Brockton Tutoring Program Helps Families Affected By Homelessness
BROCKTON (CBS) -- Students are having so much fun it's hard to believe it's a tutoring session.
The program, "School on Wheels," reaches out to families affected by homelessness at some point.
"Everyone has setbacks, but we're here to overcome and empower each other, family by family," says tutor Lakia Small.
School on Wheels of Massachusetts was founded in 2004 by Cheryl Opper, a teacher and child advocate, after reading a magazine article about Agnes Stevens, the founder of School on Wheels of California, according to the program's website.
At 11 years old, Kalia is an aspiring scientist and loves the program.
"We did (well) at the science fair," she said, adding that she made a solar-powered robot.
Her mother, Joanne, says this is a fabulous place for her four children.
"Just having that right environment...makes them very comfortable and easier to want to learn," she said.
The sessions are held on the second floor of Brockton's Crescent Credit Union. Math and language are among the subjects taught, and Adrianna says she wouldn't miss it.
"(What) I like about it (is) you learn after school and you learn new things," said the youngster.
Robin Gilbert helps direct the program, which was created primarily for families affected by homelessness.
"It's all families in permanent housing who used to be homeless and used to be in our program and now come back for tutoring once a week," she says.
Adrianna's mother says she loves the program.
"I wanted her to have that if I can't help her myself," she said.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey Reports:
