The Voice of the Ville talked with parent outreach coordinator Janevonne Hubbard to learn about her role at East English Village Preparatory Academy at Finney.
Voice of the Ville: What is the purpose of the parent outreach coordinator?
EEVPA parent outreach coordinator Janevonne Hubbard.
Hubbard: I reach out to parents, and I help them to get resources for themselves and their students. For instance, if we have a parent that is in need of household products, hygiene products, their washing machine is no longer working, anything that is impacting the family and preventing the child from attending school, or accessing their schoolwork, they can reach out to me. If the washing machine is out, I will bring them in to wash two loads of clothes. I also run the Family Resource Distribution Center, which allows me to get them household and hygiene products. I am also able to help parents contact The Michigan Department of Human Services.
Voice of the Ville: How did you become a Parent Outreach Coordinator?
Hubbard: The parent outreach coordinator position became available during the COVID pandemic. Prior to being hired for the position. I was volunteering over at Crockett, helping with the Parent Teacher Association, and in my volunteer position, I was doing most of the duties that was listed on the job description of the parent outreach coordinator, so my volunteering role just morphed into the role of the parent outreach coordinator.
Voice of the Ville: What resources are available to parents who are either struggling to understand how to use the Internet, or parents who are challenged with access to technological devices?
Hubbard: Parent Academy Classes are held at various schools in the district. Parents can attend these sessions to learn more about the topics being offered. If parents have an interest in a particular training, I will bring that training to EEVPA at Finney. I also provided one on one support for parents who may have challenges with basic computer operations, and I walk the parent through the process. Sometimes parents need access to a computer to submit applications, write resumes, or look for a job. I have extra computers in my office just for the parents to use.
Voice of the Ville: Why are you excited about working at EEVPA at Finney?
Hubbard: I am excited about working at EEVPA at Finney because I love the staff, my administrators, the parents, and the kids. We all work together like a family. I love helping people and that is what gets me here every day.
