August 2025 Newsletter

H.U.G. Staff
Aug 5
10 min read

Updated: Aug 6

Get inspired to lift literacy throughout the nation! This month’s August 2025 Newsletter is packed with ways you can utilize our resources, catch up on our most recent events and achievements, and understand how H.U.G. pushes the needle forward towards literacy improvement. Dive in and join us on the journey to be the difference!

Want to receive these newsletters directly to your inbox? Sign up at the bottom of our Blog Page!

You Can BE THE DIFFERENCE™.

The Help Us Grow Reading Program is offering FREE Digital Literacy training to ALL seniors.

We want to help you with technology and then you can Help Us Grow Literacy and change a child’s life.

Join us online for 1:1 learning sessions and help build multigenerational connections that make a real impact.

Let’s do good—and feel good—together.

H.U.G. Testimonial Video

H.U.G. Training and Info Session

H.U.G. Highlights and Events

H.U.G. & Win sign up today!

ALL Learning Opportunities click here

Online Learning events. Sign up here

H.U.G. Internship Opportunities

H.U.G. Feedback Survey

H.U.G. Partnership Highlights

Why we H.U.G.: Resources and Stories

Please follow our Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn, and YouTube accounts to stay up to date on all of the good work we're doing!

H.U.G. Reading Program Explainer Video

We’re excited to share our official explainer video that captures the heart of the Help Us Grow Reading Program.

In just a few minutes, you’ll see how our Verified Reading Mentors, research-based tools, and one-on-one virtual tutoring sessions are transforming lives and closing the literacy gap for Pre-K to 4th grade students

Whether you're a parent, educator, or potential volunteer, this video shows how you can Be The Difference™ in a child’s reading journey.

Click the video below to see how H.U.G. is changing lives through literacy.

Online Learning Events

Training: Monday - Thursday at 11:00 - 12:00 PM; 1:00 - 2:00 PM

H.U.G. Info Session

Monday - Thursday at 11:00 - 12:00 PM, 1:00 - 2:00 PM

Zoom line: 947 552 4041

Join us and

BE THE DIFFERENCE™!

Call to Action: We Need Volunteers!

Do you know of a church group, company volunteer board, or a group of mission-minded folks that are looking to give back?

Well, we would love to present our volunteering options to them!

Help Us Grow Reading Program is fully virtual, including training, but we do have some in-person opportunities.

Email: Directorvr@hugreading.org

Free Tech Help for Seniors –

Stay Connected and Confident!

Need help navigating your phone, email, or Zoom? Our trained Digital Navigators at H.U.G. are here to make technology simple, safe, and stress-free — at no cost to you!

From spotting online scams to learning how to scan QR codes, we offer one-on-one support to help seniors stay connected with family, friends, and the world around them.

No tech experience needed — just bring your questions, and we'll guide you step-by-step!

Ready to get started?

Call or text us at (813) 330-0117 or email directorvr@hugreading.org today!

Help Us Grow at Home

Is your child falling behind in reading? Don’t wait.

Give them the boost they need with Helps Us Grow (H.U.G.) @ Home — our 1-on-1, virtual reading sessions designed for elementary learners

Verified reading mentors

Fun, engaging, and proven strategies

Real-time progress tracking

Affordable rates, and every session helps another child too

For just $40 a session, $10 goes toward scholarships for underserved readers.

Evening & weekend options available

Flexible packages for busy families

No stress. Just support—right from your home.

Ready to see your child grow in confidence, skill, and love for reading?

Scan the flyer QR or message us to get started:

directorvr@hugreading.org | (813) 330-0117

Help Us Grow Foundation Events

UCF H.U.G. Club Launches with Energy and Impact

We had our very first H.U.G. Club meetup, and the energy was on fire.

Shoutout to Alyssa and Analis for bringing the heart, the ideas, and the excitement to the table.

Your voices are helping shape something powerful on campus!

We're building a space where students can grow, serve, and truly Be The Difference™ together.

H.U.G. Honored at Library of Congress Literacy Awards

We’re honored to have been recognized among an inspiring group of nonprofits at the Library of Congress Literacy Awards!

This gathering wasn’t just a celebration—it was a spark.

Danielle Blaxton, our Assistant Director of Florida Schools connected with passionate leaders across the country, each committed to transforming lives through reading.

The energy in the room was inspiring—and the possibilities ahead? Even more exciting.

At H.U.G., we believe literacy is the foundation of equity and opportunity.

Meeting others who share that passion reminded us: we’re not alone in this work, and together, our impact reaches even farther.

Here’s to new partnerships, expanded reach, and continued advocacy for reading across communities and state lines.

Digital Confidence in Action at the YMCA

Our Lunch & Learn: Scam-Proof Your Life session at the Northeast YMCA on July 21 was a wonderful success.

Over 30 older adults came together to strengthen their digital skills, learning how to spot online scams, use email and QR codes, navigate Zoom, and browse safely.

