Who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going…
THE
HISTORY
The Winooski Parents and Student (WPS) Project rose from the advocacy of parents and students with multicultural and ethnic backgrounds who were requesting school bus services for students attending the Winooski School District. Our grassroots initiative is led and managed by immigrants, refugees, and New Americans from Nepali, Somali, Swahili, Arabic, Kirundi, Spanish, Burmese speaking communities, and others.
We give the most disadvantaged community members the
opportunity to harness their fair share of power and resources to re-establish equity practices, processes, and policies within the local education and socio-economic system.
The WPS project has assisted community members with case
management support, advocacy, cultural brokers, interpretation services, and referral assistance. The project is providing support to limited English proficient ethnic community members who are facing eviction, lack of affordable housing, medical/dental appointments referrals, financial assistance, issues with electricity/phone bills, driving license
procedures, identification, documentation, legal status, asylum information, legal aid referrals, work related issues, transportation, school registration, and other common challenges.
A large portion of the funds awarded to this effort has been dedicated to purchasing supplies, sport, sensory equipment and other materials. We use cutting-edge technology to promote physical activity while connecting mind and body. These resources are are currently being used in the only Multicultural Community space in Winooski at the O’Brien Center, geared towards engaging youth and families in the most diverse and low-income communities.
THE MISSION
THE VISION
We aim to support marginalized, underserved, underrepresented, and low-income community members and help them leverage their fair share the resources in the community, by promoting policy advocacy and systemic & structural reform. With WSP, parents and students can foster their skills, and access opportunities to benefit themselves and their ethnic groups. Their voices are integral to all decision-making, and WSP is committed to practice community organizing that engages those we serve. Community members are empowered by accessing capacity building programs, educational workshops, leadership training sessions and opportunities such as management positions with direct involvement and compensation in the project.
The WPS project represents a living example of a non-hierarchical, non-imperialistic, anti-oppressive model, and organizational structure that promotes unity, social justice, and authentic democracy. This initiative is gives the most disadvantaged community members the opportunity to harness their fair share of power and resources to re-establish balance and equity practices within their local education and socio-economic systems.
