Embracing Diversity - Guild of St Agnes - Childcare ... · PDF fileOur Education & Care In this 103rd year of the Guild of St. Agnes we honor and celebrate our diversity: the variety

Embracing Diversity2 0 1 6 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Our Education & CareIn this 103rd year of the Guild of St. Agnes we honor and celebrate our diversity: the variety of experiences found among our families, their children, and our staff. In today’s society, to have a quality education you have to pay attention to the challenges people face, how these challenges contribute to each one’s uniqueness, and how this uniqueness enriches the education of one and all. By finding the ways to bring together differences, education becomes stronger. But, to create an organization that works well for everyone, you need to know people’s uniqueness. You will see on the pages that follow interesting stories from a variety of families, staff, and children who make up the richness and diversity of our agency. We respect and work with the multiple challenges our families face, and we recognize and honor the extraordinary generosity and talent our staff display day in and day out at work and at home. Diversity and inclusion is what makes the Guild of St. Agnes the special place it is. To a large degree, it is because of these characteristics that a child’s education at all of our sites is one of high quality.

Our AgencyThe Guild of St. Agnes is a large organization – 9 Centers, 11 After School programs, and 115 Family Child Care providers serving 1,600 children throughout central MA. In our developmentally appropriate, safe, and fully licensed learning environments, we offer full day, year round child care services and after school programming for working parents. We have a staff of 260, 185 full time employees and 75 part time. All Lead Pre-School Teachers have their Bachelor Degrees and all Infant-Toddler Lead Teachers have a minimum of an Associate’s Degree. We collaborate with programs at all of the local colleges and universities offering educational opportunities for our staff.

Our Community InvolvementBeing community minded, the Guild holds membership in several professional and community organizations, including the National Association for the Education of Young People, three United Ways and several Chambers of Commerce. Among community programs, Guild children participate in the Tenacity summer fitness and literacy program, United Way’s summer learning loss prevention program and the nationally recognized 5-2-1-0 program directed at healthy eating and active exercising. In recognition of our quality management, methods of operation, and the support we show our staff, this past year the Worcester Business Journal named the Guild of St. Agnes the top place to work among medium size companies in the Central MA area.

In closing, a heartfelt thanks to all of you in the community who have generously supported the Guild of St. Agnes, to the families who entrust us with the care and education of their children – a precious richness to them and to us – and to our dedicated staff who show up every day all day, providing quality care and education to our many and varied children, the future of our communities.

Sincerely,

Edward P. Madaus[ 1 ] GUILD OF ST. AGNES ANNUAL REPORT 2016 [ 2 ]

We all should know that diversity

makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand

that all the threads of the tapestry are

equal in value.– MAYA ANGELOU

Message from THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our very own Malika Kemp and Sheila Figueroa met casually in high school. They were surprised to discover they had chosen the same career and that they both worked at the Guild. These two amazing woman have been rising stars at the agency, working with some of our children who have the most difficult behaviors. They have the talent and ability to do what is right with each and every child. They recently adopted a child and have been foster parents to several other children.

Shelia was raised in a home where approximately 30 foster children at one point or another passed through their home. It was second nature for Sheila to consider becoming a foster parent. Malika was a little more unsure. They decided to go through the Massachusetts Approach to Partnership in Parenting (MAPP), which is designed to prepare individuals to become foster parents. “The program was excellent,” said Sheila. “They made us think of everything. They asked probing questions such as: How will you operate as a family? What will be your parenting style? What type of home environment will you create for this child?” Their first foster children were a brother and sister, one month and two years respectively. The mother lost custody of her children. The baby was addicted. Sheila said “the first few months all he did was cry, it was so sad.” Today they are healthy and happy children, however, family members from out of state are interested in adopting the children in the Spring.

In March of 2014, they met 3 month old Justin. Sheila fell in love with him as soon as she saw him. Malika thought, “Oh, boy, I can see where this is going.” Justin Lamar Figueroa was adopted by Sheila and Malika in February 2016.

