Mentors and tutors provide relief to the whole family
The local non-profit eco-system here in Mountain View and Los Altos has played such a critical role over the past few years to support those most severely impacted by the pandemic. Each nonprofit tackles different issues and approaches it from different angles, but it’s important that we understand the whole need if we are going to provide the most relevant services.
Recently, I spoke with Tom Myers, the Executive Director of Community Services Agency (CSA). He said, “Families are stressed to the limits, there is no question. It’s hard for parents, so additional assistance is going to enhance family life and the life of a child.” Tom shared that while all families are stressed, it is the vulnerable families who feel it the most. He says that assistance of all kinds—whether it’s food assistance, rental assistance, or mentoring and tutoring services for the kids—make a big difference.
MTC’s programs are designed to support students, but we believe that our programs also support the whole family. Parents who are juggling multiple jobs and who are concerned about their housing can feel some relief to know that their child is getting academic or social emotional support. I had an administrator tell me, “Parents are trying, but many are desperate. That is why tutors and mentors are so critical right now.” She shared that many parents who lack strong English skills and can’t read with their child at home despite wanting to, are grateful to know that a tutor provides one-on-one reading support and attention.
We also understand that a child will not learn well if they come to school hungry or if they have not had a good night sleep in a warm bed, and so we are grateful there are organizations with missions to address the myriad of other issues families in our community are facing. MTC and CSA, among others, are pieces of the puzzle that support kids and their families in our community.