|
After the executive director of the Worcester Housing Authority, Raymond V. Mariano, took notice of the issues with troubled teens who required police presence, the WHA decided to implement an Intervention Prevention program to help those teens within their housing. Initially the program involved the Police Department but will presently even involve the schools themselves. Normally, WHA provides and preserves public housing for those who are elderly or those with low-income. But now they are taking things a step further by helping teenagers.
“What I know from being mayor is what happens in the schools ends up in the community and vice versa. It’s a very different program. No housing authority is doing anything like this. I’m pretty energized about it,” says Mr. Mariano.
As of now, the WHA is searching for an appropriate program coordinator and has even made $50,000 available for the salary of such a position. These funds were given by the state Department of Housing and Community Development.
At the start of the program, 43 troubled teens were identified with various issues such as drug abuse, gang members, and others. Further statistics given by the WHA, showed that 11 of the teenagers were connected with gangs. By the end of the program, just 4 of the 43 teens got in any trouble once more while 12 joined summer camps, and 9 acquired jobs.
The WHA speaks to the teenagers and not only offers to help the teens themselves but also their families if needed.
“This only works if parents work with it. We can’t force anyone to be a part of this program, and we are not going to,” said Mr. Mariano.
A number of different services are offered to the teens, both boys and girls, after-school activities, summer camps, educational placement, and job placement. Mr. Mariano has communicated with James A Caradonio (Worcester Superintendent) as well as South High Community School Principal, and Burncoat High School Principal.
After parents sign a waiver, this will allow the WHA to be involved with the troubled teenagers at school in order to make sure they stay out of any further trouble.
“The one thing that gets a kid out of public housing for good is education. I know I was one of those kids. Some families have several generations who have lived in public housing. It is too much. It is supposed to be a stop along the way. It is not supposed to be a neighborhood forever,” said Mr. Mariano.
|