Speaking with Malika she said “adoption makes you think about who you are and your commitment to your partner.” They call themselves the “Yin and the Yang.” They feel the challenges of being a same sex couple and bi-racial, while raising a white child. However, kids see their differences as a description, nothing else.

When Malika is asked if Justin came from her belly she says, “You did not grow up in my belly, but you grew up in my heart.” That says it all...

Embracing AdoptionMALIKA KEMP & SHEILA FIGUEROA

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It is time for parents

to teach young people early on that in diversity

there is beauty and

there is strength.

– MAYA ANGELOU

Meet Anthony Maloney, a single parent of two beautiful children: Anthony Jr., five years old, and Avarie, four. He became a single parent about three years ago. He is a veteran who was formerly stationed in San Diego. Based on the advice from a buddy, Anthony moved here to Worcester after serving his time in the Navy.

Anthony’s children are delightful. Anthony Jr. attends Venerini Academy as a kindergartener, and four-year-old Avarie is at the Guild of St. Agnes in Worcester. Anthony is very pleased with his school choices. He chose Venerini because of its smaller classrooms and more individual attention and the Guild, for its’ education. Avarie is in Ms. Christina’s classroom and is learning her alphabet and her numbers-she can count to 100. Anthony says, “I hounded Cheryl (our Grove Street Director) all summer long to get Avarie into the Guild.”

What Dad likes most about the Guild is, “it is run like an elementary school.” Avarie is learning new things every day. Something he says he has not seen in other childcare agencies.

Dad describes Anthony Jr. as a smart, silly and thoughtful child, and Avarie as an independent adventurous child, who is friendly, loving, and most of all, daddy’s little girl. The challenges of being a single dad is the work life balance. Anthony wants to be able to have time for his children and support them while also doing well at his job as a car salesman for Nissan in Marlboro. Anthony states that his biggest joy is watching his children grow up, but, it is also what makes him sad, “it is happening too quickly.” Dad is comfortable going to work every day, knowing his children are safe and in good care at both Venerini and the Guild of St. Agnes.

ANTHONY MALONEY

Embracing Fatherhood

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The Mission of the Guild of St. Agnes is to provide families with quality, affordable early childhood education and school age programs in a safe, nurturing environment for children 4 weeks to 12 years. The Guild has a long tradition of responding to the needs of the times, within communities we have served. Although the specific needs may change, our mission continues and has endured for over 100 years.

Over the past year, the most obvious need we have been facing in the community is children who live in high risk settings. The Guild of St. Agnes is able to provide these children with a safe, consistent environment that allows them to be transported to school, gain secure attachments, receive nutritious meals and interact with their peers in a structured environment.

Our Mission

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert Blute, President

Donna Byrnes, Vice President

Lee D. Davidson, Treasurer

Pat Couhig, Secretary

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Edward P. Madaus, Executive Director

Darcey A. Porter, Finance Director

Sharon Woodbury, Director of Human Resources

Sharon MacDonald, Director of Programs

Christine Powell, Director of Programs, North County

Ann Flynn, Director of Development

Deb Brown, Director of Food Services

Lisa Johnson, Director of Transportation

Olivia Mahone, Director of Transportation, North County

Ralph D’Onofrio, Collections Specialist

Grace Miller, Billing and Attendance

Karen Rigopoulos, Billing Specialist

Mathew Donato, Payroll and Human Resources

Norma Leger, Accounts Payable and Provider Payroll

SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS

Margaret Madaus, Director of School Age Programs

Nicole St. Gelais, Manager of School Age Programs

Caitlin Jones, Asst. Manager of School Age Programs

Justine Daniels, Site Coordinator Specialist

Stephanie Thayer, Site Coordinator Specialist

Michael Akerson, Esquire

Linda Bonder

Mark Brophy

Ellen Daly

Kristen Diggins

Sally Niemi-Farhoody

Frances King, Esquire

Meg Kursonis

Lynn McCarroll

Jennifer M. Moore

Denise O’Connell, Ed.D

Mary Ann Preskul-Ricca

Diane Trachimowicz

Ron Valerio

Dynamic, energetic, confident, strong and a very busy grandmother, meet Lucy Wilson. Lucy was a full time school nurse for the Worcester Public Schools at South High for a number of years. She loved her position, however, she changed to part time, per diem nurse because of her new circumstances. She has two grown children and now is caring for her three grandchildren. Since March of 2012, Lucy has had custody of 8 year old Akua, 10 year old Yaw, and 12 year old Hannah.

