Mission, Vision, & Legacy
Literacy is our Legacy
Founded in 2014, the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation (SPPF) is a 501 (c)(3) named for the lifelong local educator (35 years, Northeast High School). Mrs. Puller was dedicated to empowering students to achieve excellence.
My earliest teachers, my mom, my Auntie Mary, their friends, all knew that children in South St. Petersburg were intelligent and talented with the potential to accomplish anything they dreamed of doing, given appropriate tools and support. SPPF provides these tools and support through the M.A.S.T.R Kids Summer Program as well as free book distribution at community events to continually promote reading as a catalyst for literacy.

Our Mission:
To advance reading, math and science literacy, helping to close the achievement gap for children in the “at-risk” communities of St. Petersburg. We start with South St. Pete!
Our Vision:
St. Petersburg is known for its’ legacy of literacy and achievement! Our students are highly sought after by colleges and employers. They have unlimited opportunities for careers and economic success.
Our Values and Beliefs:
Focus On Impact And Outcomes
We act boldly to impact the issue of literacy in the community primarily through children but also through the parent community.
Be Relatable
Our community is made of heroic parents and resourceful students. We empower them through respect and authentic understanding of the unique challenges they are facing.
Create Connection
We care about our community and nurture it unconditionally through strong relationships, building unbreakable bonds and contributing to individual self-worth
Expect Success
We partner for greater impact, leading to individual and collective success for all involved. We strive to achieve excellence in all that we do.
Expand Horizons
We build sustainable communities, expanding horizons beyond community borders, through education and innovation.
Think Holistically
We embrace the concept of village accountability, addressing all impacts of literacy; physically, psychologically, intellectually and economically.
Ways You Can Help

Donate
Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

Volunteer
Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

Become a Partner
Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!