Mission Statement

Fostering a positive approach to literacy is the goal of the Firefly Foundation. This foundation was created to give children from urban areas exposure to quality books and increase their interest in a variety of genres of literature. Firefly Foundation will work collectively with youth organizations, libraries and com­munity centers to develop solid parent and child relationships focused on literacy.

When a child has his/her own book to read and re-read the story, a special bond begins to form.  As a child, Dana DeLellis, our Founder and Executive Director, had several books that she enjoyed hearing her mother read to her, one of which was The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. She would request to hear this story at least once a week, even in the summer time.  After years of hearing the story over and over again, the binding of the book began to bend, the pages were worn, and the book looked like it was truly ‘loved’.

This is the experience we at the Firefly Foundation want children to have.  By giving a child a brand new, age-appropriate book, we are opening the doors into a new world of literature, parent/child bonding, and a great love for reading and enjoying books.

Board of Trustees

Dana DeLellis - Founder/Executive Director
Professional Career: Reading Specialist
Education: Bachelors Degree Elementary Education, Masters of Arts/Reading Specialist

Barbara DeLellis – Director/Treasurer
Education: Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Masters of Arts in Behavioral Science

Todd Cramer – Fundraising Expert
Professional Career: Executive Director of Noah’s Ark New Jersey Animal Welfare Association
Education: Associate in Applied Science Criminal Justice

Deborah Diamond Fisch, Psy.D
Professional Career: Director Northwest NJ Regional Women’s Center; practicing psychotherapist
Education: Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Doctorate in Psychology

Maryanne Jacaruso
Professional Career: Speech Therapist
Education: Bachelors of Arts: Communication Disorders, Masters of Science: Speech-Language Specialist, ASHA/ Certificate of Clinical Competence

Victoria Raskin
Professional Career: Special Education Teacher
Education: Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education, Masters Degree in Special Education