Our Residents

Just as spring was winding down, residents at Robinson Gardens Apartments came together to celebrate the start of summer – and in a big way.

The annual Spring Fling party at the Springfield Housing Authority family development came this year at the very end of the season, thanks to a few weather delays. But the afternoon event easily turned into a welcome for summer, with food, face painting, many vendors, and a waterworks demonstration by the Springfield Fire Department bringing delight to children as well as their parents.

The event is hosted each year by Talk/Read/Succeed!, the collaborative program that unites two dozen local groups and agencies around a goal to boost literacy among families at two SHA developments.

“This year we decided on a theme of health, so we have a focus on the things that families can to do ensure good health,” noted Lynne Cimino, one of two outreach coordinators for T/R/S!

Surrounded by representatives of agencies such as American Medical Response, Baystate Medical Center, Caring Health Center, and Partners for a Healthier Community, families gathered to socialize and have fun beneath sunny skies. For the dozens who turned out, it was time well spent.

“This is such a great day,” said Shanna Scott, the mother of four who has lived at Robinson Gardens for nearly a year now.

Springfield Housing Authority Youth Engagement Coordinator Jimmie Mitchell runs the popcorn machine at the Spring Fling at Robinson Gardens Apartments.

Scott said she frequently participates in T/R/S! activities, including ‘Learning for Life,’ which brings parents and children together to work on arts, crafts and to talk about family life, nutrition classes, summer school and more.

“I like the things we do here,” she said. “You get to do things with your kids, and talk about things in a positive way. Everyone likes it.”

SHA Youth Engagement Coordinator Jimmie Mitchell was on hand, directing members of his youth group at a popcorn machine. His youth group, which meets daily in the T/R/S! office at Robinson Garden, is going strong.

“Everything is perfect,” said the retired school counselor. “We bring in speakers, we have events. The whole point with the youth group is to get them to do well in school, and to do positive things in their lives.”

Youth group President Zaria Kelly-Reid helped out at the face-painting table, and said she appreciates the camaraderie, and the positive focus, that the group continues to have.

“I like the way we come together and work on things that will help us as we grow up,” Kelly-Reid said, pointing to activities like setting up bank accounts, and resume writing.

“We really bond with each other too. It’s good to come to Mr. Mitchell’s every day and just see what everyone is up to.”

Springfield Fire Department was a draw with firefighters, a truck and equipment at Springfield Housing Authority’s Robinson Gardens Apartments.

SHA Resident Services Director Pamela Wells said the annual event, at both Robinson Gardens and Sullivan Apartments, has served to unite residents in a neighborly way, and to provide fun and information that helps families.

Shanna Scott and baby Genesis Epps at the Spring Fling at Springfield Housing Authority’s Robinson Gardens Apartments.

“There’s always something fun to do at these events, and great information that points residents to services that they may need,” Wells said.

Added Cimino, “It’s tradition.”