News

RIBBON CUTTING FOR HEAD START AT ROBINSON GARDENS
October 20, 2008

On Friday, October 17, 2008 local dignitaries joined SHA staff and Head Start Director Janis Santos for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Head Start facility at Robinson Garden Apartments, a 136 apartment complex located on the corner of Berkshire Avenue and Bay Street. The facility will serve up to 19 children.

SHA Executive Director Judge William H. Abrashkin, Mayor Domenic Sarno, and City Council President Bud Williams all wielded scissors to cut the blue ribbon and officially welcome the Head Start program to Robinson Garden. Also present for the SHA were Assistant Executive Director Michelle Booth and Resident Services Coordinator Candra Cripps.

"Every time I think about these beutiful children it will put a smile on my face," said Judge Abrashkin. "These children are our future and there is nothing more important than giving them the head start they deserve. We hope that in the future we will see additional Head Start programs operating in our developments."

Along with the SHA, a number of local businesses and organizations have made early childhood education a priority for the future of Springfield. These include the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, Inc. of which Judge Abrashkin is a Board member. The Regional Employment Board recognizes that an edudation and trained workforce is key to economic development, and that the need is to start that education and training in early childhood.

SHA TURNS RESTITUTION FUNDS INTO SELF-SUFFICIENCY

The Springfield Housing Authority recently announced the receipt of $2.1 million in restitution funds. The SHA will use a portion of the funds for construction of a Neighborhood Network Center at the John L. Sullivan Apartments. The Center, already under construction, will include ten computer workstations in two classrooms along with offices for staff. "Our purpose has always been to return any restitution money to those who it was originally meant to help, our residents," stated Timothy Babcock, Chairman of the SHA Board of Directors. "For years, they were deprived of the assistance they needed to improve their lives. Our priority has been to reverse that wrong." The Sullivan Neighborhood Network Center, currently operating out of the Community Room at the Apartments, will be a 1,700 square foot addition. According to Candra Cripps, Neighborhood Networks Project Coordinator, the Neighborhood Network Center will serve as a one-stop self-sufficiency resource. "We expect to be able to offer a variety of computer courses including ESL, computer skills, and financial literacy. Our goal is to help residents increase their work related skills which will enhance their opportunities for employment."

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETINGS HELD TO PREVENT CRIME

Springfield Police Department's Crime Prevention Bureau held a neighborhood watch meeting this summer at Forest Park Manor. Officers instructed residents on how to observe and report suspicious activities in their community. Over 2007, the Springfield Housing Authority sponsored meetings at developments around the City where residents learned about the benefits of a neighborhood watch which includes: deterred criminal activity, bonds with neighbors, and an increased sense of security. These efforts, and along with other crime prevention tactics, have yielded impressive results with SHA reporting a 24% drop in crime related incidents, complaints, and arrests; a 34% reduction in breaking and entering incidents; and a 40% reduction in suspected narcotics sales complaints. "We know that watch groups create a feeling of community and pride by forming a unified group of people who are dedicated to improving their neighborhood," said Rosa Lebron, Public Safety Manager. "By partnering with police, residents become their eyes and ears. We hope that the outcome of these meetings will be an increased quality of life for our residents."

Updated: 2008-10-23 08:38:41