“The best decision I ever made was to send the younger children to the Guild After School program at Tatnuck Magnet. They taught Akua to read.” Now, both children are above their grade levels in reading. Twice a week Lucy takes the children to the library to pick out books. They have been able to make a lot of friends; and Lucy is comforted knowing the children are with the Guild. She is also delighted the Guild offers help with homework, math especially. When asked on a scale of one to ten how happy Lucy is with the Guild, she gives it a twelve!

Lucy supports the grandchildren everyday by offering a structured environment, “I don’t let them get away with things; I tell them life is about, hard work, honesty and accountability.” She is consistent with discipline. She said, “Monday through Thursday, there is no TV and no computers, they can read.”

Mostly Lucy could not be there for her grandchildren if it were not for the Grandparents helping Grandparents program at Elder Services of Worcester. They meet once a month she said, and laugh and cry together. Lucy said the biggest issues for grandparents is childcare. Many grandparents cannot work because they are caring for their grandchildren. “They never have time for themselves, even to go grocery shopping; it is a big issue for us” said Lucy.

Lucy wishes there was a program like the Guild for her oldest grandchild. She said “13 year olds don’t have anything to do; it would be a blessing for them to have a program like the Guild where they could go and be more productive afterschool.”

LUCY WILSON

Embracing Her Role

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Maybe it was fate that Cheryl Laino once worked at the Guild. From 1988 to 1999, Cheryl, taught with teachers like Karen Bovenzi, Vickie Savage and Angie Donahue-Smith. Cheryl’s mother-in-law, Barbara Laino, once worked as a Family Child Care Educator and retired from the Guild about 15 years ago. Cheryl knew she could come to the Guild when she became a foster parent to her great nephew, Zach, age six, and great niece, Arielle, age five. She said, “of course I thought of the Guild immediately, I know what to expect and I trust the Guild.”

Zach and Ariella are not the only children living in her home. Cheryl and her husband have an 18 and 23-year-old living with them as well. “Things are a little tight with 6 people in a 3-bedroom home, but we are doing ok.” Cheryl has had Zach and Ariella for almost two years.

Cheryl and her husband have enjoyed their new role. The children had never been anywhere, so we have taken them to Storyland, Santa’s Village, gone to the beach, and they have even stayed in a hotel! She said, “having little ones around again, and seeing life through their eyes, brings joy to their home.”

Zacharie is an early riser...5:30 am. He is a real active child, “He is energetic, curious, sweet, and kind” says Cheryl. “Arielle loves to day dream and she just loves to play,” Cheryl commented. “She cracks me up, she is so sweet, kind and very snuggly.”

Both children now attend the Guild of St. Agnes After School program. Cheryl is very happy with her decision to send the kids to the Guild. She said, “honestly, I loved it here when I worked here, and in our new situation it has been wonderful to come back and see familiar faces, especially Karen, Vickie and Angie.”

Embracing ResponsibilityCHERYL LAINO

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CENTER DIRECTORS &ASSISTANT DIRECTORS

