Here’s my Story Campaign (FLIP)

FiftyForward Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) Volunteers gain national recognition “THAT’s GRRREAT!”

In celebration of National Literacy Month (Sept. 2017), Dollar General and Kellogg’s partnered on a new Here’s My Story campaign featuring three volunteer tutors and the students they tutor in the FiftyForward RSVP Friends Learning in Pairs (FLIP) program. Tutors Neal Buchanan, Judy Goetz and Kathy Pleas had the opportunity to share their respective story of helping a particular student in the Metropolitan Nashville Public School system. The tutor/student pairs participated in a professional photo shoot and their images and stories were featured on specialized boxes of cereal including Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes®, Froot Loops®, Frosted Mini Wheats®, and Rice Krispies® that were distributed to more than 14,000 Dollar General stores that Fall.

FLIP was one of only two programs nationwide selected to participate in the program and we were honored to be part of an initiative that not only gained visibility for our tutors and students, it also encourages volunteerism. “We are thrilled that our wonderful tutors received recognition for their dedication and commitment. Neal, Judy, and Kathy represent 120+ senior adult tutors who are making a difference in the lives of students in Davidson and Williamson counties,“ said FLIP Director Sandra Thomas.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) is a long time FLIP donor and also funds the FiftyForward Foster Grandparent Program. DGLF is celebrating over 24 years of helping individuals learn to read, prepare for the GED, or learn English. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $140 million to nonprofit organizations and schools that have helped more than nine million individuals advance their literacy and basic education skills.

Adults age 55+ who are interested in learning more about participating in the FLIP tutoring program may contact Sandra Thomas at sthomas@fiftyforward.org.

Each Kellogg’s cereal box features the following tutor/student pairings:

Judy and Jacori

FLIP tutor Judy Goetz and student Jacori. Goetz currently serves at West Meade Elementary in Davidson County

Kathy and Jose
FLIP tutor Kathy Pleas and student Jose. Pleas tutors K-4th graders at Fall-Hamilton Enhanced Option Elementary in Davidson County.

Neal and Noah
FLIP tutor Neal Buchanan and student Noah. Neal is a former recipient of the Flora McKean Award which honors excellence in tutoring and length of service. Buchanan tutors at Pennington Bend Elementary in Davidson County.