Supervisory Training Group Reaches Out to Local Non-Profit

February 20, 2009

Recently, nine members of the Stonehill Supervisory Training Cohort took a field trip to School on Wheels of Massachusetts for a day of service. The Brockton-based organization provides academic support services for homeless children and together, nine members of the training cohort were able to support the organization in its mission.

The group received an orientation to the program by founder and executive director of School on Wheels of Massachusetts Cheryl Opper and Program Director Joanna Channell, a 2007 graduate of Stonehill, at the beginning of the day.

They then assisted School on Wheels staff with packing backpacks filled with school supplies for the children, assembling shelves, stacking books, and loading cars headed to homeless shelters that evening with the educational materials.

"Our supervisory group learned about team work but more importantly we experienced what it felt like to truly give back to our community, said Lily Krentzman, manager of training and professional development.

"Commitment to service is such an important part of Stonehill's mission, it only made sense to follow this model.

"Even though our contribution was small, supporting the education of children facing homelessness in our area helped us all sleep better and left each of us with the desire to do more," said Krentzman, who credited Director of Community Service and Volunteerism Naula Boyle and Campus Minister Maura Proulx Carpinello for their help in organizing the day of service.

"The experience was very valuable and I would highly recommend any department or program on campus volunteering at School on Wheels," said Nick Smith, assistant director of athletics.

School on Wheels provides several programs and supplies for the estimated 50,000 children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. Programs include after-school one-on-one tutoring for students in grades K-12, parent workshops, summer enrichment programs and a preschool reading readiness program.

The organization also provides backpacks and school supplies for the entire year, educational resources including eMac computer labs, workbooks and reference materials.

The Supervisory Training Cohort's day of service was a part of its team building exercise. The professional development program provides training in areas, like team work, which are critical to the success of supervisors at the College. The program is also designed to create a network of support amongst the group.

The nine members of the Supervisory Training Cohort that took part in the day of service included:

• Christopher Bailey, staff psychologist at the counseling and testing center.
• Heather Cantwell Miller, assistant director of co-curricular programs in student activities
• Doreen DelMonaco, associate director of student financial services
• David Dugas, a major gifts officer in the advancement division
• Regina Egan, associate director of conference and events services
• Kathleen Joint; associate director of academic advising
• Kristen Pierce, assistant director of residence life
• Nick Smith, assistant director of operations in athletics
• Lily Krentzman, manager of training and professional development

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