Message me
An opportunity to become a contributor and leader at her child's elementary school lifted Monica Espinoza out of depression and helped the school at the same time; the parent mentor program in Logan Square has trained more than 1,300 parents in eight schools, and some of them have become teachers themselves or gone to college to get education degrees.
School mentor program opens doors for immigrant parents
chicagotribune.com - 29 weeks ago - 441 views
5 Comments Have your say. Vote up the best responses. ↓
Reactions on the web
Latest tweets linking to this story (Share url: http://windycitizen.com/wcgh)
Latest tweets linking to this story (Share url: http://windycitizen.com/wcgh)
Invite your friends
Top Business Stories This Week
4
Comments
There are some great photos that go with that story but remarkably enough, the Trib web site doesn't provide a link! I found the link in the old-fashioned print edition, which ran one photo 11-inches wide in its Chicagoland Extra section.
http://chicagotribune.com/mentors
Speaking of links, the brains and organizers behind the parent mentors are at Logan Square Neighborhood Association. Find background on their work here:
http://www.lsna.net/display.aspx?pointer=1638
I like the efficiency of this idea. It addresses two problems with one solution.
1. Kids need adults who give a crap about them to be active in their lives.
2. Immigrants need opportunities to engage in their new communities so they can improve their English, boost their social capital and live normal, healthy lives.
Sounds like this program has found a "sweet spot" that lets parents get involved in a way that helps them AND the kids. Hard to hate on this.
Good news, I'm also interested in helping, to encourage others to achieve their educational goals. I had a rough childhood in Chicago and make it through H.S., went on to college to complete my BA and now, I'm working on an MA in Biblical Studies. I wasn't easy but hard work, confidence and the supports of others goes a long way. I know it works. :) Thanks for sharing,
-Mig
Where Blogging and Living Jibe- Simply BLog (dot net)
It'd be great to see some real funding directed to replicating this model throughout the city and suburbs. Creating opportunities to address two issues simultaneously by fostering local resources, it just seems like a much better investment than so many programs that are currently being offered.
It is now up on our website with the original photo from the Tribune. Check it out at www.lsna.net!
Post new comment