Middletown Works grants to fund projects that aim to help struggling, single-parent families succeed

Dec. 11--MIDDLETOWN -- Three local women are using their talents to help single-parent families rise above often challenging circumstances by creating unique, city-based projects to empower them with the skills and education they need for success.

Middletown Works, which provided $500 mini grants to each project Monday night at Perk on Main in Middletown, is a collaboration of 30 partners, led by The Connection, Middlesex United Way and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology.

Funding for the Middletown Works min grants is provided by the Working Cities Challenge grant program administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

Monday's event was part of Middletown Works' community engagement strategy, which launched in September, Rebecca Lemanski, director at Middletown Works, said.

The first round of HOPE Awards were presented to innovative, community-based proposals for work that will engage and benefit single-parent families in a number of ways, according to the agency.

HOPE stands for health and well-being; economic opportunities; physical environment; and empowering leaders and building relationships.

In Middletown, single-parent families comprise 40 percent of the population, and one-third of those are living in poverty, according to Middlesex United Way President and CEO Kevin Wilhelm.

"As successful as Middletown is in lots of things, we're worse in terms of sheer numbers of single-parent families living in poverty," Wilhelm said. Middletown Works is in its second year, with a 10-year goal of reducing those poverty figures by half.

"Everybody who participates in any of these activities has a value and something to offer, regardless of their income level," Wilhelm said. "As you get to know people through networking opportunities, you figure out what resources, interest or skills you have that could potentially help someone."

ITeach College Prep

Shardae Nicholson will offer her ITeach College Prep mentorship and services to two high schoolers in single-parent families as a way to support their college readiness, and provide valuable modeling for the wider community of students and families who experience barriers to higher education, she explained.

Nicholson recognizes students experience a lot of pressure during the college process. When she was first contemplating her higher education years ago, she knew her parents couldn't afford to apply for loans or even co-sign one for her.

"It was pretty rough," said the single parent of three.

She originally enrolled in Middlesex Community College but "life happened," so Nicholson spent the ensuing years raising her children.

Since 2011, she's been working toward a degree in English with a minor in psychology sciences at Central Connecticut State University.

"It's taken me awhile. It's very important for me to give back to my community," Nicholson said.

She will be connected with two seniors at Middletown High School through the college and career center counseling center, and will help them with deciding on which schools to apply to and which will fit their finances, help them apply for scholarships, and even travel with the students to their freshman orientation and more.

"Me still being in it, I know the ups and downs, twists and turns, which questions to ask. I'm really there to help the student," she explained. "When it comes to guidance, there are so many students, you can't meet the needs of every one. Somebody needs to be encouraged, especially on a journey like this. College -- this is a big deal," Nicholson said.

Canvases and Conversation

Felicia Goodwine will facilitate two Canvases and Conversation painting events in mid-March and mid-May, offering mutual support, self-care resources and a fun, creative outlet for single parents, she said.

The event is based on a successful project she completed earlier this year, helping Middletown High School students discover their creativity while answering questions on very important topics.

During Paint Night, Date Night, and Community Conversation, held in February, she broached the subject of teen dating violence. Other issues included domestic violence and mental health, said Goodwine, who works for the Community Health Center, overseeing its Americorps program.

"We'll take about what wellness is and how do you take care of yourself," Goodwine said. "It's allowing folks to know they're in a safe space, a judgement-free zone. They're able to be who they are without anyone having preconceived notions."

Single Vision Parenting Workshop

Sana Cotten will be leading a Single Vision Parenting Workshop series for single mothers and fathers, to address traumatic experiences, build financial and advocacy skills, and create community around the challenges and strengths of single parenthood.

Topics will include how to advocate for a child in the school system, available resources, financial stability, how to read a credit report, and tips on how to maximize one's income, said Cotten.

"A lot of the needs, I find, are personal situations I've encountered. Not being ashamed of your circumstances, your story or what life has dealt you. They can go out and be successful instead of being held down by shame," said Cotten, who was in foster care until age 9, when she was adopted.

She runs Unashamed, a nonprofit with the mission to engage the community to learn about the issues facing at-risk, neglected youth and young adults.

Sessions will be held at the Community Health Center, 635 Main St., beginning Feb. 15 and running every Saturday through March 7.

The next Middletown Works Community Café will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m.Jan. 15 at the Russell Library Hubbard Room. Food and activities for children will be provided.

To learn more about Middletown Works, call Lemanski at 860-975-5405, visit middletownworks.org or its Facebook page. To volunteer for Cotten's efforts, email her at iamunashamedllc@gmail.com.

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