The Help Somebody Hall of Fame celebrates and recognizes good people doing good work in our RVA community.  We encourage our readers to nominate nonprofit staff, volunteers, board members and community members.  This month, we’re recognizing Gail Crawford, Founder and President of Making a Difference For You (MAD4YU) – a grass-roots nonprofit organization providing life enrichment services to under-resourced and ‘fringe’ populations.  The name reflects its very purpose:  making a difference for you.  That is – providing the tools for success – using computer literacy and study skills as the catalyst– to equip those who otherwise might not have access.

Read more about why Gail is a part of the Help Somebody Hall of Fame:

How does Gail demonstrate the spirit of the “Help Somebody Hall of Fame”?

Ms. Gail Crawford created a nonprofit – Making a Difference For You (MAD4YU) – that provides life enrichment services to under-resourced Richmond families. When MAD4YU was founded, its primary services were teaching computer literacy to children and seniors, and tutoring for students having difficulty learning.  Gail acquired a multi-room facility with donated computers, in-kind contributions and volunteers and evolved service offerings by responding to other client needs that surfaced.

Most students receive tutoring on Saturday and Sunday. Seniors visit the center to get necessary computer classes. She shares resources with parents and children to help them find organizations that helps meet their additional needs.

The organization also offers tutoring, homework help, communication technologies, PC training, college and job readiness preparation including resume writing and online submission, personal and professional development, adult literacy, health and housing resources and social advocacy.

What is the impact of Gail’s generosity? 

In 2017 alone, the organization provided in excess of $150,000.00 in tutoring services to over 45 clients on a weekly basis, with an annual budget of under $50,000.00. This is based on more than 6,000 hours at an average rate of $30.00 per hour (many tutors charge upwards of $40-60 per hour) for tutoring/training services.

Student’s grades are improving, parents are pleased, seniors are experiencing a rewarding learning curve as they attend our basic computer, internet and email classes and volunteers look forward to truly making a difference in the lives of others.

About the Help Somebody Hall of Fame

The Help Somebody Hall of Fame is a platform to express gratitude for a person in the community who acts selflessly to improve the lives of others.  We want to share these stories in hope of inspiring more people in Greater Richmond to act with generosity.  There will be random drawing from those who are honored, and two honorees will select a nonprofit of their choice to receive $1000.  Read more about how to nominate someone here.