The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and filled with curiosity.

Participants shared their gratitude, with many saying, “Thank you for thinking of us!” and eagerly signing up to come back again. The free lunch didn’t hurt either.

This collaboration with the YMCA is part of our ongoing effort to support older adults in staying safe, connected, and confident online — because it’s never too late to learn something new.

Next sessions:

August 4

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Northeast YMCA

To reserve a spot, call (502) 329-4793 or email livestrong@ymcalouisville.org.

Let’s keep growing, learning, and staying scam-proof — together.

Connecting with Champions of Education at the JCPS F.R.Y.S.C. Mini Conference

Our Kentucky Director Shayla Branch, alongside incredible H.U.G. Ambassadors Herb Shulhafer and Vicki Wieland, proudly represented the Help Us Grow Reading Program at the Jefferson County Public Schools F.R.Y.S.C. Mini Conference.

From showcasing our mission to sharing resources that empower young readers, the team had a blast engaging with fellow advocates and highlighting how we’re helping students Be The Difference™ in and beyond the classroom.

Big thanks to JCPS and the Family Resource & Youth Services Centers for inviting us to be part of this inspiring day!

H.U.G. Takes the Stage at JCPS Family Resource Conference Day 2

On July 18, our Kentucky Director Shayla Branch took the stage during Day 2 of the JCPS FRYSC Mini Conference to share how the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program is making a measurable difference in students’ lives.

She was proudly joined by H.U.G. Ambassadors Walter, Cheryl, and Sandra, whose presence added heart and history to the conversation.

Together, the team connected with family resource coordinators and community advocates to highlight how H.U.G. supports K–4 readers with consistent, one-on-one literacy mentorship.

From spin-the-wheel fun to data-driven insights, the day was filled with energy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to educational equity.

We’re grateful to JCPS and the Family Resource & Youth Services Centers for the opportunity to showcase our work and build new bridges for literacy across Kentucky.

H.U.G. in Action at the JCPS Community Meeting

Our amazing H.U.G. Ambassadors—Herb, Vicki, Cheryl, and Walter—along with Senior VP Beth Mullins, came together to represent our mission at the JCPS Community Meeting with Superintendent Dr. Bryan Yearwood.

Wearing their H.U.G. swag and standing tall for literacy, they helped amplify our mission to empower young readers through community support and engagement.

Thank you for showing up, standing out, and being the difference. We are so grateful for your continued dedication!

Together, we are the difference.

WHY H.U.G. Works

Proven Results. Powerful Progress.

At the Help Us Grow (H.U.G.) Reading Program, our evidence-based instruction, trusted school partnerships, and dedicated mentors are producing transformational outcomes — and the latest national test data proves it.

91% of H.U.G. students showed measurable growth on assessments like i-Ready, MAP, and STAR. In seven school sites, we achieved a 100% improvement rate, with every participating student showing academic gains.

Even more telling: H.U.G. students learned an average of 3.74 new words per session, far surpassing national benchmarks for daily vocabulary acquisition — a key factor in long-term reading success.

When consistent mentorship meets research-backed strategies, students don’t just improve — they accelerate.

H.U.G. is more than a reading program. It’s a pathway to lifelong confidence and academic success.

Confidence in Action:

Students in Rural Kentucky Surpass Statewide Growth Benchmarks

We’re proud to spotlight powerful results from our partnership with Eminence Elementary in rural Kentucky, where 70% of H.U.G. students outperformed their school peers and 62% met their Stretch Growth Goals on the i-Ready National Reading Assessment.

With the support of trained high school tutors, these students achieved nearly double the average reading growth seen across the state — clear proof that consistent mentorship and structured, evidence-based instruction make a lasting difference.

At H.U.G., we believe literacy is the foundation for opportunity. From small towns to major cities, we’re building confidence, one reader at a time.

Together, we’re closing the gap and helping every student thrive — no matter their zip code.

We are grateful for our dedicated H.U.G Reading Mentors

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions. Here's to continued success as we progress together throughout the year ahead.

Helps Us Grow and Win

(H.U.G.) & WIN

Sign Your Students Up Here!

Join the H.U.G. & Win Program!

Keep your child's reading skills sharp year-round with our H.U.G. & Win Program.

By engaging in educational games on ReadingEggs.com, children can earn up to $30 in gift cards while enhancing their literacy skills.

It's a fun and rewarding way to prevent reading loss during school breaks.

How to Participate:

Sign Up: Complete our registration form.

Get Credentials: We'll provide your child's ReadingEggs.com login details.

Start Learning: Log in and begin playing educational games to earn points.

Earn Rewards: Accumulate points to receive gift cards.

Join Check-Ins: Attend our virtual Zoom sessions for fun activities, program updates, and a chance to win additional prizes.

For more information, contact us via text or call at +1 (786) 232-3449 or email at hugandwin@hugreading.org

Encourage your child to learn and earn with H.U.G. & Win!

August WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

The results are in—and our readers are on fire!

Congratulations to Ximena V., our June Help Us Grow & WIN raffle winner, who walked away with a $110 gift card for his outstanding commitment to reading!

We’re also proud to spotlight our Top Readers of the Month:

Liam V

Ryan L

Samantha V

Shoutout to our Runners-Up: Abigail B., Zachariah B., Madison P., Elizabeth L., Fisher B., Archer B., Jayce P. —your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed!

At H.U.G., every minute spent reading counts. Every game, lesson, and log-in adds up—and we love celebrating progress in fun and meaningful ways. Stay tuned… this month, the winner could be YOU!

H.U.G. Calendar

August 18th to 29th: Universities Start Day

H.U.G. Info Session

We will be on Zoom from 11:00 - 12:00 PM, 1:00 - 2:00 PM to meet with YOU!

Please join us for updates, Info session and more!

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9475524041

Meeting ID: 9475524041

Want to Build Your Resume? We Can Help You!

If you're a high school senior or college student looking to make an impact and gain valuable experience, consider starting a H.U.G. Club on your campus!

By launching a H.U.G. Club, you’ll lead peers in mentoring young readers, earn field or service hours, and gain leadership and teamwork skills—all while supporting literacy in your community

✨ Why Start a H.U.G. Club?

Strengthen your resume with leadership experience
Make a real difference in students’ lives
Earn hours toward fieldwork, practicum, or service learning
Collaborate with friends or classmates for a shared cause
Eligible for #WorkStudy and #FederalWorkStudy

Scan the QR code to get started today and bring H.U.G. to your school!

Let’s make 2025 a year of impact, leadership, and growth!

Learn more at H.U.G. website

Join Our Team – Exciting Internship & Job Opportunities!

H.U.G. is growing, and we're looking for passionate individuals to join our mission! If you're eager to make a difference in education and literacy, check out our available opportunities:

🔹 Internships Available:

Tutor Recruitment Intern

Cyber Security Intern

Volunteer Recruitment Intern

Remote Learning Specialist Intern

Social Media Intern

IT/Data Intern

Communications Intern

Donor Relations Intern

This is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and contribute to meaningful change in education.

📩 Apply today! Send your resume to directorhr@hugreading.org

Inside H.U.G.: Finding Balance & Belonging in a Virtual World

In this inspiring spotlight, Rebecca Marcano, H.U.G.’s Director of Tutor Training, Volunteer, and Recruitment—shares what it truly means to grow with H.U.G.

From flexible hours that support her role as a mom of three, to a culture rooted in collaboration, community, and compassion, Rebecca offers a glimpse into how H.U.G. empowers team members to thrive both professionally and personally.

🔗 Click the video below to hear Rebecca’s testimonial and discover how H.U.G. fosters a supportive work environment where real-life balance is not only possible, it’s prioritized.

At H.U.G., we’re not just building readers, we’re building a workplace that values people, purpose, and balance.

Internship with Impact: Sree Reddy Finds Connection and Purpose at H.U.G.

Meet Sree Teja Reddy, an international graduate student at Florida Atlantic University pursuing a master’s in Data Science and Analytics. As an Avochato Communications Intern at H.U.G., Sree has found more than just experience—he’s found a supportive community.

Originally from India, Sree joined the H.U.G. team to step outside his comfort zone, build stronger communication skills, and give back to students who remind him of his own early academic journey. Through his work, he’s witnessed how H.U.G. empowers children through literacy—and how connection and kindness can uplift everyone involved.

Click the video below to hear how Sree describes H.U.G. in one powerful word: support. His story is a reminder that when we help others grow, we grow too.

Did You Know?

Around 40% of 4th graders are scoring below the Basic reading level—the highest percentage since 2002.That means almost 2 in 5 students are struggling with foundational literacy skills.

At H.U.G., we believe these numbers don’t define our future—they call us to action. Through one-on-one mentorship and structured support, we're helping students rewrite the story.

Let’s Be The Difference™—because every child deserves the confidence that comes with learning to read

Early Reading Tips: Phonic and Alphabet Focus

Want to build strong readers from the start?

Here are 4 powerful phonics-based tips to help your child master the alphabet and the sounds behind it!

1. Start with Sounds –

“M says /mmm/ like mom!”

Focus on letter sounds first, not just their names.

2. Blend It Together –

/s/ + /a/ + /t/ = “sat”

Start blending simple sounds to build confidence!

3. Make It Musical –

Sing, rhyme, clap, jump!

Movement + music = memory magic

4. Read the Right Books –

Choose decodable books that match their phonics skills — so they read to succeed, not guess to guess!

Let Your Voice Be Heard: Take the H.U.G. Tutor

Feedback Survey!

We’re eager to hear from you. Click button below to share your thoughts and help us grow stronger together. Your feedback is the key to making our programs even better. Survey powered by SurveyMonkey.

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Market & Partnership Updates