The Village Urgent Crisis Center:
Immediate Help, Immediate Hope
The Village Urgent Crisis Center:
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The Heart of Foster Care:
Parents Who Make a Difference
Since 2022, The Village has played a key role in implementing an innovative, evidence-based model known as Functional Family Therapy – Foster Care. This model is designed to offer comprehensive support to foster children, their birth families and their foster or adoptive families, with the overarching goal of keeping families together whenever possible and addressing the challenges that led to foster care placement.
The Heart of Foster Care:
Parents Who Make a Difference Read More »
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas
Despite the benefits, more than half of eligible voters in the nation did not vote in 2022. Connecticut’s Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas also wants to increase voter turnout and says a partnership with The Village makes a lot of sense.
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Rosa’s Story
Rosa had no choice but to leave her native country when she was seven months pregnant. When she and her children arrived in Connecticut with nothing to their name, The Village was there to guide them to the array of support they needed to get back on their feet. Without that help, Rosa says she doesn’t know where she would be today.
Harley’s Story
Harley connected to The Village for the help he needed to overcome a lifelong challenge with addiction and reunite with his daughter. As part of The Village’s Fatherhood Engagement Services program, he gained valuable skills to be a positive force for his child.
Transforming Healthcare With OnMed
The Village has partnered with OnMed and Hartford HealthCare to launch a new OnMed CareStation at our 331 Wethersfield Avenue location in Hartford. The CareStation is revolutionizing the local healthcare landscape. It’s like stepping into a mini doctor’s office. It’s clean, easy to use, private, safe and secure—and better yet, there is no out-of-pocket cost.
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Jared’s Story
When Jared was connected to The Village Fatherhood Engagement Services program, he was immediately met with a judgement-free, family-like environment—a group he could feel was there to support him. Here, he learned important skills from his mentors and was able to reunify with his children after 10 years. Today, Jared has gone on to become an intern with the program so that he can be a mentor to other dads.
Be a Foster Parent
The Village is one of the largest foster care agencies in Connecticut and works around the clock to ensure hundreds of children have a safe, stable home and the support they need to heal and thrive. That includes youth just like Alex, who says that despite growing up in and out of the system, he was able to find the support and stability he needed thanks to dedicated staff and foster parents at The Village.
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A Legacy of Caring and Love
Over the years, Barry and his late wife, Alison Coolbrith, have been generous benefactors of The Village, making a lasting difference in countless lives through their support. Today, Barry continues to carry out their shared legacy of giving, spreading love and hope to people in need.
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Anthony’s Story
The start of a new year is a time to celebrate new beginnings, like Anthony’s. After a harrowing experience led him to begin his healing journey, Anthony was connected to The Village, where he was able to get the support he needed. Today, Anthony says he’s able to visualize his goals, and he’s looking toward the future with confidence and renewed hope.
Colin and Jeanmarie’s story
Colin Cooper has been connected to The Village for his entire life—first when he was adopted at a young age, and today as a longtime and dedicated supporter alongside his wife, Village board member Jeanmarie Cooper. Through their generous support, The Coopers have been instrumental in helping The Village fulfill its mission and are creating a lasting legacy to continue making an impact.
Colin and Jeanmarie’s story Read More »
Foster care: Expanding Services to Help More Youth
Foster care in Connecticut has been transformed to build brighter futures for kids. Working in partnership with the state’s Department of Children and Families (DCF), The Village is implementing a new evidence-based model and has become one of the largest foster care providers in the state.
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Urgent Crisis Center: Revolutionizing Youth Mental Health Care
The Village has opened Hartford’s first-ever, walk-in Urgent Crisis Center (UCC) for youth mental health, making a massive stride to address the children’s mental health crisis in Connecticut. Working with Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) and a legislative oversight committee, The Village is blazing the trail for this game-changing new level of behavioral health care in the state.
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Meet Stephanie
Stephanie’s first priority is making sure her children, Jazlene and Josavian, are happy and safe. As a working mom, finding child care during the after-school hours was a struggle. Thanks to The Village’s free after-school program at her children’s school, she didn’t have to worry— Jazlene and Josavian are now able to get homework help, enjoy enrichment activities and make new friends in a safe, nurturing environment.
