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In the News
Parent Villages is proud to have been featured on live television, radio segments, and articles. We have also received grant awards and collaborated with partnering agencies. See below!
MOVA Awards $2.3M to Culturally Specific Victim Services in Western Massachusetts
Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)
The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) has awarded $2,389,303 to five victim service agencies that are led by and support communities of color in Western Massachusetts. The initial contracts, supported through the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), each began on August 1, 2022, and will last through June 30, 2024, spanning state fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
Mass Live News
Springfield community groups work to collect and distribute school supplies for families.
Ayanna Crawford, owner of the public speaking program Take the Mic, is collaborating with organizations, such as Mental Clinical Service Listening with Love, non-profit organization Parent Villages, Kidsland and art studio EBZStudio, to host community events at which donated school supplies will be distributed.
Mass Live News
"Parent Villages continues to support the community with diverse and innovative initiatives."
Keeping the children and families of the community in mind for a better tomorrow, the non-profit organization Parent Villages, founded in 2018 by Springfield School Committee member LaTonia Monroe Naylor, has created a series of initiatives in favor of all the western Massachusetts families, especially Springfield families.
Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts
Parent Villages is the proud recipient of the
Young Women's Initiative 2020 Grant!
Thank WFWM/YWI for entrusting us with the "Task Force: School to Prison Pipeline" grant, to work to confront and mitigate the school to prison pipeline for girls in Springfield.
To apply for the join the next YWI cohort visit https://www.mywomensfund.org/ywi-2020-apps/
To learn more about the WFWM visit https://www.mywomensfund.org/
Parent Villages is the esteemed 2020 recipient of the C-3 Public Safety Initiative & Community Engagement Award
Thank you to the Mason Square C-3 Committee for entrusting us with this grant to continue our work with the youth in the Mason Square area.
Mason Square C-3 Community Engagement
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Board Chair LaTonia Monroe Naylor named one of the 2020 Unsung Heroines of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts!
Her response: "What an honor!!! I have been volunteering and serving my community since I was 16 years old. I have never done anything for recognition but simply because I love my community and our city. Thank you Rep. González for presenting me with this award as an Unsung Heroine of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I love you Springfield and will continue to serve you the best way I know how. "
Parent Villages 1st #ShowUp Rally Cry
Thursday, July 2, 2020, at Springfield City Hall
The Rally Cry was planned within a few hours and notices went out for support the next day. When you #ShowUp that means #stayingtogether - the rally was step one to the next actionable steps in protecting our children. School Committeewoman & Parent Villages CEO LaTonia Monroe Naylor (right) led the event.
In attendance: Mike Borecki / Springfield Red Sox / New North Citizens’ Council & Good Vibes Program / Academic Leadership Association LLC / Enmotion Ministry / Divine Faith Ministries / Holy Redeemer Cathedral / Caring Health Center, Inc. / Families Against Violence / MORE Inspiring Change Fighting for Justice / The CREW & Black Men of Greater Springfield / African Diaspora Mental Health Association / Black Liberation Alliance / Young Scholars Academy / Roca / City of Springfield Councilors Jesse Lederman & Adam Gomez, Sr / School Committeewoman Denise Hurst / City of Springfield, MA, Mayor Sarno & Commissioner Cheryl Claprood, Chief of Staff Tom Ashe, Diversity Officer Attorney Talia Gee / State Representatives Bud Williams & Gonzalez / Guest Clergy and so many mothers, fathers, and citizens.
1 Million Meals Served Celebration at Boland Elementary School
Parent Villages (former) CEO Lakisha Coppedge, one of our primary VEM mask sewers Pastor Eugenia Finnell, and community leaders celebrate the dedication of providing meals 7 days a week since the on-set of COVID-19. Parent Villages was in attendance and recognized for the VEM partnership of providing face-coverings at meal sites. Parent Villages' VEM initiative provided additional face-coverings at the celebration.
Village Engagement Matters:
partnership with SPS, Sodexo, & Home-Grown
Article: "Leading With Gratitude," by Lora Wonolowski, Executive Director at Leadership Pioneer Valley
Lora expressed her thanks to Parent Villages, Inc, Board President, LaTonia Monroe Naylor, LEAP ’16, for highlighting the work of fellow LEAP '16 alumna Lakisha Coppedge, who is the Parent Villages, Inc., CEO. "Lakisha is leading a newly formed organization Parent Villages, Inc. She is working to help school families during this time of distress."
This article by Lora with quotes from LaTonia highlights the impactful work at Parent Villages, Inc. and the servant leaders who give from their hearts daily! Many thanks to the amazing and life-changing work and leadership building at Leadership Pioneer Valley.
UMass Amherst with Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts
March 2020 Virtual Road Trip!
Parent Villages (former) CEO Lakisha Coppedge was invited to be a guest speaker on the UMASS Amherst / Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts Virtual Road Trip. Lakisha spoke about her journey to her current position and the amazing and impactful work she does at Parent Villages.
Every year students at the UMass Amherst School of Public Policy take part in a series of professional development trips to connect with alumni and other professionals in policy and public affairs fields.
Education Matters January 2020 Radio Monthly Update
Springfield event to get more families involved in education
Board President LaTonia Monroe Naylor was a speaker at this event. Watch!
https://www.masslive.com/news/2018/01/springfield_slates_event_to_ge.html