Twenty years have passed since we launched the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.  In that time, I'm proud to say that the Foundation has awarded $34 million to support the development and expansion of 773 family literacy programs in 50 states including the District of Columbia! And, I'm happy to report that many of our grantees have continued their important work with money from other sources, long after our one-year grant to them has finished.  So, thanks to the generous support of our donors and the fine work of literacy providers across the United States, thousands of parents and children who were without the most basic literacy skills can now read, write, and comprehend.

In addition, data from our family literacy programs show that adults develop the literacy skills they need to continue their education, earn a better living, take care of their health and the health of their families, participate fully in their communities, and improve their parenting abilities. What's more, their children, who are usually at the pre-school level, are more likely to succeed in school because they have developed critical pre-reading skills and have the support of literate parents who are able to read and discuss books with them, help with homework, and participate in school activities.

The Foundation's mission has not changed from the very first day we opened our doors.  Although much progress has been made, America's literacy challenges are still great.  The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy will continue to work to make literacy a value in every family, and to support programs in which parents and children learn and read together.

Warmly,

Latest News

g  Ambassador of Literacy: USS George H. W. Bush 

Doro Bush Koch, co-founder of the Maryland Initiative of The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy paid a visit to the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier over the weekend. Doro serves as the ship’s sponsor and has made a goal for the vessel to serve as ambassador of literacy as it travels the world.

This past Sunday, Doro spent the day with the Family Readiness Group as their speaker and guest of honor. The Family Readiness Group provides social, informational and morale building activities to enhance family readiness and enable USS Bush families to meet the challenges of the Navy lifestyle.

Sunday’s gathering revealed the USS Bush Family Cookbook featuring recipes from the Bush family and the sailors, their families and friends. Doro delivered a message focused upon the Maryland Celebration of Reading as well as shared some inspiring stories about families who have benefited from the work of the Maryland Initiative of The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. To conclude the day, Doro donated tickets for a raffle to the 2010 Maryland Celebration of Reading and we look forward to seeing winners Deion Berry and Michael Smith from the Family Readiness Group next May.

As the USS George H. W. Bush prepares to sail, the library onboard the ship continues to grow thanks to many generous donors. Our very special author alumni from all Celebration of Readings continue to donate signed copies of their books. While the sailors are enjoying this gift, their children will be simultaneously enjoying books donated to the Family Readiness Group by Scholastic. Gifts such as these strengthen the message of literacy and the joy of reading for all generations.

Doro Bush Koch with raffle winner Deion Berry and his mother, YN1 (SW) Vena Berry

g Breaking News from Texas: Houston Celebration of Reading honored as an Outstanding Fundraising Program for 2009. 

Photo:  FNC

g  In an Exclusive New Interview, Barbara Bush Discusses Her Passion for Literacy and Reading
On the eve of the 2009 Celebration of Reading Houston, FOX News' Greta van Susteran talks with Mrs. Bush about literacy, and with President and Mrs. Bush about their lives today. 

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