The GO Project's Impact on Anna and her Grandson, Jahid
Anna became involved with the GO Project to help her grandson, Jahid, improve academically. Through the help of GO social workers, Anna was also able to finish a nursing program. Jahid, a GO Project graduate, is now in the sixth grade. Meanwhile, Anna is herself graduating from the Highbridge Community Life Center on January 29th. Both she and her grandson are examples of GO success stories.
How did you first get involved with GO?
Another parent at my school told me about the GO Project. Then I went to my parent coordinator at [Jahid's] school and she gave me the information to apply to the GO Project.
Why did you decide to participate in GO?
I heard good things about it from the parent coordinator. The GO Project brochure also gave a lot of information and I thought, "Wow." And the fee was low so that helped a whole lot. Jahid was struggling in school, so that's why I brought him in.
Can you describe the impact you saw on Jahid's academic performance from participating in GO summer and GO School?
He's a good writer thanks to the GO Project because at the GO Project he was always writing. He loves to write. Now in his middle school they say that he's a good writer. I want to put him in another program where he can expand his writing abilities. I think that would be good for him. He's really a good kid.
Can you tell me how GO social workers impacted you personally?
Oh my God, that's a whole chapter right there! When I first came to GO, I was kind of hesitant to speak to the social workers because I don't like to talk to people I don't really know. Stephanie Weldon was the first social worker I met here. She opened up a lot and I was really comfortable talking with her. And then when she left, Diana came and I was hesitant with a new person, so I stayed quiet, but after a while, after I found out who she was, I started opening up to her.
There was a lot of emotional support. Diana helped me a lot with Jahid, especially how to deal with different situations like peer pressure, growing up, what to expect with a ten-year-old, then an eleven-year-old because that is her specialty, that age group. Talking back, for instance, she told me was part of growing up. She helped me understand a lot of things about my grandson.
What other GO services did you find useful?
The workshops were great. I especially liked meeting on Saturdays and talking with other parents about different issues, anything and everything, from kids to spouses. We discussed the school system and what the kids were going through or how they're being treated. It was a great, supportive group.
The GO Project helped me so much. The fact that the GO Project has expanded proves that it helps. I think the fact that the classes are small and the teachers have more time to pay attention to the kids and to see what their weaknesses are helps a lot.
The GO Project is a great avenue for low-income families. I love the GO Project and I'm so glad to be a part of it. The fact that they helped me out, the fact that they helped other families out, shows that they care. They care about the students and they care about the families.
What is your overall evaluation of the GO Project's success?
I love the GO Project. When I become successful, I am going to give back to the GO Project, I really am, because the GO Project opened up doors for me. Through the GO Project I met Mali Locke (from the Robin Hood Foundation), who helped me get into my nursing program. I finished the program and I graduate on January 29th. It was a stepping stone that I had to struggle through, but here I am, I made it and I'm moving forward. If it wasn't for that meeting I wouldn't have met Mali and I never would have gotten this far.
To finish something that I started is a really great accomplishment. It gives me hope.
What is your plan for the future?
My plan is to hopefully pass the State Board exam and find a job. I plan to work for three months and then do a free two-week program in EKG and phlebotomy. If I do that, I can work as a PCA. I will be multi-tasking. It's very competitive, but I want to do well.
Post-interview, Anna found out that she passed the State Board exam. Congratulations to Anna from the GO Project!
