A MESSAGE FROM A FRIEND —
FOR PARENTS IN THE SHELTER SYSTEM

(Article published in HWW September 2008)

by Rhonda Royal

Rhonda Royal, mother of four boys, lost her home and spent some time in the Van Siclin Family Residence in Brooklyn. In the summer of 2005 she and her boys moved to a coop in Harlem where she will in time become an owner. Rhonda is holding down three jobs, including paraprofessional teacher at a Brooklyn school. Her oldest son Kaya graduated from Adelphi University and aspires to be a state trooper. Her sons Matthew, 13, Joseph 14, and Chris 11, attend public schools in Manhattan. (Rhonda's son's message is on page 4.)

Once again it’s September – school time. The first timers have a great deal ahead of them – daily homework assignments, school projects, class trips, and so on. Our older children are facing yet again ten months of academic instruction from their school as well as “us,” their parents. One of the best methods that I would recommend to any parent is to stay focused on their children’s needs, their children’s education. Among all of the woes that you’re dealing with right now, keeping up with education, especially special needs education, is a top priority.

First, make a simple plan that you can stick to. One or two hours three times per week and two or three hours on the weekend to help with your children’s homework. Children will look forward to this time not only because of the studying and learning but, mostly because they’re spending quality time with you, their parent and first teacher.

Years and years from now when you have left the shelter system and are enjoying a life and lifestyle less dependent on anyone, the children will know and cherish the efforts put out by you to encourage them to continue with their learning. You, in turn, will be glad that you were able to show the determination and sacrifice that you maintained at this time.