The students, volunteers, and school benefited from this partnership. The school had a strong group of trained volunteers who were integral to the instructional program. Parents gained knowledge and skills to prepare them for future employment, and the Department of Social Services gained experience and training for their clients. Best of all, the children benefited from parental support at school and at home. There are many individual anecdotal stories to be told about positive changes because of this collaborative effort, but we also noted some general encouraging and positive changes.
Individual parents spread the word to others in the community.
Parents became activists for themselves with the Department of Social Services instead of being intimidated and ashamed. Parents were more assertive in their interactions with the school staff on behalf of their children. The community became much more aware of the instructional program at the school. Parents who had been negative and critical of the school began to work in the program and became supportive of the school and staff. The staff also interacted with parents and formed positive relationships that supported the parents and children in school and in the community.