Keeping Her Scholars On Track
When Lacresha and her children began partnering with NAZ three years ago, it was at the request of NAZ Anchor School Elizabeth Hall Elementary, where Lacresha’s son was struggling in school. His academic life was made more challenging because they lived in substandard housing on a block with high levels of crime.
Today Lacresha’s son is supported by a team made up of Elizabeth Hall and NAZ staff members, who work onsite at the school. The challenges he once faced are now manageable. His older sister receives similar support, thanks to strong coordination between the school and NAZ staff.
“The school and NAZ staff keep me updated on my kids’ academic achievement so that I have a better understanding of how to help them at home and keep them on track,” says Lacresha, who has become known at the school as a highly involved parent.
The children’s academic progress is buoyed by after-school and summer programming at Plymouth Christian Youth Center. And thanks to Anchor Partner Minneapolis Public Housing, Lacresha and her children are celebrating their second year in stable and safe housing, which enables the children to show up at school ready to learn.
Lacresha is admired by NAZ staff for her leadership and focus on education. Her NAZ Connector says, “She’s a mom who knows how to be selfless, and she makes sacrifices in order to put her children’s education first. She’s taught me a lot.”