Bloomfield PLTI grad's op-ed article published

Monica Stellmacher, a 2015 graduate of  Bloomfield PLTI, has written an op-ed article for CT News Junkie that takes note of recent layoff notices in state government and offers some advice for everyone on how to conduct a job hunt. Monica has some expertise on this subject, since her community project for PLTI was the creation of the a support group called K.U.D.O.S. Cafe, short for Keeping the Unemployed Determined Optimistic and Sane.

PLTI and Parent SEE statewide graduation ceremonies

Go to the Commission on Children website for multi-media coverage of the 2015 statewide PLTI and Parent SEE graduation ceremonies, held June 17 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. You'll find:

• complete video of the event, courtesy of the Connecticut Network (CT-N);
• more than 50 photos;
• the graduation program;
• a press release;
• news media coverage;
• and more.

See other posts in this blog for photos from the local graduation ceremonies.

Congrats to all the new parent leaders!

Isabella Pinto sang the National Anthem at the start of the evening.

A rockin' tribute to West Hartford PLTI

West Hartford's PLTI Class of 2015 got a wonderful gift from classmate Aariyan Googe in the form of a photo montage set to the Simple Minds song "Don't You (Forget About Me.)" Now you can enjoy it too:

Celebration time for Bridgeport PLTI, TLI classes

The parent leaders of the Bridgeport PLTI Class of 2015 received their diplomas Tuesday night, as did the young leaders in this year's class of the Teen Leadership Institute.

With People's United Bank graciously providing the setting, the newly minted graduates celebrated with their families, facilitators, and classmates. Mayor Bill Finch marked the occasion by proclaiming Tuesday "Bridgeport Parent and Teen Leadership Day."

Feds want your input on child support services

The federal Office of Child Support Enforcement has asked a few groups with strong connection to parents--including PLTI--to seek feedback on its current child support program. The Office is very interested to learn how well the program performs and where it can be improved.

You're invited to take five minutes to fill out the survey, in English or in Spanish. Your comments and ideas will be summarized and offered to the federal government for improvements in law. The survey is anonymous but still ensures that your opinions are heard.

Congratulations, Milford PLTI Class of 2015!

The Parent Leadership Training Institute of Milford held graduation ceremonies for its Class of 2015 at Milford City Hall on Wednesday. The graduates heard remarks from Milford Mayor Benjamin G. Blake, Milford Public Health Director Deepa Joseph, and Commission on Children Director off Development and Special Initiatives Mary Kate Lowndes.  
 
Congratulations to Holly Allen, Anna Cass, Melvin Cass II, Agne Covill, Patricia Esianor, Kara Flannery, Aurora Moral, Kimberly Neff, Jezzabel Noel, Carla Parker, Christina Pritchard, Jaime Swett, and Melissa Vera.

The graduates at Milford City Hall. At far left is Mayor Benjamin Blake. At far right is United Way of Milford President and CEO Gary Johnson. Next to him is city Health Director Deepa Joseph.

The graduates--with kids!

From left: Sal Hanaif, PLTI facilitator; Lesley Darling, PLTI coordinator; Peggy Kelly of Kids Count of Milford; and Mary Kate Lowndes of the Commission on Children.

Spotlight on Gina Levon Simpson

Gina Levon Simpson, lead teacher of the Bridgeport Children's Leadership Training Institute (CLTI), was the focus of a nice feature article recently by the Bridgeport Daily Voice.

“It’s all about helping the children become the best leaders they can be, both for themselves and for others,” Gina said of CLTI.