepillar.

I have been a volunteer for The Literacy Alliance since 2012 and it has been an extremely enriching experience! This organization shares the love of reading, learning and science enthusiastically with such a diverse range of children from the youngest school ages to adolescence. The Literacy Alliance president Diane Keyes is a real driving force and overall amazing woman who has the experience and know-how to make the organization work cohesively with very little overhead. She leads by example with her exemplary service to our community and her commitment to fun and enriching programs. Diane is so dynamic and coaxes good performances and service out of our volunteers--even the shy ones! She and everyone in the organization teaches that everyone can do SOMETHING to help out in their community whether it's reading to a little one, designing props and costumes or being a ride for volunteers who need to reach their destination. The Literacy Alliance does programs every week all year long and offers so many opportunities to help out while providing a valuable experience to everyone who volunteers for them in a way that ignores the boundaries of age or ability.

One thing that I've always loved about "Lit Alliance" programs is that they all offer a balance between education and entertainment in a way that draws the audiences in and makes them receptive to the less exciting stuff. Even teens who seem put off by the idea of a puppet show or a science demonstration will get involved and show enthusiasm by the end of the performance. I really can't talk highly enough of the programs or the volunteers who make it all happen. It's been a joy to see The Literacy Alliance grow and to reach more and more audiences every year. I'm proud of the difference they are able to make in Seminole County, Orange County and Central Florida as a whole.

The Literacy Alliance is a fantastic organization! Diane is passionate about what she does and that is evident in all of her programs. She provides interactive story times and puppet shows that really grab the child's attention and make them excited about reading.

I've been volunteering with this group for 2 years now and the experience has been phenomenal! Mrs. Diane is a super generous soul that offers literature to children who otherwise wouldn't be able to obtain it. There have been too many good memories of bringing joy into the lives of these kids!

Diane does fantastic work with the Literacy Alliance. She provides an opportunity for underprivileged children to experience classic and new children's books in a fun environment. I have volunteered with the Literacy Alliance to perform puppet shows and book readings for children at homeless shelters, the local library, and at Give Kid's the World. The kids laugh and always have fun. It is refreshing to see children interested in books, rather than games on cell phones. Highly recommended.

The Literacy Alliance is all heart with community programs and fantastical and captivating storytelling. Consisting of dedicated volunteers of all ages, The Literacy Alliance touches children's and families' lives at the homeless shelters, hospitals, alternative urban schools, and organizations and daycares across Central Florida. Over the past few years, I have watched The LitAll grow and thrive. They are out in the community more and more, such as attending family outreach events at the convention center. They have been adding programs to an already packed schedule, touching additional lives with advanced puppetry and good books. They even have a local author amongst them.

My daughter volunteered with The Literacy Alliance. It was such a great experience for her, connecting with other peers and having fun while doing so much good for our community!

I am the special events and donation coordinator at a local Central Florida Children's Hospital. We have over 200 beds at our facility, however, we have no budget for our special events program, which means that all our guests donate their time and talents just so that the hospitalized children can normalize their environment. I've worked with this amazing organization for the last few years and they have been phenomenal. Diane is the lead for the program at our facility and she is not only professional, but the impact they have made on the children have been remarkable. We always have a full house in the lobby, and that is saying a lot because it is very difficult just to get kids up and moving out of their beds. The patients are always eager to learn and watch the puppet show as well as perform the science experiments at the end. We have children from ages 2-18 who attend these shows, and all of the age groups enjoy it equally. This group shows compassion, drive, loyalty and dedication to what they believe in and it truly shows. We are so honored to have them here each and every month. Thank you to all the Literacy Alliance volunteers who have made this such a success and treasure within the community.

A great organization that really affects our youth!

It is conducted in a most efficient way for the good of youth. Their projects have helped the youth of Oviedo.

The literacy alliance provides an amazing assortment of programs. Under the guidance of Diane Keyes, the alliance reaches out to many special needs populations that are under-served. I have been impressed with both the caliber as well as quantity of the programs.

