Joann Santos, CSTEP director, was a panel member for the Young Mother Program and Interim Health Academy within the YWCA's “Women in History Celebration 2010." The panel consisted of professional women from the local community who spoke about the history of women within their fields and about the current trends affecting women today. It was an opportunity to share about personal struggles, drive, motivation, determination and about success strategies. After the session, Joann had individual conversations with the students and encouraged them to obtain their high school diplomas and continue their journeys to college, hopefully MCC.
The Young Mother Program is an alternative high school for young ladies who are pregnant or recently delivered their baby. The Interim Health Academy provides intervention for adolescent girls and boys in grades 7-12 who, because of an experienced traumatic event find it difficult to attend school in larger comprehensive setting. The goal of these programs is to demonstrate that they can overcome their current situation and be successful.
The YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County has been a beacon of help and hope for local women and families since 1883. Its current focus is to provide support for pregnant and parenting teens and their babies, and on offering a continuum of housing for women in need of all ages and family situations.
Rosanna Condello
College and Community Relations
04/29/2010 |