MAGAZINE
Sponsored by Community Connections of Brockton in alliance with United Way of Greater Plymouth County
SOUTH SHORE
Spring 2022
COMMUNITY
Table of Contents
The Rathbun Family lives in Brockton. Meet Logan age 12, Dakota age 10, Amelia age 7, and Delilah age 2. The Rathbun's love spending time outside and seeing their family. They enjoy going to new places and meeting new people. This past year they were able to take their very first trip to Disney which they will remember forever! Their mother Kristie maintains her craft page Colour Magick by Kristie with the help of her eldest daughter Dakota. Colour Magick by Kristie donated items to this year's Leadership Conference.
Faith Page 24 - Baby Dust Creative Pieces Page 28 - Dystopian Classic Local Small Business Directory Page 30 South Shore Community Magazine Virtual Resource Guide Page 31 Additional Resources Page 32 - Family Resource Center Information Page 35 - Eviction Diversion Page 36 - HIP/SNAP Page 37 - Talking with Youth About Vaping
Meet the Rathbun Family
Introduction Page 1 - About Our Cover Photo Page 1 - Upcoming Events and Opportunities Page 2 - Do You Know About Us? Page 3 - Note from the Editorial Team Page 3 - Get Involved Resiliency Library Page 4 South Shore Leadership Conference Page 5 Spring Activities Page 8 Ongoing Family Activities Page 9
Education Page 10 - TAG: You're It! Page 11 - The After - School Effect Featured Article Page 12- Join us for the 11th Annual South Shore Leadership Conference! Health and Wellness Page 15 - Take the First Step Community Spotlight Page 16 Safe Spaces Page 18 - Roads Caring Adults Page 20 - Getting Ready for Baby Opportunities to Serve Page 22 - Unity: The Avengers Page 23 - Welcoming Our New Staff
South Shore Community Magazine and Leadership Conference Monthly Zoom Meeting - Monday April 4th, 2021 | ZOOM 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm | To register, please email Kasey.dean@ccbrockton.org Eviction Diversion - Services available for for those unable to attend their virtual hearing and facing eviction due to non-payment of rent regarding COVID-19 - Call the Family Center at 508-857-0272 Resiliency Library -The Plymouth County Resiliency Library and Book Buddy program provide access to a variety of children's books covering a range of topics that help guide children in their social-emotional learning. Free books for all ages! Family Support Services with SABURA | February to June 2022 | Mondays through Thursdays 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Program will be CLOSED when Brockton Public Schools is Closed | See Flyer for information Family to Family 8 Week Program | Beginning March 9th | register, contact either Sandra at sl_braga@yahoo.com Or Ellen at Ellenf.nami@gmail.com Meeting Them Where They Are | April 6 - June 15th | 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm | Email to register BrewsterJ.edu@gmail.com Want your community program or event featured here? Email Kasey.dean@ccbrockton.org a flyer and ask to be featured! We also accept advertisements!
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Upcoming Events, Resources, & Opportunities
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Parenting skills workshops Nurturing Fathers Parenting Journey Grandparents Raising Again Family Events & Activities Playgroups Child Requiring Assistance Diversion Help with accessing other services (Culturally diverse, multi-lingual staff) Drug Endangered Children's Initiative
Interested in how to participate? There are many ways to get involved for any time, schedule, and/or interest! Here are some ways: Articles and Art! Articles are important to the magazine. We are always looking for new voices- youth, adults, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, coaches, etc. If you are reading this, we would love to hear your voice! We love featuring art of all types- drawings, paintings, poetry and so on. Let your light shine! Advertise! The magazine is fully non-profit. Calling all business owners, entrepreneurs, and people having events! Support this magazine and your local community! Our advertisers make the magazine thrive. With more ads comes more ability for us to provide more resources. Join a meeting! The volunteers meeting for the magazine is the first Monday of every month from 6:30-7:30pm. Currently we are meeting virtually only through Zoom. Submit your Pic! Each issue of the magazine, we feature a family on the cover. We are beautiful communities made up of lots of amazing families! Why not yours? Got magazines? If you don't see the magazine in your area, let us know! We distribute to businesses, doctors' offices, barber shops. and other community places. Celebrate Champions! Nominate someone for our Community Spotlight. If you know a person or organization who is going above and beyond in your community, let us know! We would love to highlight them! Email: Kasey.dean@ccbrockton.org with any questions or inquiries! Submissions are welcome year round! Welcome to the South Shore Community Magazine Family!
Do you know about us?
GET INVOLVED
Hello South Shore! As we shimmy into Spring, South Shore Magazine Committee wants to remind you to be safe as we enjoy all the upcoming activities, events, and changes. This edition focuses in on the beauty of Unity, important issues at hand we can learn more about, as well as holds some interesting information you may have not yet known! Please remember to be safe, follow the updated health and safety guidelines, and ensure you are following the best practices for you and your family. Please enjoy this edition, and as usual, feel free to submit content, pictures, resources, and more for future editions. Dance in the rain, smell the flowers, and enjoy the fresh air! Thank you, SSCM Editorial Team
We serve 28 communities on the South Shore. Our staff is compromised of our Director, Program Manager, School Liaison, Community Resource Specialist and Administrative Assistant. Language capacity includes English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Cape Verdean Creole. We help families navigate child serving systems through information, education and/or referrals. For more information, call us at (508) 857-0272 Community Connections of Brockton engages the public, community agencies and community members in efforts to strengthen families and build stronger, healthier communities. By sharing ideas, knowledge, skills and training community members have the potential to become community champions. Building stronger, healthier communities requires leadership; leadership that is grown within a given community. The first step is to get involved with your community. Please make sure to become a fan of The Family Center at www.volunteersouthcoast.org If you would like more information about programming offered by the United Way of Greater Plymouth County The Family Center, call The Family Center at (508) 857-0272 or email Kasey.dean@ccbrockton.org
We're here with you in these everchanging times of this global pandemic. We're working remotely to continuously make sure we're serving our communities well. Please email us @maria.brennan@ccbrockton.org with questions, conceerns, referrals and need for support.
