Youth Programs

His support has been ongoing and crucial, and state Senator Jim Welch got a healthy dose of recognition from children, parents and sponsors of Talk/Read/Succeed! the collaborative program aimed at family literacy.

The West Springfield lawmaker was the center of attention at the recent event held at Springfield Housing Authority’s John L. Sullivan Apartments, in the Deborah Barton Neighborhood Network Center. Children sang and pantomimed ‘Wheels on the Bus,’ gave Welch a handmade book, and gathered around to introduce themselves in a touching tribute.

The reception also featured words of praise and thanks from among the many T/R/S! partners, including SHA Executive Director William H. Abrashkin and officials from the Springfield School Department, the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, the George E. & Irene A. Davis Foundation, Behavioral Health Network, Baystate Health and Head Start.

Massachusetts State Senator Jim Welch of West Springfield got a show of appreciation from providers of Talk/Read/Succeed! at Springfield Housing Authority’s John L. Sullivan Apartments.

“Mostly, this is a big ‘thank you’ from all of us,” Abrashkin said. “These children – these beautiful children – are what this is all about.”

In its fifth year, T/R/S! unites two SHA developments – Sullivan and Robinson Gardens –  two city schools – Boland and Dorman – along with an array of local agencies, all aimed at promoting early literacy by supporting the entire family. Programs include family counseling, a summer learning initiative, and activities that include parents and children, with a focus on the language arts, parenting skills, and adult education and training.

Massachusetts Senator Jim Welch of Massachusetts meets a few young participants of Talk/Read/Succeed! At SHA’s Sullivan Apartments.

Participating parents say T/R/S! helps them keep the focus on their children’s academic needs, and children, particularly those who attend the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative, have shown improved reading scores on standardized tests.

Welch, whose support has helped raise public awareness and funding for the program, said he was touched by the show of gratitude.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Welch said. “It’s been a wonderful morning. To see all of this excitement for learning is always a great day. The sooner we help build a foundation for learning for these children, the more successful they’re going to be in their lives.”

Welch added that the good word of T/R/S! is spreading, as people see the results of a housing-based program that unites educators, parents and agencies around boosting literacy and ultimately, independence.

“It’s been a team effort, and I’m proud to have played a small role. It’s heartwarming to hear these stories,” he said.

Welch heard from Dorman Elementary School Principal Rhonda Stowell-Lewis, who noted that the ongoing partnerships have resulted in a new model of communication that “has a direct impact in terms of students and student outcomes.”

Senator Welch with T/R/S! parent Mariela Caraballo and program coordinator Zenaida Burgos.

Over the past two years, she noted, math scores on average have jumped 9.2 points, and English language, 6.6 points.

Boland Principal Lisa Bakowski shared similar observations.

“We’ve all heard how it takes a village to raise a child. This is the first time I’ve actually seen it in action. It works. I see it working,” Bakowski said, adding that she, her teachers and counselors  have easy access to T/R/S! outreach workers when children are absent, falling behind in the school work, or acting out.

“It’s created a loop of communication that’s so important,” she said.

Also at the reception were David Cruise and Maura Geary, both of REB, which operates the program, Sally C. Fuller of the Davis Foundation, Kathy Moss of BHN, Laurie Chavez of Head Start, Lynne Cimino and Zenaida Burgos, program coordinators, and parents Ramone Morales and Ariela Caraballo, who described how T/R/S! has helped them and their children.

The program has received regional, state and national recognition from the regional, state and National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. The program has also been featured in two articles published in the Journal of Housing and Community Development, a national publication.