Volunteer Tutor Helps Deaf Student Make The Grade

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Non-profits across South Florida are taking advantage of Neighbors 4 Neighbors' HelpingFeelsGood.org to connect with skilled volunteers to help those they serve.

"It's just such a good program to match volunteers within the community to our clients, because there's such a need amongst our clients," said Janick Hickman, a caseworker from the Center for Hearing and Communication.

For organizations like the Center for Hearing and Communication, filling those needs can be a challenge.

"We are the only full service agency serving the deaf and hard of hearing population in Broward County, everything from case management to after school programs, therapy and audiology," explained Hickman.

That translates too many services and many clients - but limited resources. That's why Hickman and her team registered the Center at www.HelpingFeelsGood.org.

"It's really nice to be able to partner up again with Neighbors 4 Neighbors and be able to find these volunteers," said Hickman.

The site gives them access to volunteers like Joshua Jamieson, a veteran and substitute school teacher who saw a public service announcement for HelpingFeelsGood.org while watching CBS4 News one morning.

"The name caught my eye. I decided to go log in and signed up, and about 2 hours later I got a call from the hearing impaired center and they asked me to be a match for Khalil," explained Jamieson.

Khalil Smith is a dedicated high school student who receives services from the Center for Hearing and Communication. He was looking for a tutor to help him prepare for the FCAT exam.

"He helps me a lot, he helps me improve some homophones, synonyms, or any of those types of things." said Khalil.

For a deaf student like Khalil, homophones are especially difficult, but in just weeks, Khalil's parents said they saw a difference.

"With Josh working with him from the N4N program, we've seen where he is more attentive," said Khalil's dad, Ewart Smith. "Josh was able to break it down, he would understand, go slower for him, and I've seen positive changes."

Khalil wasn't the only one experiencing a positive change. Josh reached out and shared his excitement about his experience tutoring Khalil on the Neighbors 4 Neighbors Facebook page.

"I was able to go on and thank Neighbors 4 Neighbors, the name says it all helping does feel good!" exclaimed Jamieson.

To register as a volunteer or non-profit organization visit www.HelpingFeelsGood.org.

For inquiries and additional information call Neighbors 4 Neighbors at 305-597-4404.