The Lawrence Working Families Initiative is a groundbreaking effort to link the families of Lawrence Public Schools students with resources to access employment and advance economically.
For more information please contact:
Alexa Marmol
Family Partner Specialist
978-975-5900, extension 25752
Destiny Rodriguez
LWFI/Katherine's Kloset Coordinator
978-975-5900, extension 25730
Project Updates:
Close to 647 school network participants, 460 parents coached, connected, or referred. Over 177 parents enrolled in training or education programs. More than 40 non-profit, public sector, and employer partners have supported the Initiative with placing more than 160 parents into local jobs. The average wage increase for parents getting placed through our programs is over 25%.
A central component of LWFI is linking LPS parents – largely low-income, Latino, immigrant, and limited English-speaking – to education and training opportunities. The LWFI Para- Educator Training program targets LPS parents as well as Lawrence Adult Learning Center students from surrounding areas, takes advantage of their strengths and aspirations, addresses their barriers and needs, and fills the hiring needs of several LWFI partners and school districts. This free 9-month program consists of supports in passing the ParaPro exam, Paid Internship, NECC College credit course, and much more!
LWFI Documentary and More Highlights:
Please check out our new documentary by talented local company Tower Hill Films, following two of our parents as they experience different elements of LWFI. It's a powerful viewing experience! Click the link here: https://vimeo.com/189338319 Town Hill Films: http://www.towerhillfilms.com/
The End of the Beginning—A Celebration of Shared Success (LWFI Highlighted, Boston Federal Bank of Reserve)
A glimpse of the Lawrence Working Families Initiative Para Educator Program
LWFI Para Educator program made it to FOXNEWS! https://www.boston25news.com/news/equity-in-education-teacher-diversity/955570905
Free Para Educator Training Program Coming soon!
Pre-register for our Information session, and we will be in contact with you soon:
- Pre-register for Para Educator Training Program English
- Pre-register for Para Educator Training Program Spanish
THANK YOU to our partners at Lawrence City Hall, Lawrence Community Works, Lawrence Adult Learning Center, Northern Essex Community College, Jewish Vocational Services, The Community Group, Notre Dame Career Center, Child Development and Education, MassHire, Lawrence Partnership, Lawrence Public Library, Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Family Community Resource Center, and many more who continue to support and provide our Lawrence families with career training, job placements and outreach services
We can help you with:
- Job search and Job Readiness assistance
- Resources and Guidance for establishing a Family Budget
- Financial Coach Assistance
- Job and Career Training
- ESOL Class for LPS parents
- And More...
Coaching Services:
We offer Financial and Life Coaching to collaborate with parents as they strive to achieve family financial stability and success. A coach’s purpose is to support and equip parents to establish and achieve their financial and life goals, from jobs and careers to personal money management.
How is coaching done?
Coaching is conducted through one-on-one conversations where the individual identifies their goals and is assisted in creating a plan of action. The coach conducts an assessment of their skills and available resources that are useful in achieving desired outcomes. As a trusted advisor, the coach encourages and cultivates the individual’s continued growth.
What our Parents and Partners are saying:
“The Lawrence Working Families Initiative has partnered with us to help Lawrence parents to be able to afford to do this program. We are helping people have their dreams come true!” Sr. Eileen Burns, SNDdeN-Executive Director
“It is an honor and a privilege to work with LPS parents. I am confident that through our continued collaborative efforts, there will be many job opportunities in the future for the LPS parents and the LPS community. AHC is so grateful for this wonderful opportunity.” Nancy Aldrich-President
“I want to help young people to transform their lives through education, thank you LWFI Para Educator Program” Bethania, LWFI Paraeducator student
“It was on July 18, 2018, when I arrived at the Lawrence Working Families Initiative (LWFI) office at the Family Resource Center (just one day after I arrived from the Dominican Republic with my family) to register my children in Lawrence Public Schools. That day I not only got to register them, but also I got information for extracurricular programs like Beyond Soccer and Movement City for my children, and they managed to give me the opportunity to take levels 5 and 6 of English classes at the Northern Essex Community College (NECC). Then they guided me to get a job and even the résumé they did it to me. As if this were not enough, in September 2019 I entered the Paraprofessional Program that they lead. In this course, they provided the participants with excellent and amazing teachers, school supplies, college classes, clothing, and financial coaching. All without the need to pay a single penny. On the contrary, the program gives us an economic incentive for the school internship that corresponds to us to do. Today (almost two years later after I arrived in this country) I’ve simply been amazed and glad because my children are successfully growing academically. Also, I am certified and well prepared to be a Paraeducator in MA, because of this Initiative and its partners. It remains to say that I feel very happy and thankful to God to have had the fortune to find the LWFI team, who gave me so much support whenever I needed it. Thanks to them I never felt alone or lost, but rather welcomed. I am surprised at the existence of people who have such a capacity to serve with such dedication and love. I wish more and more foreigners were familiar with this program and the opportunities that they have for the Lawrence Public School families. Thank you, for all you do LWFI” --- Amelfis Guzman, LPS Parent
Contact:
Family Resource Center
978-975-5900
