TPOP Community Navigator: Ivan Nunez

I worked with a student who was truant due to language barriers and personal challenges, including the loss of his mother and his sibling being held at a refugee camp in TX. Despite the difficulties, his father, an immigrant, was engaged and eager to participate in our program. I was able to enroll the student at Desert Pines and arrange for classes tailored to his language needs. In addition, the father asked if I could assist with contacting the refugee camp, as his sibling was underage and needed help enrolling in school. I took immediate action by faxing my credentials to the administration at the refugee camp, explaining who I was and my intention to help with the enrollment. The administration verified my information and successfully sent the necessary paperwork to reunite the sibling with the family in NV. This experience was a reminder of the significant impact we can have in overcoming barriers and supporting families through complex situations.

TPOP Community Navigator: Yessika Acosta      

Dominique was referred to TPOP with 15 absences since the start of the school year. Dominique’s mother told Yessika that Dominique is very withdrawn and has thoughts of becoming a homeless teen rather than attending online school.  Mom said she was exasperated and has tried many things to help her daughters well being including taking Dominique to therapy and attending parent classes.  Mom was very eager to do whatever it took to prevent Dominique from turning to the streets. Yessika referred the family to the Shining Stars program and suggested putting Dominique in a public school rather than remain in the charter school. Mom quickly enrolled Dominique into the public High School zoned for their residence by the name of Western High School.  A check on attendance has proved extremely successful and Dominique has not been absent since enrolling.  Yessika has been doing weekly checks on the family and Mom was happy to report that their mother / daughter relationship has vastly improved and was very appreciative for the Shining Stars program and TPOP.