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Because of the work that we do, providing additional “layers of support” to our youth, it may be years before progress can really be measured. The
immediate impact may simply be that a student begins to read with enthusiasm and learns to love coming to school. Another immediate result of our work may be that a student who is chronically absent may attend school without missing days. It is the “little things” that often are the “big things” in our work. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This quote, by Nelson Mandela, is one of my favorites. If we can teach our youth to value education, then we can help them change their world.
Since March 2020, when our world was turned upside down, CSS of Wayne has continued to serve our youth. Although the services that we provided last year looked a bit different, our staff NEVER stopped working! During the 2020-2021 school year, we offered services in new formats. We learned about “Google Meets” as a platform at the school level and even trained reading volunteers to continue working with students in reading. We offered virtual “sentencing circles” on the Restorative Justice side of the program and learned that this practice actually offered some components that are more valuable
in working with our youth than the traditional teen court option. We learned that there are long-lasting effects of COVID, and that our youth missed valuable “learning time,” even though we offered remote learning opportunities. Another major lesson learned was the importance of having educators and “caring adults” who support our students- every day- as they learn and grow. Our work is definitely cut out for us as we move through this school year. However, the staff at CSS of Wayne is committed to doing not only good work- but great work! We have a community that is supportive and engaged, with a number of dedicated volunteers who are willing to serve.
Selena Bennett,
Executive Director
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