Staff members and volunteers from the Mayor’s Office of Education and Office of Children and Families gathered earlier this month for some holiday cheers.

This gathering was an opportunity to express our deep gratitude for the dedicated volunteers who make a difference in Adult Education, Community Schools, Foster Grandparents, and Philly Reading Coaches programs. Each of these initiatives embodies a shared vision of a Philadelphia where every child and family are supported and empowered to achieve their goals through education and community partnerships.

While we are proud of the resources and opportunities our programs provide, our true impact lies in the relationships we build. Many of our volunteers are deeply rooted in the neighborhoods they serve – grandparents, parents, aunties, uncles, and neighbors who know their communities best. This is what community impact looks like- when community members can be part of the change in their neighborhoods.

“Each one of you could do anything with your time, but you choose to serve and make this city a better place to live,” said Chief Education Officer Debora Carrera to celebration attendees. “Whether you are helping your neighbors attain a GED, teaching kids to read, distributing food, or any of the many ways you can volunteer with us, on behalf of Mayor Parker, I thank you.”

From literacy support to mentoring and food security initiatives, our volunteers are key to strengthening communities and fostering positive change. Here is a closer look at the programs that make this impact possible:

Adult Education

The City of Philadelphia works with community-based organizations to provide adult education for residents who are 16 and older. These vital services help individuals build the skills they need to realize their personal, professional, and civic goals. The Mayor’s Office of Education provides free training in supporting learners in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), digital skills, math, and basic literacy skills with providers throughout the city.

Did you know September 16-20 was Adult Education and Family Literacy Week?

Volunteers for adult education programs serve as tutors, classroom aides, or other support roles for adult learners. Over the past fiscal year, 86 volunteers have completed a month-long training and 50 new volunteers were referred to one of about 20 providers throughout the city.

Akeneta L., a volunteer says, “I had someone who was trying to read ‘U-Haul…one day when she was fully able to read the word she said ‘it was a celebration for me.’ It’s about giving joy to people…that makes me happy too.”

Community Schools

Community Schools are a partnership among the City of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and school communities to remove barriers to learning and support the success of each student. There are currently 20 City-designated Community Schools, serving nearly 13,000 students.

Volunteers have helped support our schools from cleaning up the library to organizing family bingo night to supporting food security initiatives. Our food security initiatives include grocery giveaways and in-school pantries and have become a staple in our schools. Since 2022, Community Schools have distributed over 2 million pounds of food!

The School District of Philadelphia reports that 20% of families experience food insecurity. This past spring, a new initiative took place across 14 Community Schools to bring fresh produce to families.

“Today we recognized several aunties, but we also want to recognize our youth who support our Community Schools. We view education as a shared responsibility therefore anyone is invited to be part of our school communities,” says Hanna Kim, the volunteer coordinator for Community Schools and Philly Reading Coaches.

“Rain or shine, snow, sleet, whatever, we’re there,” says volunteer Debra S. “Showing [community members] that I am here for them and that I care…volunteering has really taught me to see the bright side because there are so many difficult situations surrounding us.”

Foster Grandparents

The Foster Grandparent Program engages senior volunteers who dedicate between 15 to 40 hours per week in pre-K and early elementary classrooms across the city. Volunteers provide social and emotional coaching and/or literacy interventions to children identified by their teachers as needing school readiness support. Foster Grandparent Harum U. says that although he is here to support students, “As I mentor [students], I’m learning from them too.”

This academic year so far, 42 volunteers serve as Foster Grandparents across 23 sites throughout the city. According to Larry G., being a Foster Grandparent is “another chance to give back and mentor kids. It’s a way to give back to society and back to my school and my neighborhood.”

Philly Reading Coaches

Philly Reading Coaches is a program that combines early reading support, access to books, and community volunteers to boost the reading skills of our city’s children. The program pairs trained volunteers with kindergarten through 3rd-grade students to provide enjoyable reading experiences that enhance literacy skills and motivation. Reading Coaches work one-on-one with students, bonding over books and games while serving as friends, mentors, and motivators. There are currently 54 active Reading Coaches across seven school sites. Volunteers have served over 75 students so far.

Kathleen has been a Reading Coach for four years says, “Every year is a little different and I’ve always met wonderful kids and had a great, gratifying experience for myself. And could see the progress that the kids make either in their reading skills or in their enjoyment.”

As the event was wrapping up, Miss Tina, a volunteer for Community School and Foster Grandparents- a double volunteer- offered to clear the table. In response to the event being a way to appreciate her, she says, “We’re volunteers, this is what we do.”

Hanna Kim is the volunteer coordinator for Community Schools and Philly Reading Coaches. You can reach her at OCFvolunteers@phila.gov.