Just as Doctors without Borders offers medical care for the most needy, Writers to the Rescue, a unique pro-bono service offered by The McGraw Hill Companies, helps non-profits communicate their good deeds. So many community service and non-profit organizations provide excellent service to society, but need help communicating their needs and accomplishments.

"I was drawn to Writers to the Rescue because it is professionally demanding and personally fulfilling," says Susan Rifkin, a supervising editor for the School Solutions Group at McGraw-Hill Education. "Through Writers to the Rescue, I’ve developed valuable communication and leadership skills that transfer to my daily life in and out of McGraw-Hill."

Ms. Rifkin, who describes herself as “someone with a corporate mind and a social worker’s heart” is one of a band of writers from the corporation who donate their time and considerable skills through the volunteering program called Writers to the Rescue. Many non-profit organizations simply do not have the time or money to produce written materials. The professional writers and editors of The McGraw-Hill Companies come to the rescue and strengthen non-profits by donating their time and communication skills. For example, they help create annual reports, promotional and marketing materials, develop web site content, and edit grant applications.

In 2006, the corporation received a Pro-Bono Award from the TapRoot Foundation for the Writers to the Rescue program and its ability to harness employee competencies for the benefit of the community. Writers to the Rescue was also recognized by the US Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Council.

"Susan Rifkin is phenomenal; in fact she’s on our Advisory Board, too. She and her team treated this project like it was their work – it’s the culture of McGraw-Hill. We couldn’t afford to get this quality – so stellar, so outstanding. Beyond producing a fabulous annual report, Susan and her team also found us a printer, leveraging their printing relationships and getting us a good deal. Then, the company gave us a $1,000 grant, absorbing much of the overall cost!"

Writers to the Rescue volunteer Stacy Follon assists a client of the International Center of New York. The program helped immigrant professionals with writing resumes and practicing interview skills.