On Friday, June 16, 2017, Head Start’s Westside location in Paterson hosted the Parents Linking Program’s (PLP) end of the year luncheon. PLP is a program that collaborates with high schools in Paterson to bring a supportive environment for teenage mothers. PLP meets weekly and provides a safe place for the moms to talk about their struggles and accomplishments with school, work or their personal lives. They also provide free daycare services for the children while the moms are in school.
The End of the Year Luncheon is a time when all of the moms come together to celebrate their progress throughout the program, as well as congratulate the moms who are graduating high school and are moving beyond the program. Paula Alsford, PLP Coordinator, welcomed the young women and invited each mom to come up and talk about what they have learned about themselves and each other throughout the year. Each mom was presented with a “mom-approved” gift bags from Head Start’s Westside Enrollment Officer, Jesenia Gomez, filled with toys and learning tools for their child. For more information about Head Start visit www.gbcaheadstart.org.