153 East Street New Haven, CT 06511 P (203) 492-4866 • F (203) 492-4872 www.newreach.org
PRESS RELEASE December 22, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Kellyann Day Phone: 203-492-4866 Cell: 203-506-5533 kday@newreach.org Program Helps Families at Home and School Community supports a local program (New Haven, Conn.) – Children who are homeless struggle in school, miss days, repeat grades, and drop out. Family School Connection Program (FSC) provides support to low-income families in the Fair Haven community who are struggling academically and at home. “Our school is grateful to Family School Connection for their unlimited time and unyielding support to our school and community at large,” stated Margaret-Mary Gethings, Principal of Fair Haven School K-8, “I always know with every referral each family is looked into with sincerity and conviction. I am amazed at the academic growth of the students of whom they are working with directly have demonstrated.” Annually, the Family School Connection works with more than 65 families. After losing their mother to cancer, Samantha, 8, and Brianna, 6,* were struggling emotionally and at school. The Felix family was referred to the FSC program to help the family grieve their loss and help Samantha and Brianna excel at school. “The program is a big help and provides support for me and my family,” Mr. Felix shared, “The staff care so much about my children and the importance of their education. I don't know where I would be without the assistance of New Reach, FSC, and especially the staff.” FSC helped build the family’s strength by connecting them with counseling and an apartment. By sharing their thoughts and feelings, the Felix family has been successful both in and out of school. Samantha and Brianna have increased their reading and social skills at school.
The program began in 2009 through the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood who continues to fund the program. New Reach has received support from The CarMax Foundation, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, and United Way for Greater New Haven to expand the Family School Connection program. New Reach continues to help families who are in need. If you are interested in helping a family like the Felix’s please contact Mary Grande at mgrande@newreach.org or 203492-4866. *Client’s name has been changed for anonymity.
New Reach Inc. was established in 1990 to provide emergency shelter for families, and is working in the New Haven area to address the housing and support service needs of women with children. New Reach provides services to families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. New Reach has developed its programs to include emergency shelter, supportive housing, children’s programs and The Furniture CoOp. For more information, visit the Web site at www.newreach.org.
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