What We Do

FAMILY LITERACY

Avery’s Story – Avery, a lovable two- year-old, was born profoundly deaf.

“We found a place where people cared enough to help us learn how to communicate with our daughter through sign language. Now Avery is blossoming in a preschool classroom, outfitted with hands-on, visually-stimulating technology that hugely benefits the learning process for her and other deaf children.” - David, Avery’s dad

Volunteer USA’s Deaf Family Literacy Academy is one of the network of organizations dedicated to providing families a chance to succeed in life. The Academies offer an array of free classes from reading, English Language, GED and sign language to parenting and preschool education. Learn more about Family Literacy.

Celebration of Reading

We support our family literacy initiative, in part, through our Annual Celebration of Reading. The star-studded event, hosted by former Governor Jeb

Bush and his wife Columba, each year includes special guests including former President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush, as well as a host of national best-selling authors.

YOUTH MENTORING

Teen Trendsetters™Reading Mentors is a program that provides a great opportunity for high school teens to give something back and become leaders in their school communities. Through this national award winning youth mentoring program, they serves as volunteers, mentoring 2nd and 3rd graders with their reading skills once a week. Teen Trendsetters, empowering youth to make a difference in the lives of others. Click here to learn more.

“It didn’t take long to figure out I was getting a lot more than just volunteer hours as a reading mentor. What I love most is seeing the smiling faces of all those little rascals when we walk in each week.” Zac B.

TRAINING FOR FAMILIES AND TEENS

Volunteer USA provides a host of trainings and workshops to help improve the quality of life among families and communities in the southeastern U.S. We strive to teach parents how to be their child's first teacher and to inspire a love of learning at home through fun and engaging programs.

We also offer trainings to youth as a way to invest in their communities and learn new leadership skills as they prepare to help in times of disaster. Click here to learn more.

NATIONAL DISASTER RECOVERY FUND

The National Disaster Recovery Fund addresses long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts following a disaster. We fill the gaps that are left after all insurance claims and relief funds have been distributed. We also looks for ways to provide compassion and hope to families affected by a disaster. We fund faith and community-based non-profits who compete to be awarded funds, and who have track records of sustainable efforts helping communities rebuild. We track every home that we help rebuild. The National Disaster Recovery Fund has been created to focus on long-term recovery. We know that while a disaster might last seconds, minutes our hours…the recovery process is long, usually months or even years.

ECO-VOLUNTEER USA – Community service projects in the great outdoors

“I love to kayak at Wekiva Springs and watch otters play; it’s also where I take time to volunteer for litter and river clean-up projects. At Lake Kissimmee, cow camps make history come alive...we sit around the fire, drink cowboy coffee. And, Blue Springs State Park is the best place to watch those large and loveable manatee frolic. Our parks are real treasures, so I love giving something back.” Mary-Slater Linn, park volunteer

eco-Volunteer USA provides unique and rewarding opportunities for you to make a difference to Florida’s natural environment. As a family, group or individual, get ready to create new bonds and share time together on a “green” vacation. In exchange for your services, our partner, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, provides complimentary park entrance, as well as campsite space. To experience what Florida State Parks have to offer sign up today.