Our Residents

Dads at Springfield Housing Authority’s Sullivan Apartments turned out recently for a celebration to honor their most special roles as parents – Father’s Day.

The afternoon in honor of fathers included lunch and a guest speaker, who highlighted financial literacy skills.

The lunch included plates of cheese lasagna, salad, rolls and fruit, from AC Produce of Springfield. The seven men who attended were also treated to a lively and informative discussion on financial security and success, courtesy of the THRIVE of the United Way of Pioneer Valley.

Jerry and Zenaida Burgos serve up lunch to dads at Springfield Housing Authority’s Sullivan Apartments.

Organizer of the event was Zenaida Burgos, who is SHA’s Talk/Read/Succeed! program coordinator at Sullivan. The casual event followed a similar celebration just prior to Mother’s Day, for the moms at the family housing development.

“We wanted to do something special for the dads at Sullivan who make such a big difference in the lives of our children, our families, and for the whole community,” said Burgos.

“It was a pleasant afternoon that included a nice lunch, and some good information for them about how they can help keep their families financially secure,” she added.

SHA Executive Director Denise Jordan shared praise for the event.

“It’s wonderful to see our fathers and grandfathers celebrated and recognized for the crucial contributions they make to their families, and to ensuring that their children grow up safe and healthy,” Jordan said.

Burgos’ husband Jerry, a frequent volunteer at Sullivan events, was on hand to help out serving the meal, chatting with guests and cleaning up.

“It was a wonderful event, with happy participants and good feelings all around,” Burgos said. “We’re going to do more events like this in the future, for sure.”

Jerry and Zenaida Burgos at Sullivan Apartments. Mrs. Burgos is Talk/Read/Succeed! program coordinator at SHA, who organized the Father’s Day lunch.

Burgos noted that this was the first event designed specifically for the fathers and grandfathers who make such a strong impact on their young charges, and throughout their lives. Honoring them for that was an honor in itself, she said.

“We wanted to celebrate what our dads do for their families, and for their children,” Burgos said.

After the lunch, Walter Rice, a Thrive to Go coach from United Way, gave a brief presentation aimed at helping participants with providing an individual financial coaching and meet their financial goals.  The participants were excited to hear about the program, and what it has to offer.

Following that discussion was a raffle, with prizes including a summer-themed

Gift basket, Walmart gift cards and Talk/Read/Succeed! glasses filled with candies.

Burgos said, “They were all thankful and joyous. It was all about  celebrating our dads!”

Fathers, grandfathers and one young man enjoyed the Father’s Day lunch at Sullivan.

T/R/S! is a family-based early literacy program that takes a holistic approach to helping children master reading skills. The program unites three SHA family developments with their feeder elementary schools: Sullivan with Boland School, Robinson Gardens with Dorman School, and Duggan Park with Indian Orchard Elementary School.

Besides activities aimed at children from birth through elementary school, T/R/S!  offers programs and events that help parents to develop and use skills that promote literacy, and to work towards independence.