Our Residents

Coralys Santana’s children are still toddlers, but when they reach adolescence, she’ll be ready for the sensitive questions – and the trying teenage years.

In fact, the resident at Springfield Housing Authority’s Sullivan Apartments is working now to deal with the inquisitive natures of her children, who are 4, 2 and 1. Santana is one of about a dozen parents who regularly attend ‘Let’s Be Honest,’ a 13-week program brought to the family apartment complex in the Liberty Heights neighborhood by Planned Parenthood of Springfield.

“It’s great,” Santana said. “We’re getting great information, and it’s fun for all of us. It’s helped me even now to explain things to my kids, in a helpful way.”

The workshops are held weekly at the Deborah Barton Neighborhood Network Center at the Sullivan Apartments. Typically, most desks in the classroom are occupied while Brenda Reyes of the Education Department at Planned Parenthood leads discussions that can range from curfews and arguments to how to explaining the facts of life to younger children.

Brenda Reyes of the Education Department at Planned Parenthood of Springfield.

On a recent day, parents talked about how to deal with physical changes that growing children undergo, and more specifically, how to talk to them about that subject in an open, non-judgmental way. Reyes said that is the whole point of the program.

“The curriculum is designed to give parents strategies and skills on how to talk to children about sex and sexuality, how to answer all of their questions and keep communication open,” Reyes said. “But in actuality we cover a lot more than that. We talk about ways to communicate with your children about many topics.”

SHA Director of Resident Services Pamela Wells said the program seemed a natural fit at Sullivan, where families fill the 96 apartments. But even she was pleasantly surprised at the enthusiasm shown by participants each week.

“I think the parents are getting a lot out of it, and it’s helping them deal with the issues that all parents deal with,” Wells said. “It’s helping them to learn to talk with and listen to their children.”

Reyes said the program is designed for parents of children ages 10 and older. But her classes have drawn parents with a wider range of ages, and all seem to appreciate the discussions and advice. The curriculum includes sessions on values, communication strategies, puberty, anatomy, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, self-esteem and positive connections.

For her part, Santana said is gaining new skills with every session.

“I know I’m a better parent thanks to this,” Santana said. “And I know that as my children get older, I’ll know the right things to say when the tough issues come up.”

Brenda Reyes of Planned Parenthood, left, talks about communication with parents Maria Rodriguez, Coralys Santana and Suelen Caez.

Other parents agreed.

Suelen Caez has children ages 12 and 4, and said the workshops have given her new insight into both age groups.

“I’ve learned a lot about anatomy and physical changes that happen as children grow up,” she said. “And we talk a lot about what’s the appropriate age to talk about sex. I think it’s great.”

Maria Rodriguez’ children are 8 and 4, and they have shown curiosity about many things, including their bodies.

“This gives you great information about talking to kids in ways that make sense to them,” Rodriguez said.