A special thank you to Diane and her fantastic team of volunteers. Oviedo is lucky to have you!

Never before have I seen a nonprofit so committed to changing the lives of our little ones. I applaud the efforts of this group and look forward to supporting their growth!

The volunteers at the Literacy Alliance have provided my students with incredible and engaging lessons that encourage reading for some of the area's most troubled youth. They have donated countless books to our library and inspired kids to read, write and share. A letter from a student:

Dear Ms. Keyes,
Thank you for joining us while we are in JDC. I really appreciated your time and presence because I know that was a privilege and you weren’t required to come in and talk to us. You taught me some things about reading to children that I was unaware of, I learned that they have to hear a word 9-14 times to learn a word and I also learned to not allow children up to 3 watch TV which is more important than most people realize, from now on I am going to take more of my time to read to my 2 young siblings to expand their vocabulary and all the other benefits that reading does.

Once again thank you for coming in and talking to us and getting my mind off things, I remember you from coming into one of my schools. I enjoy reading books in my interest so also thank you for the book, you’re really nice and welcoming and have a bright smile that brings joy. Thank you.

I have been volunteering with The Literacy Alliance for 4 years now, and I have loved it. It has taught me so many things and I can say with confidence that this is one of the best Nonprofits ever! The Literacy Alliance has touched the lives so many kids, adults, and volunteers. It truly is a great nonprofit and I hope everyone see that.

My teenage son has enjoyed a one-month stay in Florida with the Keyes family to practice the language and learn about life in USA. In this way he could know The Literacy Alliance and had an enriching volunteer work. Diane showed him the value of helping the community and the importance of never quitting the reading. My compliments to the organization for a wonderful job.

Maite Uriarte (Spain)

I have been volunteering with The Literacy Alliance for almost two years now and all I can say is that it brings me joy to be volunteering with an organization so involved in spreading the word about the importance of reading to children. They are consistently having programs at schools, libraries, hospitals etc. and at every event there are always smiles put on kid's faces. The amount of effort put into the creation of these nonprofit programs is all in an attempt to make the shows worth watching. The kids are always involved in at least one "skit" and there is always an attempt to engage them with the activity being shown. I wouldn't change volunteering with The Literacy Alliance for anything, it's a fun and intriguing way to be engaged in my community. Please support them! :)

The Literacy Alliance is a well run volunteer organization that does wonderful work with teens. I highly recommend supporting them.

I have observed Literacy Alliance since its inception. It is a wonderful group and they do amazing programs to promote reading and enjoyment for children from all works of life. A definate worthwhile group with all that they are accomplishing!!!

as a volunteer for the lit alliance i had so much fun going to daycare facilities and putting on shows for the kids. they always remembered us from last time and were so excited to see us perform again. the literacy alliance is a wonderful organization that makes reading fun and accessible to the audience.

When I hear & see all of the amazing things the LA is involved with, I can't help but be impressed. Kids of all ages and backgrounds are better off because of Diane and her hard-working volunteers.

Last week I brought my daughter who has ADHD to the library to see the Bookbusters. The program was so fun and entertaining that she was engaged the whole time. And even though she often has anxiety about getting in front of others she felt very comfortable participating and getting involved. It was such a cool and creative show! She doesn't usually like to spend time with books but she loved the books presented with the puppets. I think it's awesome that the Bookbusters go out into the community and bring the library to kids who usually don't get to go. It's also great the way they make books fun for kids who sometimes struggle with the challenge of reading.

The Literacy Alliance has brought many smiles, giggles, and pure enjoyment to over 100 primary grade students, and their teachers, in my school. Through puppet shows, music with story books, magic, and much more my students experienced how fun it is to read! I am forever thankful to The Literacy Alliance for helping me instill a love of learning and reading in young readers.

We had our first experience with Literacy Alliance this year. What an amazing experience for us! They did two presentations for about 80 VPK children. The ladies were charasmatic, engaging and prepared. They did a wonderful job of mixing listening with actual participation. One lady even sent something home she had made to remind the children of one of her stories. The children loved it! Our budget is very tight so we were thrilled to have this literacy rich opportunity for our students at no cost. We have booked them for next school year and look forward to them coming.