Meet Jayden and Naobi
Jayden had a hard time expressing his emotions in a healthy way. Once he enrolled in The Village’s six-month day program, he was able to develop and practice coping skills. When Jayden participated in a special basketball clinic as part of an educational sports-therapy program at The Village, he learned trust, teamwork and communication.
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Meet the Team That Meets the Moment
The Village can deliver life-changing services to children and families because of our incredible staff. During FY22 we invested $1.5 million in wage and benefit increases and earned a Top Workplace Award for the third year in a row. The Village is proud that our staff represents the diversity of our clientele, and we will continue hiring new team members who will strengthen our culture of collaboration and innovation.
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Meet Norman
Norman became a first-time father at the age of 54. His new responsibilities coupled with his wife’s personal struggles caused intense feelings of fear and loneliness. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, The Village was there to help. He received the support—and as he says, “another family”—that he needed to connect with other dads, embrace fatherhood and become a role model for his son. Today, Norman and his wife are proudly parenting Alexander together.
Two Teams, One Village
After children complete their care at Eagle House—The Village’s psychiatric residential treatment facility—many transition to foster care. During a surging mental health crisis, amid the pandemic, this transition was harder than ever. Backed by an extensive network of dedicated foster parents, and as the state’s largest foster care provider—covering Hartford, Manchester and New Britain—The Village foster care team works hard in tandem with clinical staff at Eagle House to ensure children are placed in homes that meet their individual needs and provide them with safety and stability so they can grow and thrive.
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Meet Genesia and Galia
Once her baby girl was born, Genesia’s life changed. Like many new moms, she needed support as she embarked on her journey of caring for a newborn. When self-doubt creeped in, The Village helped answer Genesia’s questions about how to properly care for her daughter and make sure she was on the right developmental path. The Village was also by her side to help ensure her basic needs—like food and diapers—were met, so Genesia was able to focus on developing a strong bond with her baby.
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Meet Sonia, Adryan and Sheyla
As a single mom without any family in the United States, Sonia needed support when her children, Adryan and Sheyla, experienced emotional abuse by a friend of the family and were suffering. That’s when she reached out to The Village. Through therapy and support services, Sonia and her children were able to learn ways to navigate through their fears and work together as a family unit. They are also now part of a church community and continue building a network of social support.
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Village Second Chance Shops
The Second Chance Shops support The Village’s programs by selling new and gently used clothing and household items. Thanks to the dedication of volunteer Auxilians at the four Second Chance Shops—in Glastonbury, Simsbury, Suffield and West Hartford—a combined $440,300 was raised this year. Over the last 60 years, the Second Chance Shops have generated more than $6 million to support The Village.
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Meet Levi and His Family
When the pandemic was in full swing, Levi’s ADHD and anxiety were heightened. He was having a hard time adapting as school and daily routines were quickly changing.
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Meet Samar
Samar was completely broken after escaping a domestic violence situation. She reached out to The Village for help, despite being told by others that she wouldn’t be able to make it as a single mother of four children. In the months that followed, Samar was able to care for her kids, continue her education and start a career in the nursing field. She has big dreams and is working hard to create the life she always wanted.
Meet Speaker Matt Ritter and Rep. Tammy Exum
The Village is proud to work with policymakers to reform and strengthen Connecticut’s mental health system. Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives Matt Ritter and Deputy Majority Leader and State Representative Tammy Exum were named as Village Champions for Children for leading the passage of landmark legislation addressing our state’s mental health crisis in the 2022 legislative session.
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Meet Sulma, Kimberly and Julio
Sulma, Kimberly and Julio left Honduras for a better life in the United States. During their travels, they became victims of human trafficking. Sulma and her children came to The Village for help coping with what they experienced. Through therapy, Kimberly and Julio are working through their trauma. Julio is calmer and his nightmares have stopped. Kimberly is acclimating well to her new school and has learned how to become an advocate for herself.
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Meet Tammy
Tammy—like so many others— became unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
When her faith and confidence started to fade, she knew she needed help. That’s when she reached out to The Village’s Financial Opportunity Center.
Soon after, Tammy got help with her budget and credit, in addition to receiving support for her emotional health.