Director, Elise Desaultis, Charlton

Director, Melissa Nikander, Devens

Asst. Director, Michele Gaetani, Devens

Director, Tina Queeney, Gardner

Asst. Director Meighan Allison, Gardner

Director, Diane Robinson, Webster

Asst. Director, Elizabeth Bates, Webster

Director, Gloria Johnson, Granite St., Worcester

Asst. Director, Robin Moe, Granite St., Worcester

Director, Cheryl Stall, Grove St., Worcester

Asst. Director, Stacy Farmer, Grove St., Worcester

FAMILY CHILDCARE COORDINATORS

Katie Ferreira, Devens

Roslyn Sliwa, Devens

Deborah Vires, Devens

Brenda Payton-Myles, Fitchburg

Vicki Russo, Gardner

Crystal Arsenault, South County

Grace Smith, South County

Margaret Cleveland, Whitinsville

Marilyn Crowley, Worcester

Richard Miller, Worcester

Erin Stillman, Worcester

Ellen Trainor, Worcester

Natali Rivero Matheus and her husband, Alejandro Garcia, were born and raised in Venezuela. Natali said, they had to leave their native country because “the economy was very bad and there was violence erupting in the streets.” In addition, Natali commented, food is at a premium right now, so she sends nonperishable food to her father who is still living there. “People are dying because there is no medicine. The President, Nicolas Maduro is close friends with Fidel Castro and their ideology is socialism; industries are closing, and the exchange rate is $1,000 Bolivar to the American dollar. It is not a good place to be right now.”

Luckily for Natali, in Venezuela she worked for MAPFRE Insurance Company and when they offered her a job in the States, she accepted it. Both she and her husband are computer engineers, and her husband worked from home so he was able to continue in his job. They moved to Northboro MA and Natali continued working for MAPFRE, this time in Webster. Recently her husband changed jobs and is now working at Prism HR. Their children attend the Guild of St. Agnes in Webster.

Natali and Alejandro have three children, Thomas who goes to kindergarten in Northboro, but started at the Guild when he was 15 months old and the twins, one-year-old Noah and Ethan. They are just precious children, and Natali loves the Guild and the proximity to her work. She said, “when they were really young she could come to the Guild and breastfeed her children every day. The education at the Guild is the best, I feel blessed to have my children here.” She has already begun saving for college, which is appropriate because she and her husband would like their children to go to MIT or Harvard!

Natali believes the teachers at the Guild work here because they care about children. Teacher, Kelly Lamb, has taught the twins since they were 3 months old. When Noah and Ethan transitioned to a toddler classroom, mom was worried, but the exceptional care continued and her concerns faded. Both boys are happy and have made new friends. Occasionally, their older son, Thomas, cries and says he misses the Guild. Mom feels the Guild did a great job teaching Thomas academically and socially. He is very well adjusted at his new school because of the Guild.

As for her native country, Natali hopes that Venezuela will again become the country she once loved.

Embracing ChangeNATALI RIVERO MATHEUS

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OUR CAPACITY Center Based Sites Capacity

Charlton 58Devens 159Fitchburg 35Gardner 180Webster 169Worcester, Granite St. 150Worcester, Grove St. 197 School Age

Burncoat 39Hamilton 39Kids Club 90Tatnuck 52Quinsigamond 65Union Hill 39Woodland St. 26Worcester Arts Magnet 65 Family Child Care

Worcester 130North County 190South County 150

Frank, Tracy, and their son, Lucas, arrived for the interview and brought along with them Lucas’ buddy, Patrick. Patrick and Lucas have been friends since they were in kindergarten at Rice Square School. They continued their friendship at the Guild’s After School Program at Granite Street. Their friendship was instantaneous. Frank said they are like a pair of old souls, they argue all the time, but they really care for one another; they are inseparable. Dad said, he is particularly thrilled with the Guild because the teachers help Lucas with his homework, which supports his academics at school…especially math.“I don’t know if I could teach him the new math, so this works out great for me!”

Both boys chatted about how much they liked the Guild program and especially the teachers. Lucas likes the Guild because the teachers are nice and there are plenty of things to do outside.

Dad, Frank, works for Firestone. When he is not at work, he is a cub scout leader with Patrick’s dad, and they have become close as well. They have about 15 kids in the troop and love to be outdoors. Lucas’ dream is to become an Eagle Scout; given his dad’s interest, Lucas has a good shot at his dream coming true.

Mom, Tracy, works at Worcester Physical Therapy and she says it is easy going to work knowing her child is in safe hands with people who genuinely care about children. “I just love the Guild and I tell all my friends about it.”

