Who We Are & What We Do
At the Russell Education Foundation (REF), our after-school program is multi-faceted. It combines the following these elements to offer a holistic approach to addressing the problem of illiteracy among inter-city youth: The Russell Reading Room, our mentoring program, and the Helping Hands Outreach Program. With innovation and dedication, we empower every child and family, instilling a belief for a brighter future.
Through our Russell Reading Rooms, we provide a nurturing environment where children can cultivate their love for reading and learning, laying a strong foundation for future academic achievement. Additionally, our afterschool and summer learning programs bridge the gap in educational opportunities, ensuring that students have access to quality instruction and enrichment activities outside of traditional school hours.
REF also serves as a vital resource hub, connecting families with essential support services
and fostering partnerships with schools and community organizations. By addressing the
diverse needs of both students and their families, we strive to create a holistic support
system that promotes long-term success and empowerment.
Driven by a deep sense of responsibility and dedication, we remain committed to our vision of closing the achievement gap and creating a brighter future for every child in our community. Together, we are making a meaningful difference, one student, and one family at a time.
A Message from Our Founder, Twan Russell
HISTORY OF THE FOUNDATION
Established in 1999, by ex-Miami Dolphin’s linebacker, Twan Russell, and his late mother, Corliss. Corliss was a middle-school teacher with a huge heart for helping struggling children launched the Russell Life Skills and Reading Foundation afterschool program to focus solely on reading to equip children for academic success.
QUALITY SOLUTIONS FOR SUCCESS
REF currently offers high-quality afterschool and summer learning services to kindergarten through 5th-grade students through our Russell Reading Rooms, serving over 900 children annually across nine (9) locations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
In South Florida, the period after school dismissal often brings worry to working parents who cannot be home when the school day ends. This concern is exacerbated during summer breaks, as research shows that the average student can lose up to one month of reading progress.
Low to moderate students are particularly susceptible to experiencing greater setbacks. To mitigate this "summer slide" in literacy skills, it is crucial for children to have access to high-quality supplemental learning programs.
Values
EQUITY
We believe in equal access to education and opportunities for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background or circumstances.
EMPOWERMENT
We empower students and their families by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support to succeed academically and beyond.
COLLABORATION
We believe in equal access to education and opportunities for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background or circumstances.
INNOVATION
We embrace innovation and creativity in developing and implementing effective educational programs and solutions tailored to the needs of the students and families we serve.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We are committed to accountability and transparency in our operations, ensuring that our resources are used effectively to achieve our mission and goals.
We approach our work with compassion, empathy, and understanding, recognizing the unique challenges faced by the students and families in our community.
COMPASSION
We are dedicated to continuous learning and improvement, striving to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our programs and services to better serve the needs of our community.
CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT
Meet the Team
Twan Russell
Mackie Feierstein
Executive Director
Tel: (954) 494-7969
Email: MackieF@russelleducationfoundation.com
Pauline D’Oyley
Director of Educational Programs
Tel: (954) 599-8135
Email: pdoyley@russelleducationfoundation.com
TBD
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Tel: (954) 921-3787
Email: marketing@russelleducationfoundation.com