The Family Center offers parenting programs, support groups, information and referral resources, assessment services, early childhood services and education programs from families with children ages 0 to 18. We also have specific services for families with children who may be frequently absent or have problems at school, have problems at home, have run away from home, or are being exploited
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A Note From the Editorial Team
"Penelope Perfect" Written by Shannon Anderson Illustrated by Katie Kath
"Uniquely Wired" Written by Julia Cook Illustrated by Anita Dufalla
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Join us on the Plymouth County Resiliency Library! This free online resource connects kids, caregivers, educators, and other professionals with a free digital library. Access titles that focus on social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and other behavioral health topics in non-fiction and fiction form. Suitable for ages 0-100, there is something for everyone. Sign up today!
Dean Designs is an umbrella name for Creations by Kasey, C&C Customs, and Colour Magick by Kristie. Between the three companies, they are sure to have what you need or can refer you to someone who does!
“SABURA” is Cabo Verdean Kriolu for fun! It’s the joy you feel at seeing a loved one or experiencing your passion. We serve over 160 families in Brockton, MA including youth from diverse immigrant families—with a majority from Cabo Verde, and others from the Caribbean and Africa. Our parent group will offer year-round programs and training for adult family members.
The Brockton CFCE program serves families with children from Birth-School age.Together, we help families find accessto comprehensive services and supports.
Thank you to... Pinnacle Partnerships for their donations of: aluminum water bottle, Vaccine card holder, pop socket, a Stomp Out Covid t-shirt, PPE (masks/sanitizer), and at home COVID test kits. CFCE for their donations of: Children's take-home bags with books Love and Light LLC for their donations of: Love and Light bracelets SABURA for their donations of: Literacy bag and basket Kennedy's Kreations for their donations of: Printed pouch and keychain Creations by Kasey for their donations of: 2 Handpainted Spring Wooden Signs C&C Customs for their donation of: Love and Hope Scrabble Tiles Colour Magick by Kristie: for their donations of: Dr. Seuss Hairbows and Rainbow Wristlet Dean Designs for their donation of: Dean Designs Gift Basket
Pinnacle Partnerships envisions a world in which the mental health infrastructure serving youth, families, and their communities are in direct alignment with both anticipated and identified needs.
C&C Customs is a small business that does a variety of things, from crafting with a cricut to wood-burning and making shirts, coasters, cups, mugs, tote-bags, and more. C&C Customs not only donated items to this year's conference, but also made the Community Spotlight Awards!
Not all items are pictured. Join us at the conference to see the items for the giveaway!
Love and Light is a non-profit organization born in the heat of the pandemic that supports small businesses while giving proceeds to causes in need. Love & Light merchandise is made by collaborating with businesses in order to give a portion of proceeds to Lights In The Dark Foundation-which helps causes in need.
A BIG thank you to these businesses, organizations, and individuals for donating items for this year's South Shore Leadership Conference! Check out their websites and pages here!
Kennedy's Kreations is a small business with many talents! Some things Kennedy has to offer includes: tote bags, resin items, pet collar tags, keychains, cups, and more!
A BIG thank you to these businesses, organizations, and individuals for donating items for this year's South Shore Leadership Conference! Register for the conference for a chance to win these items HERE
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Creations by Kasey is a small business that is passionate about attention to detail and providing clients with handmade gifts or custom designs at an affordable price. Creations by Kasey makes: custom denim jackets, wallets, paintings, signs, signing canvases, pinatas, paints windows, and more. Creations by Kasey is also your go-to for advertising whether it be creating an ad or designing business cards!
Colour Magick by Kristie is a small business that makes a variety of items - from bows and wristlets to decorate bathroom sets and keychains - Colour Magick by Kristie has a large selection to choose from!
Brockton Public Library Museum Passes Program Museum passes are available only at some locations due to coronavirus restrictions.Several locations require patrons to schedule the time of arrival online, but will accept the passes from the library.Call 508-894-1407 or check the museum pass reservation page for details on individual passes. The Massachusetts Cultural Council, Brockton Cultural Council, and Brockton Public Library sponsor a museum pass program for adult Brockton Public Library cardholders with library records in good standing. Patrons must have a valid Brockton library card in order to check out the passes.Passes may be reserved at the Main Library up to two months in advance. We recommend that patrons wishing to reserve a pass for a high demand time, such as a weekend, school vacation, or summertime, call as early as possible.The library offers one pass per day to each museum.The pass may be picked up at the Main Library the day before or the day of the reservation.Passes are for 24 hours ($1.00 late fee per day and $25 replacement fee when applicable). Only one pass may be taken by a patron on a given day. Directions and other information are available at the circulation desk of the Main library. Battleship Cove, Fall River - Reduced price for 2 adults and 2 children Buttonwood Park Zoo - Free admission for 4 people. The Children's Museum, Easton - Admits 4 people at half price. Edaville, Carver - Admits 2 people free. Fuller Craft Museum- Admits 2 people free. The Hall at Patriot Place - Admits 2 people. Heritage Museum and Gardens, Sandwich - Half price for 2 adults and 4 children. Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation - Free parking in over 50 of the State Parks. National Black Doll Museum - Admits up to 5 people.Located in Mansfield. Providence Children's Museum - Half price admission for up to 4 people. Roger William's Park Zoo - Admits 4 with a $3.00 discount Sandwich Glass Museum - Admits up to 5 people.Regular admission Adults $10.00 Children $2.00 USS Constitution Museum - Boston, Pass admits up to 9 people.
Collected by Magalie Pinney
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Spring Activities
Things to Do Indoors Spring Cleaning Donate old clothes, toys, and books Rearrange your house or office Start an herb garden Reorganize your cabinets Pick up a new hobby Paint your walls Start a book club Join a club or organization Visit local museums Begin a diary or scrapbook Make a list of books you want to read Make a list of things you want to do and places you want to see
Ongoing Family Activities
Things to Do Outdoors Go Hiking Plant a Garden Go on a Nature Walk Explore Local Parks Take up photography Volunteer in the community Visit a local farm Plan a trip somewhere you havent been before Plant grass Start a neighborhood book or food library Visit or have a yard sale Run a lemonade stand to raise money for non-profit organizations Organize a fundraiser for a community organization or volunteer your time Enjoy the fresh air!