Today, with renewed self-esteem, she’s working full-time, going to school to advance her position in the healthcare field and is actively saving to purchase a home.
Meet Dismary
Meet Dismary. With support from The Village Holiday Giving Tree, she was able to purchase gifts for her children and other necessities for her family during the holidays.
Meet the Misorskis
Dana Misorski—who is known as “Mrs. Christmas”—and her family have helped hundreds of Village clients purchase gifts, food and other essentials during the holiday season. After raising more than $7,000 to purchase gift cards for families in 2020 she increased and surpassed her goal by raising over $9,000.
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Meet Davine
Davine desperately needed help with her credit and finances after leaving a traumatic relationship. Once she connected with The Village, she was able to build her finances, receive counseling and start a business.
Meet Saher
Student and Vernon ROCKS’ Real Talk youth group leader Saher Ashraf is working hard to help her peers build resilience by offering tools, resources and guidance around substance use prevention and intervention.
Meet Dontay
A student at Martin Luth King, Jr. Middle School, Dontay was one of more than 24% of Hartford students considered chronically absent. Unmotivated and wanting to stay home rather than attend class, an initiative with our partners at Hartford Public Schools and Travelers encouraged him to embrace a new approach to school, resulting in huge improvements for his future.
Village Second Chance Shops
In the best of times, what the members of the Glastonbury, Simsbury, Suffield and West Hartford Auxiliaries do for The Village is remarkable. This year, their dedication has been truly inspiring. Despite a pandemic-driven multi-month shutdown of their Second Chance Shops, the Auxiliaries stayed engaged, maintained a safe retail environment, reopened in fall 2020 with reduced hours and managed to raise $400,000 to help support the tens of thousands of families served by The Village.
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Meet Madyson and Nygel
Nygel and many other HPL staff have worked diligently to infuse trauma-informed practice into their work with The Village’s partnership. Thanks to the safe space that has been created at HPL, youth and young adults like Madyson have mentors with whom they can confide.
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Meet Krystal
After losing her job, Krystal needed assistance with her rent while she took care of her daughters and brother who is intellectually disabled. The Village was able to help, while also providing critical mental health support for her and her family. Today, Krystal is able to face life’s challenges a little easier knowing The Village is there to help.
Meet Bob
Bob and Judy Sturgis created the Robert & Judith Sturgis Family Foundation as a charitable resource for organizations close to their hearts. A longtime Simsbury Auxiliary Member and educator, Judy took a special interest in The Village’s Early Childhood Learning Center. Judy lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in April 2021 but her gift will make a significant difference in the lives of young children and their families for years to come.
Getting Financially Fit With VITA—and Giving Back
Today, Kyla Thomas is setting big financial goals: she’s learning all she can about tax credits, perfecting her resume to land an internship and taking budgeting courses to help build her savings and pay off her student loans as quickly as possible.
Getting Financially Fit With VITA—and Giving Back Read More »
Integrated Care
The Village’s Integrated Care program collaborated with 14 pediatrics practices throughout Connecticut to provide high-quality in-person and telehealth behavioral health services to more than 500 clients referred by those practices. The Village’s integrated services program partnered with pediatricians to serve clients’ needs seamlessly.
Helping Families Through Holiday Spirit
Avon resident Dana Misorski and her husband David have raised more than $30,000 for The Village’s Holiday Giving Tree program, an initiative that helps provide gift cards for families in need to purchase toys, food and other necessities during the holiday season.
Helping Families Through Holiday Spirit Read More »
Meet Liza
Having already been diagnosed with cancer and grieving the loss of her mother, the COVID-19 pandemic added even more mental, physical and financial stress to Liza Huertas’ life. Struggling with postpartum depression and to pay her bills, Liza was referred to The Village and quickly got the support she needed.
Meet Billy
Struggling from the effects of the Vietnam War on his mental health, Billy connected to The Village for help. With newly regulated medicine and support through counseling and resources as part of The Village’s programs for veterans, Billy has been able to enjoy his life again.
Healthy Nutrition at The Village
Families rely on The Village to meet some or all of their children’s daily nutritional needs while also counting on us for critical mental health support.
