If you’ve been to our IWRBR after-school sites recently, you may have noticed a couple of new faces around. We’re excited to have two AmeriCorps members serving as family liaisons in our Educate & Elevate Program. But their role goes far beyond simply helping with daily activities—they’re key players in building deeper connections between our students, their families, schools, and the community. By being directly involved at our program sites, these AmeriCorps members provide both academic and social-emotional support, helping ensure our students thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Their involvement isn’t limited to the classroom, either. AmeriCorps members play a big role in creating engaging afterschool and summer programming, focusing on social-emotional learning, which is a core part of our curriculum. They organize enrichment activities, connect with community partners, and gather important data on student progress. This means they’re not only helping our programs run smoothly but also ensuring we’re measuring the positive impact we’re making on each student’s development.
The family liaison role is crucial at IWRBR because it bridges the gap between home and school. Our AmeriCorps members check in with students weekly and support families by connecting them with community resources. For students from marginalized or trauma-affected backgrounds, this kind of support is essential. Research shows that trauma-informed family involvement can significantly boost a child’s emotional resilience and academic success. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has found that trauma-sensitive support systems lead to better emotional regulation and coping strategies—exactly what we strive to provide.
We also know that family engagement plays a huge role in a child’s success. Studies show that when families are involved, students perform better academically, have improved attendance, and develop stronger social skills. AmeriCorps members act as trusted liaisons, helping facilitate this engagement by offering tailored support and resources to families. A study by the Harvard Family Research Project even found that meaningful partnerships between families and schools lead to better behavior and motivation in students.
What makes AmeriCorps members so valuable is their ability to personalize their service. They’re responsive to the unique needs of each site and can adapt their role accordingly—whether it’s helping students with emotional regulation, providing community resources for families, or stepping in as a substitute teacher when needed. Their flexibility and dedication are truly essential to the success of our programs.
In short, AmeriCorps members are helping ensure that our students and their families feel connected, supported, and empowered. We’re so grateful to our donors and stakeholders for making it possible to have these incredible individuals at our sites. The impact they’re making is not only vital to our mission but life-changing for the students and families we serve.
-IWRBR Team
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