For Parents

Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI)

Sign-up today for a free, 20 week training for parents to become stronger advocates for children - and for our community!   The current class is now underway, but you can save a spot for the January 2012 class.   The class is a creation of the CT Commission on Children.   Over the past 15 years, more than 200 Meriden parents have completed this exciting learning experience.  You could be next!

Check out this 60 video on what PLTI is all about!

Application

Meriden PLTI graduate Marisol Estrada-Soto speaking at  press event to protect the Parent Trust Fund.  April 2009

Senior Buddy Readers

Senior Buddy Readers” is an intergenerational volunteer literacy and mentoring program that is sponsored by Meriden Children First Initiative.  More than 80 retirees and older adults from the greater Meriden community are united with 225 1st and 2nd graders who are in need of additional reading help, as identified by their teacher. The volunteers are taught the simple strategies used within the schools to help the children improve their reading skills. The adult volunteers see the same children each week, thereby establishing mentoring bonds.

Teachers have witnessed that through Senior Buddy Readers, the children participating in the program have experienced increased self-esteem. The adult volunteers benefit as well; The bonds established with their students are very strong. In addition, they have been introduced to children with very diverse backgrounds, thereby gaining a better perspective on the hardships some of these children face in their everyday lives. So many children lack a grandparent role model in their lives, and this program offers an opportunity for a one-on-one mentoring relationship.

The program takes place during the school day in order to reach the most children. The program is currently entering its 6th year of operation, taking place at five of Meriden’s public elementary schools. Senior Buddy Readers is coordinated by program co-founder Cathy Lewis.  For additional information or to volunteer, please contact Meriden Children First Initiative’s Director, David Radcliffe, at (203) 630-3566.

Article on Buddy Readers

View the Video (.wmv file format 10MB)

Interested in becoming a Buddy?  Sign up today by clicking this link: ../BuddyReader/default.asp