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Leah Inspires Us With Her Journey Moving From Fear to Confidence
“I was feeling depressed and there was a lot of anxiety going on. I didn’t really love Leah. I love who I am now. If it wasn’t for The Village, I wouldn’t know what sobriety is…”
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Pauline Has Opened Her Heart and Home To 45 Children Over the Years
Pauline and Alyissa inspire us by sharing about the power of fostering.
Pauline Has Opened Her Heart and Home To 45 Children Over the Years Read More »
Adoptee Honors Mother With Endowed Fund
“My earliest recollection was that my mom was my adoptive mom,” said Connie Gavrich, “and I knew I was the center of her universe.”
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Stability With The Village’s Financial Center
Not many 28-year-old women own their own homes. But, with ambition, hard work and the help of The Village’s Financial Center, Allena and her fiancé are now ecstatic to have a place to call home.
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Foster Parents Provide Safety and Healing
“We help them heal, thrive and move forward in their lives.” Tameka Hewitt is proud of the blended family of five she and her husband Rohan have together.
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A Teen’s Life Is Transformed
“She said that I deserved all the love in the world.”
A Teen’s Life Is Transformed Read More »
Stronger Families, Stronger Futures
Parenting can be the most fulfilling and joyful role of a person’s life.
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Family To Family: The Kissane Family Fund
When Judy Kissane’s first husband passed away, she and her sons decided to start the Kissane Family Emergency Assistance Fund at The Village to honor his legacy and provide direct aid to families in crisis situations.
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From Coping To Thriving
Anyone meeting Tyler today would never suspect the challenges he has overcome in the past few years. As a young boy, Tyler was bullied. His reaction was to lash out in school, but with the help of The Village, he learned to express his feelings in a healthy way.
From Coping To Thriving Read More »
He Made It Easy To Love Him
When Dave learned about the great need for foster parents and decided to go all in. For Danny, whose mother could no longer care for him due to her struggle with addition, the timing was perfect.
He Made It Easy To Love Him Read More »
A Passion for Cars and Helping Kids
After raising a million dollars for KIDSAFE CT, an affiliate of The Village, through the KARS for KIDS program, Jerry Bundy is now “on his second million.”
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I’m the One Bringing Change Now
Genesis Martinez has known little stability growing up. When she found a safe place to land at The Village’s Alison Gill Lodge, she was able to begin her journey of hope and healing.
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Building a Community of Support for Student Success
When Jasan, a third-grader at Sarah J. Rawson school in Hartford, lost his father, he stared displaying troubling behaviors in school. Concerned, but unsure of what to do, Jasan’s mother turned to the ACT Academy for help.
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I Was Willing To Change as a Parent
When Shanthal got a call from the Department of Children and Families, she knew she needed help. She wanted to change as a parent, to deepen her connection with her children and create a more nurturing home environment. She found the help she needed at KIDSAFE CT.
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Paying It Forward
At the encouragement of her VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) tax preparer, Deborah finally becomes a homeowner, then pays it forward by becoming a VITA volunteer.
Girls Just Want To Give Back
From lemonade stands and clothing drives to American Girl Dolls…these young philanthropists are starting early to give back.
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I Know I Matter
By the time Alana Farnsworth was 12, her behavior issues were so severe that she spent time in the hospital and eventually ended up in the custody of the Department of Children and Families. Finally, she found a place to land at The Village’s Alison Gill Lodge, where she began her journey of hope and healing.
My Little Girl Is Back
When Neveah began showing behavioral problems at an early age, her mother, Tabitha, had a hard time accessing services and being taken seriously because of her own mental health issues. Then they found The Village’s Extended Day Treatment program.
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When Students Bring Trauma To School Along With Their Backpack
In addition to carrying backpacks and an enthusiasm for learning, students at Rawson elementary school in Hartford often bring unresolved issues related to traumatic experiences or constant stress. The ACT Academy aims to address trauma effectively on a school-wide level.
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Uniting Physical, Social and Emotional Health
When we are stressed, our bodies feel it. When we are sick, our minds feel it. The idea that physical, social and emotional health are connected is the driving force behind integrated care.
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Counting Words Shared Between Parents and Young Children
As every parent comes to know, their babies are like sponges – soaking up what they hear and feel from the most important people in their lives – their caregivers.
