Member Spotlight: Jennifer Waldrop
Serving others, one book at a time.
Every good book has a turning point, a moment when one chapter naturally leads to the next. For Literacy Trust member Jennifer Waldrop, a lifelong love of reading became a path to service, friendship, and generosity.
Reading is an important part of Jennifer’s life, and she shares it with others whenever she can. As a way of sharing her enthusiasm, Jennifer writes reviews of the books she reads. She said, “I have always loved reading and started reviewing books to support the authors who work so hard to write great books. I love spreading the word when I come across a great book. And sometimes getting an advanced copy of a book is a thrill!”
Her connection to CFLC started in 2022 when she volunteered for a mailing project. Our mission spoke to her immediately. She said, “I am a former elementary school teacher and a lifelong avid reader, so helping everyone have the opportunity to learn to read just makes sense to me.”
As she became more involved with CFLC, Jennifer found meaningful ways to turn her love of books into support for adult learners. Jennifer joined the Friends of Literacy book team, helping sort, scan, list, and ship donated books. In 2025, Friends of Literacy generated more than $30,000 in revenue as an Amazon book seller as well as through three in-person book sales. Those efforts generate support for CFLC’s literacy programs while giving donated books a second life in the community.
While books first drew her to the organization, the people, both fellow volunteers and the learners CFLC serves, are what keep her engaged. “[The Friends of Literacy] truly is an amazing group of people. Everyone has had such diverse experiences, jobs, and lives. I look forward to our scanning Tuesdays when we sort book donations, share stories, chat books, and laugh a great deal,” said Jennifer.
Continuing to engage with CFLC, Jennifer came to her first Luncheon for Literacy in 2023 and developed a deeper understanding of the outcomes each program makes possible for community members. She said, “Attending the luncheons has given me more insight into how hard people who come to CFLC work to improve their lives. I am amazed by the tenacity of the students who come to CFLC.”
After hearing more about students’ experiences and seeing the organization’s impact firsthand, supporting CFLC financially by joining the Literacy Trust 100 felt like a natural next step. She said, “The CFLC board and staff are good stewards of the money they receive, working hard to put as much of it as possible into the adult literacy programs. The need in our community for these programs is great, and successful outcomes only make our community stronger.”
The commitment to helping others that led Jennifer to volunteer with CFLC has deep roots in her family. “I was lucky enough to grow up in a loving family with lots of extended family nearby. I watched how generous my family was with each other as well as those who needed an extra hand. My faith also inspires me to be generous.”
As a volunteer and Literacy Trust 100 member, Jennifer is helping make literacy more accessible across the community. Her example reminds us that support can take many forms: a gift, a few volunteer hours, a shared passion, or the willingness to answer a need when it arises. In many ways, Jennifer’s story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful chapters begin with a simple decision to get involved. Her biggest hope for CFLC is: “I hope they will continue to grow and to improve the lives of people in our community for years to come.”