Compassionate Literacy, NFP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to literacy resources for low-income, minority, and underserved communities. Our mission is to promote literacy as a means to empower others of all ages. By developing literary and critical thinking skills we can assist others in gaining the cultural capital necessary to rise above their circumstances and gain long term financial independence and security. We will accomplish this by providing books to homes where there are literacy deficits, host and provide access to literacy resources, and support our partners in their journey beyond the barriers they may endure—all with a sense of compassion and respect to their needs and dreams.
Our team is committed to fighting censorship and promoting access to banned books, especially ones that teach empathy, critical thinking skills, and diversity. We accomplish this through book donations to families with limited access to books in the home and programs that protect, promote, and educate others about the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Dr. Rebecca Helms
Executive Director
Dr. Rebecca Helms is an accomplished project manager and educator with over 33 years of experience teaching, training, and leading complex projects, across educational government and corporate environments. She holds an Ed.D. in Organizational and Educational Leadership from the American College of Education, a M.Ed. in Secondary Education & English from Coastal Carolina University, and a B.A. in English & Education from Christopher Newport University. She also served honorably for nearly seven years in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Helms is currently pursuing her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, building on her extensive experience managing high-level initiatives. With a strong background in curriculum design and leadership development, Dr. Helms is passionate about leveraging education and technology to enhance literacy for disadvantaged communities. She believes literacy is the foundation for socioeconomic elevation and independence.
Ms. Ann Svitanek
Director of Security & Finance
Ms. Ann Svitanek is a seasoned security professional with over 25 years of experience protecting high-value assets, personnel, and classified information. She has led complex security programs across federal, military, and corporate environments. Ms. Svitanek has a reputation for excellence and a strong history of for successful risk management strategies and strict compliance with federal security standards.
Ms. Svitanek’s distinguished career includes over two decades of service in the U.S. Air Force, where she served as both a Security Forces K-9 Officer and Instructor and a Aircraft Maintenance Analyst. As a K-9 Officer, she supported U.S. Secret Service missions during presidential and dignitary visits, detecting explosive devices and leading search and recovery operations. She trained over 240 K-9 handlers and developed advanced canine training curricula still in use today. In her role as a Maintenance Analyst and a Senior NCO, Ms. Svitanek was responsible for ensuring access and deployment of $1.4 billion in aircraft assets while keeping her teams ready and safe while in global hostile regions.
Her expertise in resource and financial management ensured operational readiness and efficiency across global missions. Ann’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to security, leadership, and excellence in safeguarding people, assets, and critical national programs.