The Florida Family Literacy Initiative

As Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush made education and strengthening families a top priority, beginning with his initiative in family literacy. Today, Jeb Bush's commitment to families and education lives strong within the programs of the Florida Family Literacy Initiative, a program of the Volunteer USA Foundation. This Initiative supports a network of Family Literacy academies which help adults become workforce ready through classes that encompass reading, math, parenting skills, and GED instruction; help children start school ready to excel; perpetuate lifelong learning as a family value to be passed on through the generations.

"The purpose of our Family Literacy Initiative is to establish literacy as a value in every family. I believe that by helping every family in the state to understand that the home is the child's first school, the parent is the child's first teacher, and reading is the child's first subject, that we will do more to dramatically improve our educational system than any test will ever measure."
-- Former Governor Jeb Bush

A message from the leadership of the Volunteer USA Foundation about the Florida Family Literacy Initiative.

Dear Celebration of Reading fans and Family Literacy friends:

Lot's to update you on.  First, on a personal note, Jeb Bush Jr, who serves as our spokesperson for the Family Literacy Initiative, has truly joined the ranks of family as he and wife, Sondra, had a baby girl this weekend, Georgia Helena Walker Bush. 
         
This year you can keep up with all our news by joining us on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/celebrationofreading. We're trying to get the word out -- Please join us and invite your friends as well.

Our fabulous ITN committee met and reviewed requests and proposals, and we're pleased to announce our Family Literacy Academies for 2012:

Returning Florida Family Literacy Academy Programs

• Family Literacy Academy of Apopka-Orange County-Grant Amount $63,000
  
• Family Literacy Academy of Desoto County - Grant Amount $25,000
  
• Family Literacy Academy of Lake Wales-Polk County-Grant Amount-$125,000
  
• Family Literacy Academy of Palm Beach County- Grant Amount $60,000
  
• Family Literacy Academy of Tampa Bay- Hillsborough County-Grant Amount $57,000
  
• Deaf Family Literacy Academy of Miami-Dade/Broward- Grant Amount $60,000
  
• Deaf Family Literacy Academy of Pinellas County- Grant Amount $30,000

Returning Florida Family Literacy Academy Programs

• 83% were minorities (59% Hispanic or 24% Black)
• 78% of the families live in poverty
• Our parents gain an average of one-and-a-half grade levels each year they are enrolled.
• Their pre-kindergarten children, who enter struggling with English language skills, improve their total language scores to the high-average range within one year.
• After enrolling most parents able to help their child with homework and spend more time engaged in educational activities:

Quotes from families:

"Oh my! This program has helped  my family in many different ways – communication, bonding, how to cope, and how to shut off the TV."  -- Randi M., FLA of Lake Wales

"My son's teacher gives me homework every week. The teacher tells me what I need to improve along  with my son. I teach my son now!"--  Ksenia S., FLA of Apopka

With thanks for your support,
LIZA
Liza McFadden
President & CEO
Volunteer USA Foundation

To learn more about the Florida Family Literacy Initiative or the Volunteer USA Foundation, please visit www.volunteerusafoundation.org or contact:

Roxann R. Campbell
Director of Programs
Volunteer USA Foundation
516 N. Adams Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Telephone: (850) 562-5300
Fax:  (850) 224-6532
Roxann.Campbell@volunteerusafund.org

Review a list of our most recent grantees HERE.

For a complete listing of all of the programs that have been funded through the Florida Family Literacy Initiative please click HERE.