Ask anyone, no one ever wants to be “it”. Whoever’s “it” runs harder, must be more aware of their surroundings, and has more objectives. The payoff doesn’t seem to be worth it either… there’s no guarantee of a win. That’s the same feedback I heard last year after my child was invited to Brockton’s T.A.G. program. Towards the end of 3rd grade, she and other high-achieving classmates were asked to attend an informational meeting. At that meeting, parents were introduced to the Talented and Gifted program. Students in the program would have to attend the Angelo School, located in a high-crime area plagued by drugs and gun violence. This could mean travelling further from home and being separated from siblings. They’d be subject to a more rigorous curriculum and held to a higher standard of behavior. At the end of the year, all students in Brockton Public Schools come home with the same piece of paper: a report card. Why, oh why, would a parent subject their child to TAG? The students whispered among themselves, sharing rumors of more homework and classes that aren’t fun. It seemed like punishment. But I knew better... I was a “TAG kid” at the Whitman School here in Brockton beginning in 1997 in Mrs Sullivan’s 4th grade class. We were challenged, and we absorbed more and learned far more than the state’s minimum curriculum standards. We were engaged, and therefore tended to misbehave less, both in the classroom and out. We went on to take more advanced classes in high school and position ourselves for success in college. Today’s TAG program pushes the envelope and goes a step above. TAG students all attend the same school and share in the community of learning. In other words, it’s ok to be a bookworm and engage in STEM activities instead of what the media pushes upon them. They are able to act as role models for other students and discourage the bystander effect. It becomes rewarding to accept others and look forward to school… and it’s ok to tell a grown up when things don’t seem right. We don’t spend exhausting hours doing homework. Instead, her assignments are more meaningful and call for more creativity and critical thinking instead of hurriedly filling in blanks on a worksheet. My child is more resilient and mature for having participated in emergency drills, is a better leader when crisis happens, and can help guide others in effective decision-making. She is empowered by belonging. TAG, You’re it. I’m personally rallying you to TAG someone else with knowledge.
The After-School Effect By Christopher Bazile
Chris Bazile is an achieved individual. Christopher obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bridgewater State University on July 31st, 2021. He completed 3.5 years at Massasoit Community College in Brockton; receiving his associate degree, and then he transferred to BSU and stayed there for 2.5 years. Christopher’s transfer process from MCC to BSU was a smooth and wise transition. At BSU he majored in Communications and minored in Psychology. He did well at BSU being deeply attentive on his assignments and having strong care for his professors. He finished BSU with a 3.29 GPA. Now speaking in present-time, Christopher works in a group home in Brockton to aid, nourish, and discipline preteens. He’s been working in this group home since last May, and this occupation came from his psychology minor. Christopher appreciates this job, and it comes with a lot of maturity and responsibility. Mr. Bazile wants to be a sports broadcaster/commentator, that is the career he pursued with his Communications major. He’s in internships and sporting programs to extend and network his future. Chris Bazile is living comfortably after-school feeling no pressure on assignments and tests. Christopher loves exercising, being faithful, playing sports, watching sports, playing card games, hanging out with friends, video games, music, and fashion. He has more freedom and time on his hands for those hobbies after completing college. Christopher is looking forward on going back to BSU for his master’s degree ASAP.to stretch his knowledge and outspread opportunities to make more money. To sum up, Christopher’s advice to others within this same situation is to work hard, stay dedicated, and believe in your aspirations.
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Education
TAG: You're it! By Tracy A. Lopes
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Last year, for the first time ever, we went virtual. In the midst of the pandemic, we wanted to ensure we could host our conference while also being safe during new and unusual times. Advisories have changed back and forth and we were unsure whether we wanted to try for an in-person conference, or follow after last year’s example and have another virtual conference. Our 10thAnnual South Shore Leadership Conference last year was a major hit. We were able to pull in many people and successfully implement our vision in new, uncharted waters. We had 8 presentations in addition to our keynote speaker, and were so excited to share this event not just with the people within Plymouth County, but available to everyone. We decided to air on the side of caution and hold another virtual conference, but we have high hopes that we will be able to be back in person again next year! This year, the hunt for speakers began and we received an amazing assortment of new individuals in which were willing to share their stories and wisdom with the community. We have workshops for individuals and families alike – and look forward to using this year’s experience as stepping stones for the future. Not only have we updated our virtual resource guide, but we have connected the South Shore Community Magazine to the South Shore Leadership Conference in a new and unique way – now bringing last year’s Community Spotlight members together and inviting them as special guest to this year’s conference where they will receive a Community Spotlight Award Certificate and Plaque. Last year’s 2021 Community Spotlight members are: My Brother’s Keeper Lovern Gordon and Love Life Now Lady C&J Café Gregory Fernandes and the Rose Conservatory The following presentations will be held at this year’s conference: Keynote Speaker: Sydne Marrow – Between You and the Why; Building CommUnitY Pinnacle Partnerships – Finding Wellbeing in Pandemic Times Tiffany Payne; Mother, Advocate, Speaker – From Homelessness to Entrepeneur Gregory Fernandes – The Rose Conservatory Alan McCall – Father Bills and MainSpring Hero in U Team – Use Teamwork and Unity to Accomplish Any Goal Dennis Carman – Effective Public Speaking for Your Cause SABURA Youth Programs Inc. and Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) – Positive Parenting We will begin our South Shore Leadership Conference with a history of the conference and the South Shore Community Magazine followed by introductions from Workshop Presenters and Family Center Staff. Then, we will thank our 4 Community Spotlight Nominees from 2021 and present them with their awards! The keynote speaker will present, followed by jumping into workshop breakout rooms. Each workshop will be held live with time for Q&A. We will close out the conference with discussion about the workshops, then spin a wheel of attendee’s names to win the prizes donated by individuals, organizations, and small businesses! You MUST be on the conference to claim your prize! See pages 6 and 7 for prizes offered. The first 50 attendees who register and stay on for the entire conference will receive a $15 UBEREATS code! We are so excited to share this year’s conference with you all and hope to virtually see you there! With the help of Marshfield Community Television, we are also live streaming the introduction and keynote presentation on the UWGPC Facebook and Youtube! We want to give a HUGE shoutout to this year’s speakers, last year’s Community Spotlight Members, MCTV, and also to SABURA, for helping us to plan and develop this year’s conference! Without our community, we could not do the amazing things we do for the individuals and families we serve! Remember, stay positive, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and keep learning from those around you because knowledge is irreplaceable! Do you want to know more about the South Shore Leadership Conference? Would you like to nominate a Community Spotlight member, suggest or be a speaker for next year, or learn how you can get involved? Simply email Kasey.dean@ccbrockton.org to find out more!
