Success Stories
This recommendation letter comes from Alicia, 6th grader at Hastings Middle School (YWCA Girls in Action Participant).
Grammar and spelling not changed, because it is a snapshot of why the program was created.
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S.T.A.R.S Program |
Jane is a 12 yr old girl in middle school. Jane came into STARS with an extensive history of excessive absences and tardies. Jane had an average of 30 absences per year over a 5 year period. Jane also averaged between 30-50 tardies per school year as well. Jane and her family lived in very poor housing and hoarding conditions. Due in part to this, Jane often did not shower for weeks at a time. This made things very difficult for Jane within the school setting. She was often bullied and made fun of because of the hygiene issues and many teachers complained about this problem as well. Along with addressing Jane’s attendance concerns, STARS also worked with Jane and her family on hygiene issues, transportation and housing. We helped the family access many community agencies to help them find suitable housing and work with different agencies on helping to maintain appropriate living conditions. Jane made slow progress in STARS and at times we thought she would not complete the program. However, as the school year went on things began improving for her and her family. Jane and her family moved into better housing and are working to maintain better living conditions with the help of therapy. Jane’s hygiene improved, she began showering regularly and enjoyed fixing her hair and doing what most pre-teen girls like to do. Jane began to enjoy school more and became delighted in her accomplishments, especially in her artistic ability. Jane loved receiving rewards for her perfect attendance from the STARS program. She often chose a variety of items including body wash, lip gloss, gift cards and especially art sets. Jane’s grades also improved and she had all A’s and B’s for second semester. Jane graduated from STARS in the spring of 2011. Jane and her family were very proud when she received her graduation certificate from STARS. Jane ended her school year with less than 10 absences and 3 tardies. Jane only had 2 absences the entire second semester!
**Name changed to protect confidentiality |