Both parents said, they love the Guild. Their only question is where will their son go after sixth grade? Maybe volunteer? Maybe work for the Guild? You never know, the Guild has plenty of graduates who now work here and they make excellent employees!

Embracing the GuildFRANK AND TRACY ABARCA

I JUST LOVE THE

GUILD AND I TELL

ALL MY FRIENDS

ABOUT IT.”

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“

Judy AndersonAnthony’s Barber ShopJoseph J. BafaroPauline BakerBay State Savings BankRobert BluteLinda BonderKeven & Maureen BrennerMark BrophyDonna & Edward ByrnesCFC- Action for BostonMarion CheneyColdwell BankerPatricia CouhigEllen DalyJane DavernLee DavidsonFelice deJongPaul Demoga, Esq.Seth DerderianDewey Square GroupKristen DigginsKim DigioiaMichael and Maureen DonoghueKathy DowTimothy DziczekE & G Vending Co.Joseph Early, District Attorneye-Pay Business Solutions, Inc.Lewis Evangelidis, SheriffWilliam Fallon, ChFC, CLU, LIA

Fallon Health Fallon Health EmployeesFavulli Electric, Inc. Marjorie Fernald Fitchburg Creamery Inc.Patricia & Jim GallantTrisha & Steve Gallo & familyGenerations On The Move, Inc.Jay & Joan GoldLiz HamiltonHanover InsuranceHarleysville’s Jean Day FundraiserPaula HarrityHarvard Pilgrim HealthGrafton HillersMatthew HoganRonald & Sheila HokansonGayle HollandHoly Cross College studentsCindy HouchensRebecca HubbardDr. William and Virginia HynesIndustrial Cleaning Products, Inc.J & J Truck & Auto RepairLadies of HarleyLauring Construction Company, Inc.Lynda & Carle JohnsonBrian KilleleaFrances King, Esq. & Joseph LombardiMeg KursonisDr. Alice Laffey

Lakeview Landscaping Kathleen LampinenKasandra Lugo & Matt CampagnaMichael LyonsGloria MackoulKathleen MadausMADCAMaenzo’s Hair DesignLorna & Marion ManganoTony MarianoMarshall & Diggins InsuranceLynn McCarrollKim McCarthyKatie MilgromMinardi, Limited PartnershipKevon Mizrahi Jack Moore Associates, Inc.Mary MoranCheryl NathanKathleen M. NeillSally Niemi-FarhoodyNotre Dame AcademyBarbara NuirEdward O’BrienDenise & William O’ConnellO’Connor, Maloney & Company, P.C.oneZero Financial Systems, LLCFran PiscegnaAnthony J. Queeney, Plumbing & Heating Inc.Reardon, Joyce & Akerson, P.C.

Mary Ann Preskul-Ricca & Joseph RiccaPam & Gene RichardsRSC Insurance Brokerage, Inc.S & D Construction Co., Inc.Charles & Helen SchefflerSaint Mary’s of MilfordBarbara SheaSpencer Savings BankPatricia StevensChristine StratfordJanice SullivanSwartz & Swartz, P.C.Rosanna Paladino SwilloThe Hidden JewelThe Monahan Group, Inc. The “Pearls”Lisa TheoharidesDianne & Richard TrachimowiczPolly TrainorDarlene TuckerColleen TurgeonJulienne & Jeffrey UgaldeRon ValerioTara WatsonWebster FiveStephanie WeinfurtWorcester Business JournalWorcester MagazineWXLO

YOU CAN HELP JOIN US

Thank YouTO OUR GENEROUS DONORS

$20kPAYS FOR ONE YEAR OF CARE FOR TWO SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN

$30kPAYS FOR ONE YEAR OF CARE FOR ONE PRESCHOOL CHILD

$15kPROVIDES CONSISTENT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

$10kREFURBISHES A CENTER’S PLAYGROUND

$5kPAYS FOR COMPUTERS FOR AFTER SCHOOL EDUCATION

$1kPROVIDES SWIMMING LESSONS FOR CHILDREN AT A CENTER

[ 15 ] GUILD OF ST. AGNES ANNUAL REPORT 2016 [16]