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Featured Article
Join us for the 11th Annual South Shore Leadership Conference!
Take the First Step
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If you or a loved one want to quit smoking, vaping, or using tobacco or nicotine products, the Massachusetts’ Quitline for tobacco/nicotine (1-800-QUIT-NOW) can help. 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) is available for FREE coaching to support you through quitting. No lectures. No judgments. Just support. You can connect with the Quitline online, too, at [http://about:blank/]mass.gov/quitting. When you’re ready to take the first step to quit nicotine, 1-800-QUIT-NOW will connect you to a FREE coach who is ready to support you. They’ll help you develop a quit plan that works for you, identify triggers, plan out your day without nicotine and manage withdrawals. They’ll offer email and text support to help you stay on track. In addition, there is a dedicated Spanish line (1-855-DÉJELO-YA) and interpreter services available for 200 other languages. 1-800-QUIT-NOW also offers FREE medicine to help you quit like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges, and advises on the best way to use them. If you are pregnant and want to quit smoking, vaping or using other tobacco, 1-800-QUIT-NOW has a FREE program for you. 1-800-QUIT-NOW is offering up to $65 on a Mastercard gift card to Massachusetts residents who are pregnant and participate in its FREE coaching services. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit [http://about:blank/]mass.gov/quitting for help. You can receive up to 9 coaching calls with the same quit coach as well as text messages, email support and materials. You can take the first step toward a nicotine-free life by speaking with a FREE trained quit coach on the phone or online. No lectures. No judgments at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). For more information, contact Mary Cole at the Greater Boston Tobacco-Free Community Partnership, mcole@baystatecs.org or 617-777-5229.
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Health and Wellness
Community Spotlight
Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Leaders Introducing Brockton Day Nursery and Executive Director, Benita Smith
Celebrating Beloved Children's Author Dr. Seuss' Birthday with Dr. Seuss week!
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Meet the fearless leader of Brockton Day Nursery, Benita Smith! Benita is the Executive Director of Brockton Day Nursery. Brockton Day Nursery is located at 243 Crescent Street in Brockton, next to the Adult Learning Center and across from the Joseph Plouffe Academy. Its existence began in 1894 and has been operating since. Brockton Day Nursery is a large childcare center licensed for 199 children, infant through school age (ages 0-8). There are over 50 staff including Benita as the Executive Director. Benita is joyful to have an assistant director and program coordinator to help with the many administrative tasks that come from running such a large center. Brockton Day Nursery is involved in numerous initiatives and partners with various organizations to focus on their families first – including the Early Head Start program. The Early Head Start program is one of the unique programs affiliated with Brockton Day Nursery. Serving infants and toddlers ages 6 weeks to 2 years and 9 months, Head Start (typically serving 2.9 and up with a location on Howard Street in Brockton) works with centers to provide families with everything they may need including resources, materials, and even basic needs. Brockton Day Nursery is able to provide classrooms with new and updated materials, furniture, and environmental must haves while also providing not only breakfast, snack, and lunch for the children, but also providing diapers, wipes, and even infant formula. This is all thanks to Early Head Start. When the program first came to Brockton Day Nursery, they completely re-did the infant-toddler program and renovated the classrooms. They were broken down and rebuilt from the bottom. While the classrooms were getting renovated, teachers were being trained. Teachers are provided with various professional development opportunities while also given time to meet as a team weekly to ensure each classroom is running smoothly. Teachers are not the only ones given opportunity for development. Brockton Day Nursery also offers parent workshops and trainings to help in all areas of parenting. Brockton Day Nursery follows Creative Curriculum to design and implement activities for all children. They are also partnered with the Boys and Girls Club as well as Brockton Public Schools to try to provide all they can for the children and families. Using Teaching Strategies Gold to conduct their observations of children as well as complete progress reports, Brockton Day Nursery focuses on Kindergarten readiness and enrichment while also providing classrooms with lots of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) incorporated into daily play. Each classroom within Brockton Day Nursery has a liaison that works with all children to ensure developmental needs and delays receive full support to help children get to where they need to be, also focusing on challenging the children who are thriving to create a love for learning that can continue throughout schooling. Brockton Day Nursery also partners with Massasoit Community College to fulfill internship practicum requirements for Early Childhood Education and Administration degree programs, allowing for extra support within the classrooms. Benita has been at Brockton Day Nursery for almost 35 years coming this November. At first, she started off part time in 1987. There were 2 buildings and 8 classrooms, and Benita was in charge of coordinating the breakfast and snacks for the children. At this time, Benita was going to school to become a police officer. During her second year of schooling, Benita began to question her path. Did she really want to be a police officer? Having been a foster child, Benita had always wanted to give back in some way. Her drive to do better for others was strong, but she was unsure how to satiate it. Having her son enrolled at Brockton Day Nursery, Benita had loved the atmosphere while dropping him off and picking him up. When an assistant teacher position opened up, Benita was happy to take it. She began as an assistant teacher on November 9th. Because she was teaching with Brockton Day Nursery, it gave her a chance to get her degree. She picked up courses here and there at Massasoit as they were offered free to teachers in the field. Finally, in 1997, Benita graduated with her associates in Early Childhood Education from Massasoit Community College. Benita proceeded to further her education, obtaining a Bachelors degree from Nazarene college and then down the line, her master’s degree. Benita has 5 children ages 21 to 43, 2 of which she adopted after fostering. Benita has been nominated as a community spotlight by various people, and we have been very excited to interview her and find out more about her and the work she does. In her words “It can be challenging sometimes but the outcome, how well we get to know the families, the children, and being able to provide what they need, educate them, and keep them safe - is everything. It’s a job I love to go to. There is not a single day I can ever say ‘I don’t want to go to work’. The glass is always half full.” From the South Shore Community Magazine: Thank you Benita, you are a true community hero for your endless work with children and families both independently and professionally! Thank you Brockton Day Nursery, for being a steady, consistent staple in the Brockton Community and for providing quality care to generations of children and always aiming to do better!
