Click on a name to the right to find true testimonials on how Literacy Heroes helps our community.
Madeleine, age 56, Exton, PA
As a New York inner-city schoolteacher in the mid 1970's, Madeleine found herself teaching first grade reading to fifth grade students. From that time on, she was determined to find a way to help all children learn to read at an early age. This became her life's passion.
Recently, Madeleine convinced her parish school to pilot a reading program in a kindergarten class. After twenty hours of instruction, the children were practicing their word attack skills on the high school SAT list, the results of which was observed by a Washington congressman. She continues to try and spread the word that every child can learn to read, and read well!
Yolanda, Age 18, Kennett Square, PA
When I arrived in the United States from Central America, I spoke virtually no English, and never thought I could attend college. With the help and tutoring support of one amazing teacher, that dream became a reality.
Claire, Age 5, Gulph Mills, PA
I chose to have my birthday party at the Build-A-Bear store because they give lots of money and teddy bears to reading programs. I like that.
Ron, Age 52, Bryn Mawr, PA
Recognizing his critical position as a school principal, it’s not surprising that Principal Ron Smith encouraged his elementary-aged students to make their annual book fair a success. What was surprising, however, was his offer to shave his entire head if the students raised $500 for literacy causes. The students accepted the challenge, and so did Smith. True to his word, he shaved his head during a school assembly.
“It was a powerful learning day,” Smith concedes. “I’m being nominated as a hero, but it’s the kids who are the true heroes!”
John, Age 32, West Chester, PA
Prior to a recent deployment, U.S. Serviceman John Brown regularly read bedtime stories to his children. Thanks to the United Through Reading Project, he could continue this tradition while on assignment in Iraq. The program videotaped him reading his kid’s favorite bedtime stories. Videos were then mailed to his children so they could hear his voice, see his eyes and, most importantly, know he was safe. “It was the next best thing to be there,” said Brown.
Maria, Age 41, Kennett Square, PA
“For many families, teaching a toddler to sing the “A-B-Cs” is a cherished pastime. For some, however, this activity can’t happen because of a language barrier that impedes their ability to prepare a child for school. Maria Lopez wants to help families overcome that obstacle by providing parenting education and school-readiness programs for low-income families, including many recent immigrants from Mexico.”
Pamela, Age 19, West Chester, PA
At the young age of 17, Pamela had a vision of how to meet a serious human need -- the need for financially disadvantaged families to save for the future. She went on to create an organization that aims to promote disciplined savings by families in need, while at the same time educating the family members in financial matters through workshops and training seminars. Her efforts to promote financial literacy are helping dozens of local families eliminate debt and get a second chance at a solid financial future.
Tracy, Age 23, Devon, PA
Tracy Smith was a young person cleaning Philadelphia schools because she had been told that college was beyond her reach due to a visual impairment. Thanks to more than 250 caring volunteers at a local nonprofit who prepare, read aloud, and proof audio books, Tracy obtained the appropriate learning tools, enrolled at Harcum College, and later attended Cabrini College to earn a bachelor’s degree. Today she enjoys full-time employment at a local university, is pursuing a master’s degree, and thanks the agency that helped her break societal stereotypes and pursue her educational dreams.
