KPMG
Type of Work: Family for Literacy
Client: Various
Ask Kathy Hannan, National Managing Partner, Diversity and Corporate Responsibility for KPMG, what she likes about the firm's Family for Literacy program, and she'll list several reasons, some big, some small.
But then, after pausing, she'll come up with what is perhaps her favorite part. "I absolutely love the simplicity of this program," Hannan says. "So many times, we can make things too complicated. There's nothing more special than looking into the eyes of children who may be receiving their very first book."
Putting books into the hands of children is what KPMG's Family For Literacy (KFFL) program is all about. KFFL aims to combat childhood illiteracy by providing new books to children from low-income families.
"It's about getting books into the hands of disadvantaged children that otherwise wouldn't have had the opportunity to have a book," she says. "We're essentially giving them their first book and putting them on the path to literacy."
KFFL's goal is eradicating illiteracy by focusing on those communities that need it most, which tend to be the more diverse communities, which is a growing demographic that represents the future workforce, Hannah says. "So, you can see how talent sustainability comes into play, as well. Its entry point into our continuum on life-long learning and education and how that impacts our diverse environment and the community."
Another thing that Hannan loves about the program is the fact that it's engaging the entire KPMG family. "This is really a differentiator for us because we are engaging the larger and extended KPMG family, everyone from spouses to children to interns to retired partners," Hannan says. "I think that's very unique. And, this is not just for us, this comes back to our definition of corporate responsibility and creating that sustainable and flourishing future."
The all-in-the-family approach makes sense since KFFL was founded in 2008 by current Chairman and CEO, John Veihmeyer, and his wife Beth in tandem with KPMG's previous Chairman and his wife. Veihmeyer served as Deputy Chairman when KFFL launched.
Since then, the program has distributed more than 2 million new books to children in need and refurbished many libraries at numerous schools across the country. Last year, KPMG celebrated the 5th Anniversary of the Family For Literacy program with a Reading Relay. To celebrate, the firm created the KFFL "First Five" children's collection made up of five classic children's books that were selected by asking partners and employees to vote. During the six-week Reading Relay, KPMG's 90 offices held reading events at schools.
Through KFFL, thousands of KPMG volunteers have given their time and money to donate, collect and distribute books to children. "I think it speaks to the inherent values that guide our folks about making a difference, about having a higher purpose, about having an impact and effectuating real change," Hannan says.
"A lot of companies do different things to invest in their communities but we really see this as a long-term strategic investment to empower change for the future. Many firms have diversity initiatives, but this program, I think, goes much deeper. Someday, we would love for one of our KPMG professionals to be able to say that they got their first book from KPMG."
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