Roads By Magalie A. Pinney
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Safe Spaces
I remember the first time I read Robert Frost’s, “The Road Not Taken.” I was in high school and my English literary teacher’s name was Robert McEwan, RIP. His reading of this poem mesmerized me for some reason. Perhaps it was the manner by which my teacher discussed this poem afterward? It was more of a monologue with him speaking and seemingly no one else in my class, namely my peers, listening to him, but me. Perhaps it was because I imagined that the older white man with mostly silver hair and built of average stature that stood before me probably looked very similar to Robert Frost in his day and age. Although Mr. McEwan wore a business casual suit and Robert Frost’s attire was likely less comfortable and more formal attire. Up until that year I hadn’t encountered many male teachers while attending private schools. So maybe that was it. Maybe it was because he was the only person in our classroom to be who and what and where he was at that particular moment. The poem itself resonated with me because I had felt so alienated from so many of my peers since having started elementary school. I had felt that I had to choose roads not traveled very often because of who and what and where I was at those particular moments. Oftentimes I was that one traveler coming from a place of lone existence who could withstand brief encounters with others if that is what it took, but who remained a loner after everything was said and done. Physically it was apparent that I was different from my so-called peers: lean, brown-skinned, female, ethnic, oddball, rare. I was ambiverted, compliant, timid, expressive, quiet, nonexistent, and contemplative. It was challenging to blend in physically when most of my classmates came from a more homogeneous culture. There’s only so much chocolate one must add for the milk to stop being white, per se. I made do because my mother fought hard for me to get here and my father couldn’t wait for opportunities to brag about how smart his daughter was with his so-called peers. So many roads encountered as a youth with the doors to increased diversity opening wider as I advanced through my school years.But, there were nonphysical differences which brought themselves to bear over time. I was neurodivergent. I processed the external and internal worlds I encountered differently than neurotypical youngsters would. My emotions were heightened, my sensitivities were brightened, my thought processes were deep, and my mind’s eye was steep. There were complex secrets I had to keep as I was rolling in the deep woods of my rainforest mind. There were native proclivities I had to keep reserved as were the foreign manifestations of the observations I had made and the increased questions I had raised over time. What did all that mean? Yeah, I was different not solely based on looks, but also based on my cognitive strengths and weaknesses. However more often than not it was my looks people regarded more. I had to think like this, this and that because I was black. I had to believe that, that and this because that is what people like me were supposed to believe. But, those were the populous roads traveled, these monolithic mannerisms and the stereotypical trappings which coincided with them. Somewhere deep inside there was a place for people like me who looked one way, but thought in a multitude of other ways. The knowledge of where this was would evade me for many years, but somehow I naturally gravitated toward a diverse set of folks, mainly girls, who I learned were neurodivergent themselves if not just plain weird or nerdy. So I traveled on those roads with them and many times without them depending upon who and what and where I was at those particular moments. I would sometimes merge; sometimes converge with other people traveling on these roads. These were people who were independent, rebellious, creative, bold individuals. They were artists, writers, poets, speakers, creatives and makers who saw things visually, thought with their movements, felt with their paintbrushes, pencils and pens. They might have stumbled upon their gifts and talents while taking their journeys. Or, they might have been mentored and guided along these passages. Their roads might have bent and curved, criss-crossed and diverged. Or, they may have been blessed to have been led to walk upon the straight and narrow pathways of life. After all, aren’t these variants of roads meant to represent life’s choices fraught with opportunities abounded or destinies found? Perhaps that was what mesmerized me most about the poem at that time? Perhaps in the twinkling of my mind’s eye there laid inkling as to the possibilities which could only become of remaining steadfast and true to the whole person I was beyond my hue. And, doing that has made all the difference for me. Currently, I am exercising and utilizing my varied interests and passions as a neurodiverse and creative multipotentialite. I am a magazine contributing editor. I love photography. I am a passionate art enthusiast. I am an officer and public relations coordinator for the local Boston chapter of American Mensa. I moderate several social media groups and pages covering politics, multicultural books, events and literature, the spectrum of giftedness and multiexceptionalities, high abilities, African American homeschooling, parents’ advocacy both local and statewide, and this should be no surprise, poetry. There are many dynamics of my multifaceted wiring that I have been able to explore. I am grateful for all of the stops made along the way: spiritually, mentally, psychologically, emotionally, intellectually, physically, socially and cognitively. My proudest achievements made to date, independent of my having raised my beloved family have been in the areas of public service and neurodiversity awareness. These have been pivotal accomplishments and have allowed me to reach other people internationally to promote and develop shared understanding on levels I could have never predicted decades earlier. It is important for me to be able to expose others to the nuances that accompany neurodiverse individuals whether they are walking these pathways independently or alongside others who are walking those untraveled pathways as well. In retrospect I can’t imagine that I could have traveled them any other way.
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Artwork by Olivia Pinney
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Additional Links: http://www.facebook.com/groups/bostonbabies.clothingswaps/ https://wic.fns.usda.gov/wps/pages/start.jsfIf
Caring Adults
In “Pregnancy and Childbirth: Risk Factors for Homelessness?” Beth C. Weitzman is one of many researchers who has documented that pregnancy & childbirth (especially for mothers 18 & under) can lead to a rise in homelessness without adequate financial & familial support.In light of this information, here are 9 pieces of information that should assist all families to get financially ready to welcome & parent a new child at home. 1. Besides breastfeeding being free, portable, and always the right temperature, children who are breastfed tend to have less health needs/ interventions over the course of their lives. Making a plan for how you can breastfeed directly or pump while you are away will greatly assist you and your child to feel connected. Currently, insurance companies will pay for an average size breast pump once your child is born. In addition, you can also get retired models that are hospital grade (so more efficient at pumping) from medical supply companies at greatly reduced rates. 2. Being able to work (if you choose or need to do so) after your baby is born can assist you to stay on top of all of the many new bills you can expect. Call 211, our state’s emergency assistance and information hotline for all kinds of resources, but especially to put your child on the waitlist for daycare/ afterschool/ summer camp assistance. You can get on this waitlist while your child is still in the womb, and, if your family is income eligible, this voucher can assist your family with the costs of child care from the time they are born until they turn 13. 