Our President and CEO, Denise N. Cogman, was recognized this past week by the Mass Mentoring Partnership as a “Difference Maker” for the past decade. MMP is celebrating 10 years in Western Massachusetts and wanted to celebrate the key individuals and institutions who have contributed to the establishment and growth in the region. We are very proud to have Denise as the leader of our team and we believe that the recognition as a Difference Maker was well deserved! We are looking forward to continue to support and make a difference in the Springfield community! Thank you!
Mentors at Central High School
Program: Mentoring | Openings: 5 | Location: Central High School
Small Group Mentoring at Harris
Program: Mentoring | Openings: 5 | Location: Harris Elementary
R.E.A.L Read Aloud at Indian Orchard
Program: Read Aloud | Openings: 2 | Location: Indian Orchard Elementary
Volunteer Spotlight
Kevin West
Role: Library Assistant and Math Tutor
Kevin has been volunteering with SSV for over 6 months, connecting with students and teachers alike.
Name: Kevin West
I am a: Library Assistant and Math Tutor Van Sickle Middle School.
I have been a Springfield School Volunteer for: 6 months.
I became a Library Assistant and Tutor because: An article I read on MassLive.com indicated Van Sickle Middle School only had a 56 percent graduation rate. I wondered, what happens to the other 44 percent? I thought I could help Van Sickle Middle School by volunteering and looked for available positions on the Springfield School Volunteers website.
By being a Library Assistant and Tutor I have learned: Children will only go as far as we take them. As an African-American male I see certain children gravitate towards me and I know my presence matters. I’ve learned that my actions and interactions with the students and teachers can have a profound and continuing effect.
My favorite thing about mentoring/tutoring is: As simple as seeing the smiles on students faces. If they’re happy, I’m happy!
“Thank you very much. I just wanted to say that helping in our schools has truly been a life changing event for me. I should be paying them for letting me help.”
– Don Dorn, Jr., Volunteer at Samuel Bowles School
“I have been participating in the Read Aloud Program for the past 10 years and had planned to make this my last year, but my experience was so heartwarming and I loved every minute of [it.] I am anxious to return next month.”
– Marjorie Hurst, Volunteer
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