A Mom talks about her family’s rewarding partnership with Partners For Success®
Carissa Rutz, 360 Communities Family Support Worker, shared her story about Eric’s progress. At a meeting with Eric’s mom, Rutz found out that the family had run out of money before payday and she also learned that Eric’s reading level was much lower than his classmates, testing two full years behind.
Rutz picked up and delivered an emergency food shelf order to get the family through and she also enrolled Eric in the free breakfast program at school.
Rutz and Eric’s mom created a Family Learning Plan to improve Eric’s progress. Today, Eric’s reading has improved by two grade levels and he is now right on track with his classmates!
360 Communities sat down with Eric’s mom, Amy, to learn about her experience working with our Family Support Worker, Rutz. Amy commented:
“Carissa made school fun for Eric. He enjoys school now.”
 How would you describe your first experience with Carissa?
Mom I was at one time afraid to ask for help, but Carissa reached out to me. I thought Carissa was a really kind, caring and compassionate person. She talked to me and did not make me feel bad that my child didn’t read to his level.
Can you describe your relationship with Carissa? How has it evolved over time?
Mom She emails me all the time to ask how we are doing and if we need anything. She seems to look for Eric to ask how he is doing and if he is reading.
How has Carissa’s relationship with your family helped Eric?
Mom Eric looks up to her in so many ways. I still have a contract that we all signed to get him to read for 30 minutes everyday. Every time he says he doesn’t want to read, I remind him of the contract and he says “ok, for Carissa I will.”
What has changed at home to prepare Eric for school each day?
Mom To practice spelling, I have Eric write out the words 5 times each one day and we do a pretest another day. There are times when he gets frustrated with the words, but together we sound out the words and learn them.
What would happen if Carissa had not reached out to you?
Mom I think that Eric would not be getting better with his reading. He would still be reading below his grade level.
What are Eric’s goals and your continued family goals?
Mom Increase his vocabulary and math skills with flash cards and reading everyday for an hour. As a family I am going to have one hour of no TV a day on the weekends. We are going to read books, magazines or newspapers.
Could you describe in your words what Carissa’s role is in your life and in Eric’s life?
Mom Carissa is a blessing in my life. I don’t think my life would be the same. I have told her many times that I think that she is an angel for everything that she has done.
What would you say to someone in a similar situation about Partners For Success®?
Mom Help is out there. Do not be afraid to contact your school or teacher if you think your child or children needs some extra help. Also when times are tough, there are
people who will help the whole family.
Some names have been changed for privacy purposes.
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