3. Mail a copy of your birth certificate to your utility company to delay payments and avoid shut offs for the first year of your child’s life. This way, if you need some time to catch up with those payments, you give yourself some wiggle room as you adapt to the many new expenses of parenting a young child. 4. If you are like many families who are working, and, yet, don’t qualify for many state benefits, one option that can greatly assist you and is open to all families is your local food pantry. The majority of pantries do not have an income guideline, and understand that college costs, mortgage, and other situations can lead families to struggle to put enough food on the table. Some pantries also assist with gifts for your children during the Christmas holiday, or gift cards to assist with the costs of Thanksgiving. Each program and its requirements are very specific, and may require participation/ enrollment prior to the very day you need services, so you should consult each program with your questions and plan which programs will be most helpful to your family. 5. Start swapping baby clothes with those who have children older and younger than your child. Those who are done having kids are often eager to pass their gently used clothing along and you will be able to pass along the items you are done with to other families who seem interested in saving money. There are groups online of parents who get together specifically to trade clothing such as this one: (Click or see previous page for link) 6. Did you know that only about half of all families who are eligible for WIC actually access these benefits which greatly assist, pregnant, nursing, and families with children under the age of five? It is believed that lack of information, shame, and pride over accessing state benefits may potentially prevent some families from applying for this valuable resource. Prior to applying, it is possible to get an idea of your likely eligibility at the following link: If you decide to apply, you can do so any any WIC office that is convenient to you, regardless of whether you live in that town or not. 7. Housing is one of the most expensive items that families pay for on a monthly basis. Sharing your space, whether with family or friends, is one way to reduce those monthly costs. Websites like www.coabode.org help single mothers find other single mothers to share living space. If you have extra room in your home, there are also many organizations such as: American Language Programs, www.alp-online.com, that are always looking for native or proficient English speakers who know their communities well and are willing to rent a room or two on a short term basis to students or professionals learning English during their visits to the US. For hosts who routinely have good reviews, this can be a good source of supplemental income. 8. According to many domestic violence and homelessness advocates, 1 out of every 4 homeless women is homeless because of violence committed against her. And given that more than 85% of homeless families are headed by women – the majority of whom are single women with children -making sure you are in a healthy relationship with your partner and/or family and getting help and support to leave an unhealthy relationship/ situation early on will feel scary but prevent your children from a lot of unnecessary heart ache. 9. Make sure you find ways to get connected to or maintain connection with as many family, religious, and community members as you can as these people and resources are a major preventative factor in your ability to transition well into your role as a parent as you access the communal wisdom of those who have parented before you. Being connected allows you to ask questions and solve problems when they are small instead of remaining isolated and waiting until things are totally out of control. Despite what you may think, there are always others in your community who have walked a similar path to your own in the past. It will always take time and patience to find those companions, guides, and mentors who are meant to share your journey with you.
Getting Ready for Baby By Waetie Sanaa Cooper Burnette
Welcoming Our New Staff United Way of Greater Plymouth County and The Family Center
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Publilius Syrus famously wrote, “Where there is unity, there is always victory.” Although he wrote this well over 2,000 years ago, his words have a special meaning in 2022 (and not because 2022 marks the 10th Anniversary of The Avengers). Unity is the backbone of victory, and we can see unity at work with The Avengers. When they first started working together, they learned (the hard way) that their team’s success depends on each member’s success—not just team leader Captain America's success. So understanding the unique talents each member brings to your team is vital to your team’s successes and failures. Just as understanding each member’s talent is important, understanding that you are no longer working alone as a team member is just as important. You bring your special skills, talents, and background, as do your other team members. So, taking the time to learn and exercise respect for your team members’ strengths is an essential skill to exercise to create unity in your team. The Avengers learned in that the only team who wins when your team members fight with and blame fellow teammates is your enemy. This lesson rings true today, as groups tend to blame other groups for situations beyond everyone’s control. Deepak Chopra tells us, “When you blame and criticize others, you are avoiding some truth about yourself.” So, use your feelings of frustration to look within instead of pointing fingers at and blaming your teammates—as infighting makes your team weak and your enemies strong. Unity requires team members to work through personal issues when feelings of frustration come into play. Clear, kind, direct communication is also an attribute of a unified team. As The Avengers learned to communicate in more meaningful ways, they became stronger as a team. In addition, great communication helps to build relationships, which is another meaningful aspect of a strong team. Like The Avengers, your team will have to work on building relationships, looking within, and finding effective ways to communicate without blame to achieve true unity. A successful team consists of mates who know they will not get 100% of what they want, but that a unified team can be 100% successful with compromise, hard work, and introspection.
Opportunities to Serve
Trayce Hillman is our Director of The Family Resource Center and Community Connections of Brockton since November of 2021. Trayce is excited to lead a dedicated hard-working staff who focuses on providing resources and professional services to our most needed families and youth in Plymouth County. The Family Resource Center is operated by The United Way of Greater Plymouth County. Mrs. Hillman is President of Choices4teens Mentoring Group, Inc since 2016.She has significant professional experience in Program Design, Youth Mentoring, organizational planning, implementation, and youth development training. She’s very passionate and dedicated to her Brockton community where she has resided for the past 35 years. Prior, Trayce was employed as Probation Officer-In-Charge at the Plymouth Office of Community Correction Center from 2007-2016. Previous, she was a line Probation Officer at Suffolk Superior Court, Boston, MA from 1989-2007 where she spent many years conducting pre-sentence investigation, male and female adult offender supervision, substance abuse/misuse counseling and provided ongoing motivational interviewing skills during case management. In response to her research conducted on the behavior of youth between the ages of 11-14 into adulthood through the probation system Mrs. Hillman Founded Choices4teens Mentoring Group to reduce the likely hood of drug and gang activity among this vulnerable population. Trayce Hillman, BA in Legal Studies, University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Non-Profit Management & Leadership Development Cohort, Stonehill College. Trayce is married with 6 adult children and 10 grandchildren. Already in her short time with us at the Family Center, Trayce has developed and implemented various support groups and opportunities for the families we service throughout Greater Plymouth County!