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I’m Different Now Because I Have Hope
Following a domestic violence incident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and devastated her family, Davine struggled to keep herself and her children stable. When she heard about The Village’s Family Financial Stability Initiative, “It sang to me. I was struggling financially and knew I needed to get back on track.”
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It’s Not How You Start…It’s How You End
Maria Rodriguez has overcome numerous challenges during her young life. Recently, Maria shared her story with confidence at The Village’s Girl Within Luncheon. “What I went through did not break me apart, but made me stronger,” Maria told the audience of nearly 500. “It is not how you start, but how you end.”
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Stay in School. It’s a Big Deal.
Between 5 and 7.5 million students – as much as 14 percent – are chronically absent in the United States each year. For low-income and minority students, the rate is often higher – up to 60 percent.
Stay in School. It’s a Big Deal. Read More »
A Family…not Just a Family Resource Center
Eliah, a mother of three, realizes her dream of obtaining a high school diploma.
A Family…not Just a Family Resource Center Read More »
I’m Finally Able To Be Happy
Rachel Bailey, now a student at Post University, talks about her struggle with depression and the program at The Village that finally helped her.
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A Message of Hope
A former runaway and high school dropout, Mia Fontaine survived childhood sexual abuse and is now a Georgetown University graduate, bestselling author and national speaker.
Tyler’s Story
A victim of bullying, Tyler began acting out in school. The Village’s Extended Day Treatment program helped him cope with tough feelings and get back on track.
A Legacy of Love
Cynthia Godfrey’s loving husband of 54 years, Loren, and her many friends and family members are keeping her legacy alive through a fund at The Village.
Mostly – and Almost Always – I Don’t Have Anxiety Anymore
With help from a team of professionals at The Village and his caring mom, 10-year-old Sebastian learns effective ways to deal with anxiety and other challenges.
Mostly – and Almost Always – I Don’t Have Anxiety Anymore Read More »
A Foster Father Provides Love, Security and Consistency
When Eddie and his wife divorced and he found himself alone a lot of the time, he reached out to The Village to become a foster parent.
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I Made My Way Out of a Very Dark Tunnel
A year and a half ago, Erica Rusczyk would never have imagined that she would be standing before an audience of 400 women and men at the Hartford Marriott telling them her turbulent and potentially tragic emotional journey.
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Helping a Family Move Forward
With a loving mom, great teachers, and her own space, a young child thrives.
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Scholarships and Support Help Young Women Succeed
“Seeing Carolyn graduate made me realize how our combined work is worthwhile,”
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Parents Find New Ways To Build Stronger Relationships With Their Children
Like many parents, Jose Pratts sometimes lost his temper when his children acted up. Then, Jose and his wife, Zulma, found a program that offers support and information for families with children up to age 12.
Parents Find New Ways To Build Stronger Relationships With Their Children Read More »
With an Active Dad, a Family Is Stronger
Demetrius Chamblee was raised by his grandparents, until his grandfather passed away when he was 14. With help from a Village program, Demetrius was able to put the lessons he learned from his grandfather into practice with his own son.
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Financially Stable
The Family Financial Stability Initiative is helping Hartford women effectively manage their finances and achieve financial goals.
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Separated From Her Family, Young Teen Finds a New Support Network
“Miss Kizzy taught me that I can make something of myself,” said Zicalya. “In order to fulfill my dreams, I have to finish school.”
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Foster Child Welcomed With Open Arms By His New Family
Jordan Cuffy doesn’t like to talk about his past − at least the part before his life with Odell Martin. Jordan joined Odell’s family as her foster child when he was 10 years old.
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Former Actress Helps Girls Achieve Their Dreams
Linda Carlson is a successful actress and writer, but to several young women in the Greater Hartford area, she is known for helping them realize their dreams.
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Before Problems Escalate
The mid-level development assessment – or MLDA – is helping kids like Christian receive services before problems escalate.
Before Problems Escalate Read More »
Enriching Lives Through Volunteering
“Ms. Firestone’s generosity has provided these kids with a safe place where they can extend their learning after school.”
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Improving School Attendance
As a sixth-grader, Allen missed over 40 days of school. After help from the truancy court prevention program, he missed only one day.
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