In The News
2018
Thank you to Florida's First Lady for her continued support.
2017
Thank you to Mrs. Scott, Florida's First Lady for your support!
2016
Linda with her friend, Ann Scott at the Governor's Mansion in October 2014.
Linda with Florida's First Lady Mrs. Scott and Governor Scott on a recent visit to Tallahassee.
June 2012
Linda Watts has always had an innate sense for helping others. Her unstoppable spirit led her to develop a grassroots youth program in 1986, focusing on linking youth with volunteer activities in their communities. Today, Florida's Hometown USA Program, Inc. is a successful non profit organization that inspires young people to better the lives of their neighbors through volunteering. Linda was selected as one of 100 semifinalist from throughout the United States for the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame Award.
Orlando Sentinel - March 16, 2011 Linda Watts of Leesburg, FL has been named a semifinalist to become the 2011 inductee into the Energizer Keep Going Hall of Fame for her work as founder of Florida's Hometown USA Program, Inc., which has encouraged hundreds of Florida students to do volunteer work since 1986. This award honors people who make a difference in their community.
Thank you, Jim and Leesburg Wal-Mart for your support.
University of Phoenix and HandsOn Network Recognize Linda Watts as a University of Phoenix™ Volunteer Leader Award Honoree
(April 20, 2010)- Linda Watts, of Leesburg, FL has been named a University of Phoenix Volunteer Leader Award Honoree, an award given by HandsOn Network and the University of Phoenix to 10 outstanding volunteer leaders in the nation. These leaders motivate others and are catalysts for change in their communities.
The award celebrates the first anniversary of the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorized the largest expansion of national service in America in decades.
Watts received ten thousand dollars to donate to the organization of her choice - Florida’s Hometown USA Program, Inc.
Watts, a retired teacher, had a vision to develop a grassroots youth program that focused on linking youth with volunteer activities in their communities. In 1986, she founded Florida’s Hometown USA Program, Inc, a nonprofit educational endeavor to inspire young people to better the lives of their neighbors through volunteering.
Today that vision has grown into a broad model that continues to make a difference in the lives of children and youth. Watts encourages those involved in the program to believe in their power to change communities positively and measurably. Over the years, she has worked with hundreds of students who give their time to help others, and she continues to develop the next generation of volunteer leaders. Most important, these students go on to create their own volunteer programs and engage others in service.
As a 2010 University of Phoenix Volunteer Leader Award honoree, Watts believes, “If children and youth are involved in volunteering at an early age, and are taught to show love and concern for others, it will stay with them forever.”
By celebrating these inspirational leaders, the University of Phoenix and HandsOn Network hope that others will be motivated to serve in their communities. "We are proud to honor each of these outstanding individuals and excited to see what they will continue to accomplish as volunteer leaders in their communities," said Bill Pepicello, president, University of Phoenix. "By celebrating these inspirational leaders, University of Phoenix and HandsOn Network hope that others will be motivated to serve in their communities."
Florida's Hometown USA Program received one thousand dollars from Brighton Jewelry's Feed Our Friends promotion. Non profit organizations were selected from across the United States that are helping provide food for the needy. Shown presenting the check to Linda Watts is Dell Ross of Doggibags, local Brighton store and Megan Greenwood, Brighton Regional Manager.
Florida's Hometown USA Program was selected for the cover of Supermodels Unlimited Magazine's 2009 Most Beautiful Issue. This is a great honor and we are very happy to have been chosen! We also received two pages of coverage inside the magazine. Thank you, Kim, for your kindness! Our photo shoot in NYC was a very fun and exciting time for all.
Linda Watts was chosen by People Magazine as a People MLB ALL-STARS AMONG US. This honor recognized individuals who have gone above and beyond to serve their community.
Linda has mentored hundred of students by mobilizing them to help others. She founded Florida's Hometown USA Program in 1986 to teach young people the importance of community service. Linda and her volunteers are improving the lives of countless people in nurisng homes, hospitals, shelters and schools across the state.
Linda Watts and Governor Charlie Crist at the Point of Light Reception at the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee.
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