Unity: The Avengers By Jensen Denoyes
Trayce Hillman Executive Director of the Family Center and Community Connections of Brockton
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Stay tuned to meet more of our Family Center Staff! Do you have questions about services, referrals, resources, or opportunities? Call the Family Center at 508-857-0272 Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm or Friday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Art by Gregory Desince IG (Gdesincemncart)
Faith
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Baby Dust Anonymous
This goes out to all the mothers who aren’t mothers yet. The very mothers whom have been surrounded by children their entire lives. The mothers who are educators. Aunts. Older sisters. Big cousins. The mothers who are nannies and babysitters. The mothers who have helped their friends or family raise their children. The mothers who have hoped from the very beginning – at a young age, to someday be a mother. The mothers who care for their pets as if they were children. All mothers. Nobody should ever have to face infertility. Especially not the people who were BORN to be mothers. There are some people you meet who you know are just destined to be mothers. The way they act, the way they nurture children and even adults around them. The way they look longingly at a passing pregnant mother, or perk up when they hear an infant’s cry. There are many reasons for infertility. Hormones. Genetics. Medical conditions such as endometriosis, endometritis, or PCOS. I am 25 years old and have the ovaries of a 40+ year old woman beginning menopause. 3 years ago, I found out I have the BRCA 2 gene, which means my risk of certain cancers, including breast and cervical, is outrageously high. High enough that by the time I’m 35 they want me to get a double mastectomy and complete hysterectomy to prevent cancer. My oncologist told me to start trying soon. I wanted to at least finish with my Bachelor’s Degree before trying. I always questioned my fertility. I’ve always had a gruesome menstrual cycle. I have had my period since I was 12, very heavy and painful. There have been times that the pain has been so bad I’ve been unable to move. I should buy stock in menstrual products, because the amount of money I spend on them is insane. Prior to going on Birth Control, I had my period all the time. It doesn’t make for much fun. Being on and off health insurance because of unrealistic income standards for state insurance and my medical needs with other conditions making paid insurance very unaffordable on my salary (even with a bachelor’s degree in the field I work in)– I didn’t have access to birth control for a wide portion of my adult years. Prior to trying, I’ve had 2 miscarriages. The first was a complicated, triggering, sad story I would rather not share. The second was a few years ago in 2017. My husband and I were never truly careful, and I always thought that the two miscarriages (and not to mention my issues with my menstruation) would reveal something down the line. I had pushed the doctors to look into it back in 2017. I told them “With how often I have my period, I’m going to reach menopause by 27. Am I even going to have any eggs left soon?” I was met with the answer “Just because you’re bleeding, doesn’t mean it’s your period”. As if unexplained bleeding wasn’t something to worry about. I was about 2 years off in my calculations. Finally, working too many hours a week to afford life in this crazy economy, we were ready to start trying. I’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year and a half with my husband. Because of my age, I had to wait until at least 6 months in to even be considered having issues. This time went by so fast and if I knew it would take this long, I would have started trying earlier so I could ask these questions earlier. We’ve kept our journey quiet except for a small circle of people. I had another miscarriage in September. I missed a period for the first time ever for 2 months during November and January, giving me false hope and confusion as to what was going on. It has been a nightmare with insurance coverage and waitlists. I was tossed here to there being told they will accept my insurance, to find out after waiting months for consultations that they wouldn’t. Finally, I was referred to Boston Medical Center, and of course I had to meet with their OB/GYN first. After waiting forever for the appointment, then finally getting it, I found out my AMH level, or Anti-Mullerian Hormone, which indicates ovarian reserve, is at .8 and I am most likely entering pre-mature menopause, which explains the skipped period. Further testing two-three weeks down the line and having the most bloodwork I have ever gotten done, I found out my AMH is now .57. For the first time ever, even though I have begged other doctors, they tested my other hormones. I not only have VERY low AMH, but I have very low progesterone levels that don’t seem to go up at all and I also have PCOS. I guarantee you I have had it my entire teenage/adult life. Those results came along with a well of other results that my OB/GYN tells me that even with IVF, it is going to be hard for me to get pregnant. After all this - I receive a call stating that BMC does not accept my insurance for infertility even though I had been told they did. I rush to get on my husband’s work insurance and wait 3 weeks for a call back. They have a 6 month wait list. I found out last week that they don’t even do IVF or further treatment, they just do diagnostics. If I had waited 6 months, I would have to wait even longer for actual treatment. I don’t even feel like I have 6 months. If my AMH continues to drop, I will have little to no eggs left to even TRY. I am angry at myself for not trying sooner. I am angry at the world for dealing me this hand. Although I am most likely not ovulating at all right now, every period is like a slap in the face. “It’s stress” “You work too much” “Just stop thinking about it, it will happen” “Don’t obsess over it” “You have time” STOP saying these things to people who are trying to conceive. I can’t speak for others, but I have just about had it with these empty affirmations, especially in succession with what is actually wrong. I DON’T have time. I understand you are trying to help, but it makes me not want to share anything else about my journey with you. I’m going to close up and withdraw myself. Things that have actually made me feel better – “I’m sorry that this is difficult.” “I am going to keep you in my thoughts and pray for you.” “When it happens, you will be a wonderful mother” “Nobody deserves to be a mother more than you do” “Stay positive, I am here for you”. Every fiber of my being longs to be pregnant. To be a mother. Yes, I want to adopt children too. I will foster as many children as I can when we have a house we can call our own. We juggled whether we wanted to have a house, have children, or get married first. We were in a position to plan it all, and fate pulled the rug from under our feet. We had to get married so I could go on his insurance. My biological clock is ticking (and no, it’s not him, his testing came back perfect!). And now we prepare for costly IVF as soon as I can begin, so a house is even further down the line now. This has already been such a difficult journey and it’s not even halfway over. My heart goes out to all the people who are facing this horrendous battle. It seems unfair that people who want nothing more than to have children can’t, meanwhile children are born into tragic situations daily in which they are abused or neglected. People who aren’t ready to be a mother or don’t want children easily get pregnant – and yet here we are struggling. Although I knew it was a possibility, I never once imagined this would happen to me. I am surrounded by children in my family and although my sisters and mother were told they would have a hard time getting pregnant, they all got pregnant naturally. We do not choose the hand we are dealt. We can only do our best with the cards we are given to play. I will continue to fight to win. I will beat infertility. I will come out on top. I wanted 5 children of my own. I’ve had their names picked out forever. I will be happy if I can just have one, though of course much happier if I can have at least 2. I’ve always dreamed of twins. There are loans out there that can help you and if I have to, I will take out as many as I need. There are ways to fundraise. I will work as many extra hours as I need to because nothing matters more. My husband and I are in this together and I am so happy I have him by my side. I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t for him. He has been my rock and will continue to hold me down while it seems as if the world is falling apart. We have found a program that will hopefully be able to help us as soon as I get my new insurance credentials, and for that, I am grateful. What it will cost in the end, I still do not know. I am sending baby dust to all of the mothers out there TRYING. It will happen, one way or another. There are amazing support groups you can reach out to for help. There is a whole community available to you for support, affirmation, advice, and even just to vent to. To all the mothers – don’t give up. Keep on fighting.
