Y associate Shatia Jones is a proud Head Start kid.
“Working at the Y is a full circle moment for me. The program made such a difference to my life so I love offering that support in return. Everything about Head Start is passion-driven. It’s not a job for me,” Shatia shares.
As one of the largest providers of Head Start and Early Head Start services in Maryland, Y associates like Shatia, work tirelessly year-round to support parents-to-be, infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from families with low-income households.
One of Shatia’s favorite Y offerings to families is Read Across America.
“Many people think Read Across America is all about Doctor Suess, but in recent years, it has evolved into a comprehensive literacy campaign focused on building socio-emotional skills and teaching about diversity. In my line of work, it allows us to meet the scholars at their level and teach them about different cultures, languages and experiences,” Shatia shares.
This year, individuals are invited to donate books via our Amazon Wishlist. The Y is also looking for volunteers to read to our Head Start or Preschool children between March 4 - 29.
As well as these efforts, the Y is thankful for Penguin Random House who have donated thousands of books to Y children and families over the years!
Shatia would love to see as many community members as possible get involved.
"Sometimes our Head Start parents don’t have access to resources or books so being able to support families with literacy skills is a big plus to school readiness and the happiness of the communities we serve," shares Shatia.