I work with Diane Keyes and have had opportunities to see the teenagers who volunteer for Book Busters and withness their enthusiasm for this project. Not only do they bring the joy of books to other kids, they get to experience the reward of helping others. It is a win-win situation.

Without education and critical thinking a society becomes stagnant. That's why I believe with all my heart on the principals and work of the Literacy Alliance. This is an organization that understands that developing a love for and engaging children, teens and adults in reading is critical for a better community and stronger individuals. It's a pleasure to be a part of this great organization.

The Literacy Alliance did a wonderful job helping keep the children engaged at our monthly support meetings for Mended Little Hearts of Orlando. The activities were educational, interactive, and fun! Diane and the other volunteers were warm and friendly and made all the kids, no matter their age and abilities, feel welcomed.

Diane Keys came to Champion Elementary to read with our First Grade Classes. The students absolutely loved it. They were very excited about the content and it kept their attention. I liked how she had students participate in the lesson. She even made a tree out of newspapers. Some of my students went home and made them too. If you get a chance, this program is awesome and would be great for all students.

I've had the privilege of observing some programs given by the Literacy Alliance. The are fun, lively and filled with joy. Best of all the kids are learning through this activity. Overall it is a wonderful experience!

I work at Eugene Gregory Memorial Youth Academy, a school for at-risk youth. Diane and her staff at The Literacy Alliance bring a love of reading to the students in a unique way - through the use of puppets. It is incredible to see these "tough kids" get into character. Diane and her staff are patient and creative. With their expertise and leadership, our students came in 2nd place in the school-wide PSA contest on bullying. Each week, the students want confirmation that "the Puppet Lady" is coming. The Literacy Alliance's relationship with the students is price-less. And experience the students receive is definitely something they'll never forget.

Leslie Joyner-Cunningham
Teacher

It's been very rewarding to have been a part of the Literacy Alliance since it was created a few years ago to fill a void in the services available to residents - specifically the children - of Seminole County. Watching the teens and children share the joys of reading, story participation, music and songs is a great way to spend an afternoon, or even many afternoons.

I originally started volunteering with the Literacy Alliance in my senior year of high school in order to fulfill the community service requirement for a scholarship. The experience I had being a part of the Literacy Alliance actually led me to participate more than the required time for the scholarship. I enjoyed putting on puppet shows, that were based off of books, and I feel that we were able to get the children we performed for interested in picking up a book of their own.

I began volunteering with the Literacy Alliance as a junior in high school (four years ago) and it has been such a fun and rewarding experience! The other students I worked with were very nice and enthusiastic and the different children we performed puppet shows for were always so excited to watch and participate. I certainly believe we encouraged kids to read more by showing how fun books can be!

I volunteered for the Literacy Alliance my freshman year in high school. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience. Everyone was very friendly and it was great to be able to give back to this community.

A team of two lovely young ladies arrived at my school and did an incredibly well organized presentation combining science and literature. My gifted class loved it! Thanks so much for all you do!

Thank you Diane for all the hard work you do with the Literacy Alliance.

I have been volunteering for the Literacy Alliance for several years and it continues to be a rewarding experience. My favorite thing about volunteering for this organization is being able to reach such a diverse audience. One day I'm performing for an after school program for at-risk children and the next day I'm preforming for families at a children's hospital. However, no matter where we go, the kids always light up and have so much fun with us. I love it!

I am the lead coordinator of Mended Little Hearts of Orlando, a non-profit support group for children and families touched by congenital heart defects. The Literacy Alliance assisted us during a few of our meetings, working with our heart kids and their siblings while their moms, dads and caregivers had our own meeting.
The Literary Alliance is a wonderful organization, professional, with an expertise in the learning styles of children. I would feel honored to have them at every meeting we hold. Children of all ages will benefit, both socially and educationally, by experiencing this team at work.

I've volunteered for the Literacy Alliance many times. The work I've done with them always seems to be extremely positive and well-received by the children. The organization is always focused on doing the best work possible. I've helped them present shows at disadvantaged schools and day cares in the Sanford area. The kids are always laughing and enjoying the stories and science experiments, and hopefully are inspired to pick up a book on their own time, or pay more attention in science class! Definitely volunteer or support this organization in any way you can, they definitely won't waste your time or money.

I watched the Literacy Alliance present a show in the mall. The show consisted of a puppet show presented by young adults, and science demonstration by one of the staff members. Many children gathered to see the show, and were highly entertained. Each part of the show highlighted a book and let the children into being interested in the stories and information in the books. In this age of electronics, it was heartening to see a inspiring young children to read. In my own personal experience, a love of reading leads directly to success in life. I highly recommend supporting this group's worthy efforts.

When The Literacy Alliance works with the kids it serves, they shine! You can see this on their website, and be truly grateful for the volunteers for this organization, as well as for the valuable experiences they bring to these youths. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the volunteers of The Literacy Alliance in various settings and know their dedication to the children, and their work ethic. When we sometimes wonder, "what can we do?" for children who have been in unusually discordant or lacking situations, here is a great example! My heart rejoices to see the children get involved in reading, literature and skits, rather than problems! Thank you, thank you! to The Literacy Alliance for helping these young people learn more about "intangibles" such as their intrinsic worth and talents and ability to contribute to others.

I searched for a long time to find the best fit for me as a volunteer and found it in The Literacy Alliance. It is such a pleasure to perform programs for head start and other kindergartens, showing children the many things they can learn from reading, e.g. a little science, magic, and fun. There is nothing more important than the education of our young people, and I am honored to be a small part of an organization that is striving to make a difference in the future.

I assisted with a fundraising event benefitting The Literacy Alliance. One of the ladies in attendance was extremely hard of hearing, but her children can hear. This mother told me how much the reading program meant to her and to her children. Because of her inability to clearly enunciate, teaching her children to read was a real challenge. The Literacy Alliance has been able to help her.
If you have the opportunity to meet any of the ladies involved with this organization, you are in for a real treat. They are genuinely passionate about sharing the gift of reading and making it as fun as possible.

As a teacher working with at-risk youth, I have been incredibly blessed to partner with the amazing staff at the Literacy Alliance. Their dramatic Poetry Rocks! presentations consistently engage our incarcerated youth in discussions and productions that expose them to literacy in new and exciting ways.

I love being apart of The Literacy Alliance! It is my joy to be with children, teens, other great volunteers and books! Being able to bring a positive literacy experience to children and teens in distressful situations is very rewarding. Each time I see the teens and children become engaged and interested in the learning experience, I am grateful. It touches my heart to see them smile because of their success at that moment. I love that we go were there is a need for a love of books! To each program we bring encouragement, humor, acceptance and most of all books. We love sharing literature and wherever we go, that love is easily seen and best of all – it is catching.

I am proud to part of The literacy Alliance, a non profit organization based in Central Florida. It offers many different programs for kids in the Central Florida region; book talks, puppet shows, puppet movies, magic tricks, science experiments, reading exercises and poetry activities. Most of these programs are catered towards at-risk kids at the Seminole Regional Juvenile Detention Centre, the Eugene Gregory Memorial Youth Academy, Boys Town of Central Florida, Midway Safe Harbor institute and homeless shelters. In addition, The Lit Alliance conducts programs at the local elementary and middle schools, local county library and at the local book stores.
These programs not only benefit the kids, but also the numerous volunteers that participate to make these programs successful. They regularly perform in front of audiences as actors and speakers, and they help develop props and other required materials for the shows. Overall, it is a great experience for the volunteers.
Diane Keyes, the president of the Literacy Alliance is someone who continuously attempts to promote reading and education for at-risk kids. She has dedicated her entire life to the community around her. She is a librarian by profession, but an altruist by nature. She needs all the support she can get to make her mission successful. Help us continue this effort by volunteering for this organization and/or by making a donation.