November 2009 issue 



The Spirit of Giving: Jeb Bush, Jr. Talks about his Family's Passion for Giving & Reading

Jeb Bush, Jr., he's among the latest generation of Bush family members to tackle causes that are good for the heart and good for families in America. Not unlike his grandmother and his dad, when it comes to a passion for promoting family literacy, Jeb Jr. is talking the talk and walking the walk. We caught up with former Governor Jeb Bush's youngest son this month as he attended a couple of literacy events on behalf of Volunteer USA.

Q. Can you tell us about one of your favorite childhood book and when you first discovered that reading meant much more to you than just "doing your schoolwork"?
A. My favorite childhood book, which is still a favorite, is the Adventures of Tom Sawyer. I definitely identified with Tom, being a young lad full of curiosity. Tom's mischievous adventures drew me in and kicked off my own love of reading as a kid.



Q. You grandmother has spent much of her life dedicated to promoting and celebrating literacy among parents and children and your father has followed in her footsteps. What is the most important lesson they have taught you about reading and how it impacts success among families and in life?
A. The most important lesson my Ganny taught me regarding literacy is that it will open many doors in life. We live in such a fast-paced and ever-changing world, so people have to be able to adapt to new jobs and skill sets. I find myself more prepared to tackle new opportunities and recognize literacy and education lead to a more rewarding life.

Q. Finally, in a recent USA Today article your grandmother commented that she has "done it all" and now expects her grandchildren to continue the legacy of her Foundation for Family Literacy. Can you tell us how you, personally, are turning her words into action?
A. Well, I've been in helping with the Celebration of Reading event hosted by my parents and grandparents in Bonita Springs every year. It's such a fantastic event where we bring in celebrity authors and raise money to support family literacy efforts. In addition, I really enjoy traveling around the state as an advocate for Volunteer USA. It gives me a chance to personally appeal to others about the importance of family literacy and education. And, one last thing just for fun, I've talked my own friends into a reading competition – who can read the most books in a certain time period. Game on!

Visit our website for more about Volunteer USA's Family Literacy Initiative at www.volunteerusafoundation.org.


Our Board of Directors

Barney Bishop
Chairman, Volunteer USA Foundation
Associated Industries of Florida

Gwynn Virostek
Vice-Chair, Volunteer USA

Tim Gage
Comcast

David Griffin
David Griffin Consulting

Brad Meltzer
Author

William S. Simon
Wal-Mart U.S.

Art Smith
Chef & Author

Jeb Bush
Honorary Chairman and
former Governor of Florida

Liza McFadden
President, Volunteer USA Foundation
LITERACY & TECHNOLOGY: CHANGING THE FUTURE OF DEAF TODDLER

Avery, a lovable two- year-old, was born profoundly deaf. Her parents, David and Debbie were shocked by the news, as most new parents would be, but they quickly began to adjust, determined to give Avery a loving life filled with opportunity.

They looked to the community for help and found The Deaf Family Literacy Academy in Pinellas County. Managed by Volunteer USA, the Academy was offering free sign language classes for families of deaf or hard or hearing children. With the help of accomplished teachers and deaf mentors, Avery's parents learned to better communicate and bond with their daughter. Avery also wears a cochlear implant now to help develop her speech skills.

As Avery got a bit older, her dad and mom began looking for a preschool that could meet her special needs. The options were few, that is, until Volunteer USA was able to secure a grant from Verizon, enabling the Deaf Family Literacy Academy to partner with Noah's Ark Preschool and start a class that catered to both deaf and hearing children. The gift from Verizon was used to purchase advanced technologies including a Smart Board and sound field system. This visually stimulating and hands-on equipment better meet the learning needs of deaf children.

Today, Avery is blossoming as a preschooler. And, with love and the commitment of others, her parents are confident she'll be ready to begin mainstream Kindergarten alongside her peers. But we know there are many more Avery's out there. And, as Volunteer USA strives to provide services to help more deaf families flourish and succeed, we ask you to consider a tax-deductible, year-end donation or grant that will help provide sound and visual support technologies that aid in a deaf child's learning such as Smart Boards, laptops and amplified sounds boards. Please contact Liza.McFadden@volunteerusafoundation.org for more information on how you can help.


PLAN A LOW-COST 2010 GETAWAY & HELP PRESERVE THE GREAT OUTDOORS - INTRODUCING VOLUNTEER USA VACATIONS

During tough economic times, planning a rewarding family vacation can be tough. But, Volunteer USA has collaborated with a few great partners, to create a getaway that is affordable, fun and rewarding for those who love the great outdoors!

Volunteer USA Vacations, a new program we're kicking off for the New Year, will offer you, your family or organized group a meaningful way to enjoy vacation time while also making a difference to Florida's pristine environment. These vacation projects will help prepare Florida's Park Service for its 75th Anniversary in 2010. The projects offered will be short-term adventures that focus on conserving outdoor recreational areas for families. Projects will include the clearing of trails and waterways and maintenance of park facilities and handicap accessible pathways.

In exchange for your services, our partner the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will provide volunteers with complimentary park entrance, as well as campsite space, if available. Volunteer USA is also working with Visit Florida and local Convention and Visitors Bureaus to offer area discounts at hotels, theme parks and restaurants near designated park projects.

Take a look at the new Volunteer USA Vacations website and keep coming back to check on the latest park project opportunities. Visit www.volunteerusavacations.org for more.


TIPS FOR MOM: MAKE HOLIDAY GIVING EASY & EVERLASTING
FOR KIDS

The winter holiday season is a time most kids look forward to with great joy and anticipation. But, the season also provides moms and dads a great opportunity to teach children a powerful and enduring lesson about what it means to be both the receiver and giver of gifts. Here are a few tips to help instill goodwill in your children this season!


Give with your Children. Enjoy some special time side by side with your children giving thoughtful gifts to families in need. Remind your child that some presents will last a lifetime - including the gift of reading.

Reading is a great way for families to bond and learn together, that's why this season, Volunteer USA is holding a holiday book drive. We're collecting gently-used (or new) books from the children's favorite Magic Tree House series. If your child is ready to pass on some of their Magic Tree House books, please donate them to help children involved in our family literacy and mentoring programs. Or, if you don't have any of these books at home, you or your child can donate $5 or more to help us buy books for young students. Teach your kids that every dollar makes a positive difference.

Simply send books to: Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors, 5970 SW 1st Lane, Ocala, Florida 34474. Please make checks payable to: Volunteer USA Foundation, 516 North Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301

Give the Gift of Time. The giving of gifts also means much more than just wrapping up a pretty package. Show your children that sharing their time is just as important. Talk to your child about who they can help; maybe it's an elderly neighbor who could use a little help around the yard or older children can get involved in a youth mentoring program through their school or library. And don't forget, seek out parks in the areas you'd like to visit. Check to see if there is a Volunteer USA Vacation project planned or other green volunteer opportunities.

Give & Make the World a Better Place Every Day. Help your children understand that serving others is a gift they can give all year long. You can instill charitable values from an early age by making sure "volunteering" is part of your family's weekly or monthly routine -- from delivering meals to the homebound or helping out at your local animal shelter, library or school volunteering becomes a natural and rewarding part of a child's life.


Volunteer USA Foundation
For more information please contact us by email at info@volunteerusafund.org or call 850.562.5300

Volunteer USA inspires the spirit of volunteerism to make our communities stronger. We empower families, nonprofits, and schools through innovative and easy-to-implement programs and products. Founded in 2007, Volunteer USA is a nonprofit organization that transforms the power of goodwill into brighter lives and futures. A 501(c)(3) organization.