COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP: YMCA PARTNERS WITH UNITED WAY TO BRING TUTORING PROGRAM TO LOCAL STUDENTS

Y member KatieJo Forman is grateful for the Y’s partnership with the United Way to bring tutoring options to students in the Nashua Public School system. When she met with her son Xander’s third grade teacher at the school’s open house, his teacher mentioned the tutoring program. “I was concerned with the availability of one-on-one resources in the public school system. It’s hard to offer that in the classroom setting. Xander operates much better with individual attention. When asked ‘how he learns best’…  I’d say simply one-one-one attention, someone who helps him to stay focused, someone who helps him to know he does have the skills to do it if he pauses to think, and positive reinforcement.”

Xander was partnered with volunteer tutor Emily Driscoll. He is the second student she has been assigned to through the United Way tutoring program. “I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from UNH in 2017, and an om track to complete my MBA this December. “After hearing about some of the difficulty some students were having with remote learning through COVID, I was eager to help,” she said.

Emily began tutoring for the United Way in winter of 2020. “I was in a rut. COVID has been going on for a year. I was in school for my MBA program. And I was looking for something outside of work and school. I through volunteering would be the perfect opportunity and I learned about this program through the Volunteer NH website (VolunteerNH.org). “This has been a great way of helping out students who are struggling in school. There is nothing more rewarding than giving your time to help people,” she said. “It’s been a very great experience.”

She added,” I’ve been blessed with enjoying school since a young age. I sympathize with kids who struggle. I have had people who helped me in school. I feel for kids who are in a difficult situation and don’t have that outlet.”

Emily and Xander who meet at the Merrimack YMCA will spend time on reading, writing and mathematics. “I’m so grateful for Emily’s support,” KatieJo said.

KatieJo’s family has been involved with the Y for a long time. Their two sons (Xander and his brother Kaden) have taken swimming lessons for years, have gone to Camp Sargent and enjoyed indoor soccer camp at the Westwood Park Y. Additionally, her husband works out at the Y in the morning before work.

“It takes a community to raise children. We are appreciative of this tutoring program. Camp resources have been such a great positive experience for my kids… all of the camp counselors are great! Any option of one-on-one attention on a weekly basis for the kids is amazing. What the Y offers has been fantastic for our family.”