Administration $1,335,770 7.8%

Center Staff $7,218,497 42.2%

Family Child Care $4,174,283 24.4%

Nutrition $667,885 3.9%

Transportation $1,502,742 8.8%

Education & Training $31,534 0.2%

Facilities $1,402,559 8.2%

Supplies & Equipment $330,470 2.4%

Other $33,394 0.2%

TOTAL $16,697,134 97.7%

NET $398,237 2.3%

17,000,000

16,000,000

15,000,000

14,000,000

13,000,000

12,000,000

11,000,000

10,000,000

9,000,000

8,000,000

7,000,000

6,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

17,000,000

16,000,000

15,000,000

14,000,000

13,000,000

12,000,000

11,000,000

10,000,000

9,000,000

8,000,000

7,000,000

6,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY 16$11,621,136 $12,166,695 $12,709,297 $13,711,577 $16,058,648 $16,697,134

17,000,000

16,000,000

15,000,000

14,000,000

13,000,000

12,000,000

11,000,000

10,000,000

9,000,000

8,000,000

7,000,000

6,000,000

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY 16$11,946,131 $11,782,071 $12,524,637 $14,032,995 $16,597,157 $17,095,371

DEEC Contracts $11,863,037 69.4%

Child Care Resources $1,942,386 11.4%

Bureau of Nutrition $547,964 3.2%

Parent Fees $2,562,102 15.0%

Grants $88,765 0.5%

Miscellaneous* $91,387 0.5%

TOTAL $17,095,371 100.0%

* Miscellaneous includes MAPFRE $100,000

RevenueFOR FY 2016

ExpensesFOR FY 2016

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ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 405 Grove StreetWorcester, MA 01605(888) 798-4567Email: [email protected]

Design and Photography: Kate Blehar | Blehar Design

CENTER BASED LOCATIONS

Charlton Overlook Masonic Home88 Masonic Home RoadCharlton, MA 01507(508) 434-2345Toddler, Preschool

Devens 172 Jackson RoadDevens, MA 01434(978) 772-4323Toddler, Preschool, School Age

Fitchburg 62 Dover StreetFitchburg, MA 01420(978) 343-3042School Age

Gardner 155 Green StreetGardner, MA 01440(978) 632-9335Toddler, Preschool, School Age

Webster 58 Bigelow RoadWebster, MA 01570(508) 461-6556Infant/Toddler, Preschool

Worcester | 129 Granite St.Worcester, MA 01604(508) 756-8371Infant/Toddler, Preschool, School Age

Worcester | 353 Grove St.Worcester, MA 01605(508) 890-7976Preschool, School Age

SCHOOL AGE LOCATIONS

Burncoat 54 Croydon StreetWorcester, MA 01606(508) 552-0040School Age

Hamilton Street336 Hamilton St. Worcester, MA 01604(774) 530-6466School Age

Quinsigamond Elementary School14 Blackstone River RoadWorcester, MA 01607(508) 799-3502School Age

Tatnuck Magnet 1083 Pleasant StreetWorcester, MA 01602(508) 799-3554School Age

Union Hill School 1 Chapin StreetWorcester, MA 01604(508) 799-3600School Age

Woodland Academy 93 Woodland StreetWorcester, MA 01610(508) 799-3557School Age Worcester Arts Magnet315 St. Nicholas Ave.Worcester, MA 01605(508) 799-3575School Age

FAMILY CHILD CARE

Charlton88 Masonic Home RoadCharlton, MA(508) 434-2345

Devens 172 Jackson RoadDevens, MA(978) 772-9130

Fitchburg62 Dover StreetFitchburg, MA(978) 343-3042

Gardner 155 Green StreetGardner, MA(978) 632-9335

Webster58 Bigelow RoadWebster, MA (508) 461-6496

Worcester405 Grove StreetWorcester, MA(508) 363-0788

ANNUAL REPORT | 2016