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Waiting for the day to come. Love, pure happiness, and joy. The calendar sheds its days so slow. The clock is ticking fast. Willing it to happen soon, a love that will always last.
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Creative Writing
Dystopian Classic By OJP
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In a good book, the reader can become engrossed within the story to the point where the feelings of the character or characters seem real and tangible. A good author will use literary tools to convey the mood of the story, thereby making the story more real and captivating. The mood of the story is the atmosphere that the author creates within his or her writing. In the example of Ray Bradbury, the author of the world-renowned novel, Fahrenheit 451, literary tools such as sensory details synonymous with the feeling of the passage and expressive figurative language are used to convey the mood in his writing. There are many passages in Fahrenheit 451 that exhibit Bradbury’s ability to implement literary tools that help create the mood within the story. For instance, the very first page recounts in detail a normal day at day at work for the main character, Montag: “With the brass nozzle in his fists, with this great python spitting its venomous kerosene upon the world, the blood pounded in his head, and his hands were the hands of some amazing conductor playing all the symphonies of blazing and burning to bring down the tatters and charcoal ruins of history” (paragraph 2). The way Bradbury writes makes it obvious that Montag loves his job, that it makes him feel like a powerful conductor that can burn even the remnants of history to the ground. The phrase “the blood pounded in his head” indicates intense exhilaration as he hoses the house down with kerosene. Not to mention that if Montag sees himself as a conductor, the suggestion that the burning of his house was like a “symphony”-- a word usually connotative with a beautiful and grand composition-- shows that he thinks what he does is beautiful and grand. Bradbury adds touches like this to elaborate within the passage and solidify the mood: “He knew that when he returned to the firehouse, he might wink at himself, a minstrel man, burnt-corked, in the mirror… he would feel the fiery smile still gripped by his face muscles.” Winking and grinning are signs that Montag is content and happy with his task as a fireman. So, essentially, the mood conveyed in this passage is a proud, powerful one; the reader is meant to feel how mighty the protagonist feels when doing his job. Another example of the mood being expressed in Bradbury’s writing is on pages nine and ten, when Montag arrives at his house after conversing with his new neighbor, Clarisse. As he approaches his and his wife’s room, he has an epiphany that, no, he was not happy or content with his life, which directly contradicts the empowered feelings he exhibited on the earlier pages. In the second paragraph, Bradbury intentionally describes Montag’s house as a “mausoleum” and as a “tomb”-- places of death; cold and stale-- which not only shows that there is a stark dichotomy between how Montag feels at work and how he feels at home, but also that there was a stark dichotomy between his mood before being asked if he was really happy and afterwards. The exhilaration he felt burning down houses is gone. In paragraph five, Bradbury writes, “He felt his smile slide away, melt, fold over, and down on itself like a tallow skin, like the stuff of a fantastic candle burning too long and now collapsing and now blown out.” The “fiery” smile that Montag had thought would never leave had disappeared the moment his perception of his own world was challenged. That smile-- a metaphorical measure of constance, established early in the story-- had vanished, and likewise, so did Montag’s frail stability. The mood expressed in this passage is one of loneliness, of emptiness, of loss of purpose. Montag’s view of his world is shaken, and therefore his view of himself is shaken; his house has become a gray, lifeless tomb, and he himself has become like a collapsed candle. A final example of mood being conveyed using sensory details and figurative language is on pages thirty-eight to thirty-nine, when Montag arrives home, shaken after witnessing a woman burn herself alive for her books. In this passage, Bradbury writes, “So it was the hand that started it all. He felt one hand and then the other work his coat free and let it slump to the floor. He held his pants out into an abyss and let them fall into darkness (paragraph 8).” Bradbury portrays Montag’s movements as apathetic and lethargic; his movements are slow, automatic, and without thought. The passage is almost written like Montag is not thinking through what he’s doing-- that it’s just muscle memory. His movements are mechanical, reflexive, and without thought.It suggests that Montag feels empty after the ordeal of the woman burning herself alive. In the same paragraph, he writes, “His hands had been infected, and soon it would be his arms. He could feel the poison working up his wrists and into his elbows and his shoulders, and then the jump-over form shoulder-blade to shoulder-blade like a spark leaping a gap. His hands were ravenous. And his eyes were beginning to feel hunger, as if they must look at something, anything, everything.” To remedy his feeling of emptiness, Montag begins to crave the book in his hands, to fill himself with information to make himself feel less empty. His inclination towards filling the void left by the day has made his desire for the book he’s stolen stronger. The mood conveyed was empty, lethargic, and melancholic. Within all of these passages, the mood is conveyed through using sensory details that reflect what the protagonist is feeling, creating an atmosphere that readers can relate to. Also, Bradbury’s use of figurative language creates a mood that can be analyzed rather than just outright understood and then ignored. Overall, the use of these literary tools in Fahrenheit 451 makes the feeling of the story more tangible, and the main character’s ordeals more relatable.
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Take a peek at our NEW Virtual Resource Guide!
We can help. Call or email today!
Updated quarterly along with the South Shore Community Magazine, our new Virtual Resource Guide will be packed full of community resources for individuals and organizations alike. Do you have a resource you would like to share with the community? Simply email Kasey.dean@ccbrockton.org to submit a resource!
Contact Us: 508-857-0629 Email: Admin@riversofhopes.com Visit our website: www.riversofhopes.com
Adult Family Care (AFC) A program for adults age 18 and older with a developmental, intellectual, physical, or mental disability who cannot live alone safely.
Wooden signs, diaper cakes/towers, paintings, pinatas, and more! Link HERE
Resource Types -AA Recovery -NA Recovery -COVID-19 -Parenting -School -Trauma -Eviction -SNAP/HIP -Domestic Violence and more!
Rivers of Hope is a family oriented, community based organization dedicated to providing the highest quality of services and advocacy for children and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.
Local Small Business Directory
Wooden and slate coasters, resin items, paintings, and more! Link HERE
Scan the code below to access our new Virtual Resource Guide!
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Do you care for a loved one at home or do you have a loved one that needs care?
Families that qualify for AFC can receive compensation for caring for loved ones. We at Rivers of Hope can help you apply!
Eligibility for AFC - Member Must be at least 16 years old Require supervision, cueing, or physical assistance with bathing, dressing, and/or mobility Must have MassHealth, BMC, or Navicare
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