Heart of America Ambassador Jessica Davey with elementary school students from DC Public Schools.

As we look to the next generation to improve upon the present, most adults fear the torch is about to be passed into shakier hands. According to a Public Agenda report, only 37 percent believe today’s children will grow up to make the world a better place.

The Heart of America Foundation® is determined to prove them wrong.

• Founded in 1997, The Heart of America Foundation began with the mission to "teach the values at the heart of America and to help people, particularly children, learn that they help themselves when they help others. "
  
• Our focus is to provide children in need everywhere with the tools to read, succeed and make a difference.
  
• The Heart of America Foundation is a national, nonsectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit, humanitarian organization.
  
• Our programs uniquely combine volunteerism and literacy.
  
• Learn more about Our Impact.

Why Promote Literacy?

• 61% of low-income families have no books at all in their homes.
• Children who have not developed basic literacy skills by the time they enter school are three to four times more likely to drop out in later years.
• Seven out of ten fourth graders cannot read at grade level.
• Low literacy can lead to crime, unemployment and poverty.
• Studies confirm that the availability of reading material is the strongest predictor of a child's ability to read and succeed academically.

What People are Saying about the Heart of America Foundation

“I consider the work of the Heart of America Foundation to be very important. I send you my prayers and best wishes for the success of your humanitarian endeavor.”
~ The Dalai Lama

“I commend the Heart of America Foundation for giving young people the opportunity to learn that it is better to give than to receive and that in giving and receiving there is a profound joy that enriches the world.”
~ Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu, recipient of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize

“The Heart of America Foundation is indeed doing a great job of teaching our future leaders of America to give back to our society. I believe the foundation is on the right track of turning around the negative perceptions Americans have about our young people.”
~ Former First Lady Barbara Bush

“John Dewey Middle School would love to say thank you for the wonderful speakers you have provided over the past few years. We believe that you provide a valuable service to the youth of America.”
~ Principal Roger Boettcher, John Dewey Middle School, Denver, CO

“There are no words to thank you all enough for the inspirations that will be part of our son forever (by watson). We see him relate to the experiences and people he has met through the Heart of America daily.”
~ Dave and Brenda Adamiec, parents of Heart of America® Ambassador David Adamiec. New Canaan, CT