About Reading & Succeeding with Theressa

Founded in 2003

Ms. Theressa Brown (President/Founder) established Reading & Succeeding in 2003 to address her son's reading difficulties and promote literacy among school-aged children. The organization achieves this goal through community involvement, distributing books and educational resources, and fostering conversations about the significance of reading and writing. Ms. Brown's motto exemplifies her dedication to literacy by changing the future one book at a time.

Mission Statement

Reading & Succeeding is committed to empowering young students to reach their full potential through academic achievement and personal development. We support literacy initiatives, provide essential resources to educators, schools, and communities, and organize outreach programs to raise awareness and garner support for literacy.

Our Approach

Our approach to capturing the attention, minds, and imagination of our students is grassroots and hands-on. Our literacy outreach programs are designed with the ultimate goal of creating a community that loves to learn, read, write, and achieve their aspirations.

Our Services

Reading & Succeeding offers a comprehensive array of educational resources and support for school-age children. Our services include access to educational books, weekly Storytime sessions, and essential school supplies. Moreover, we provide holiday meals and maintain year-round teacher's school supply closets to ensure that educators have the necessary resources to assist their students.

2023 Sam's Club (#4711) Local Community Grant Recipient!

Reading & Succeeding expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Sam's Club (Store #4711) and their Local Community Grants program for the unexpected and generous monetary grant. This grant will have a profound impact on the promotion of literacy and the cultivation of awareness within the Virginia Beach community. By providing essential resources, books, and support, it will empower school-aged children to enhance their literacy skills. We extend our utmost appreciation for this remarkable contribution.

Sam’s Club®️, a division of Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products, savings and services to millions of members in nearly 600 clubs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Now in its 40th year, Sam’s Club continues to redefine warehouse shopping with its highly curated assortment of high-quality fresh food and Member’s Mark® items, in addition to market leading technologies and services like Scan & Go™️, Curbside Pickup and home delivery service in select markets. To learn more about Sam's Club, visit the Sam's Club Newsroom, shop at SamsClub.com, and interact with Sam's Club on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and TikTok.

2023 Walmart Local Community Grant Recipient!

Reading & Succeeding expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Walmart (Store #1773 and #4623) and their Local Community Grants program for the unexpected and generous monetary grant. This grant will have a profound impact on the promotion of literacy and the cultivation of awareness within the Newport News community. By providing essential resources, books, and support, it will empower school-aged children to enhance their literacy skills. We extend our utmost appreciation for this remarkable contribution.

Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By focusing where the business has unique strengths, Walmart.org works to tackle key social and environmental issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change.

Our Corporate Sponsors (Past and Present)

We express our gratitude to the generous sponsors, both past and present, who have selflessly dedicated their time, resources, and influence to support our cause. We are truly blessed and fortunate to have their unwavering support:

Pepsi Company
Sam's Club
Walmart
Audacy, Inc. (f/k/a Entercom Communications)
Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Chanello’s Pizza
Cinema Cafe
QVC
Bay Kia
Discount School Supplies
The Mount Global
RNR Tires
Langley Federal Credit Union
The Exodus Grand Lodge and Rose of Sharon Grand Chapter
Lisa Libraries

Approved Certifying Organization (CO) for The President’s Volunteer Service Awards (PVSA)

Reading & Succeeding is an approved Certifying Organization (CO) for the President’s Volunteer Service Awards (PVSA). The PVSA is a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer commitment. Established in 2003, this award honors individuals and groups who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service over the course of 12 months. Service hours can be accumulated on a variety of projects throughout the year.

The PVSA is awarded annually at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. For many, earning one or more awards will be a noteworthy honor on future college, scholarship applications or other individual career aspirations.

non-profit organization Memeber of Sparkgood: Walmart

Making a Difference in our Community! Round up your Walmart purchases to support Reading & Succeeding.

Customers shopping on Walmart.com or in the Walmart app can now round up their totals at the point of purchase to the nearest dollar and have the change donated to Reading & Succeeding. It’s super easy. When a Walmart customer shops on a mobile phone or computer, they will be prompted to choose a charity to donate to or decline the opportunity.