A back-to-school bash for families in a Way Finders’ pilot program delivered “the VIP service”
A recent back-to-school bash at Van Horn Park in Springfield included the usual suspects—a table of backpacks with school supplies, food, games. But it was delivered with an intimate twist. Or make that a fade and a trim, courtesy of the New England Barber Academy, which volunteered to help kids look sharp for the first day.
“It was a great turnout. Families said they really enjoyed it. Just the smiles on the kids’ faces, with the free haircuts and the backpacks. That’s all that matters!” said Stabilization Services Coordinator Monifea Griffin, who helped plan the August event for the 20 families participating in Way Finders’ HomeBASE Enhanced Stabilization pilot program.
“Everyone felt special because it wasn’t a community event, it was invitation only, just for our clients. So, there weren’t long lines or the hustle and bustle,” said co-planner and Stabilization Advisor Betsey Torres. “It was very relaxing, parents got to sit down and talk to one another. They felt the VIP service.”
Pilot: Year three of implementation with cohort two
The pilot program seeks to improve upon the state’s existing two-year HomeBASE program—which helps families transition out of homelessness through financial and counseling support—to create more durable housing stability. The specifics of the pilot were informed by HomeBASE participants and case managers, who voiced the need for more frequent and responsive case management, especially during the first six months and when transitioning off the program. Other features include ongoing peer support from current and former HomeBASE participants; flexible funds to help families navigate emergencies; and education that is tailored to a family’s needs.
“I’ll give you an update on where the pilot is at now,” said Stabilization Programs Manager Jena Rodriguez. “We have gone through one complete cohort of families, who have all exited the program to various places. Mostly successful transitions off of HomeBASE assistance. Earlier this year, we recruited a new group of folks, who came from Way Finders’ shelters. It’s voluntary, they can choose to opt in with an understanding that they will have more engagement with a stabilization worker.”
That engagement is with Torres, who is in the midst of getting to know her new families. She connects with them at least monthly to offer support in five key areas: health, finances, education, lease/program compliance, and employment.
“Employment is a big one, because most of my families are not employed when they come out of shelter. So we help families start engaging with employment support services. And if they have a barrier, I’ll see them as much as I can,” said Torres, who noted that it can take time to get to know each other. “But since we’re two years together, eventually it happens. Many families don’t have anyone giving them encouragement. I’m there to let them know, ‘Hey, this is a good idea.’ Or if someone feels overwhelmed, I can help them make a game plan. Like, ‘Take a breath, let’s take baby steps, we’ll get through this.’”
Working closely with families has brought Torres more than a few “tissue moments,” she said.
“Jena has seen me asking, ‘Where’s the tissues?’” said Torres, of the emotions her job can stir. “When you really love what you’re doing and you like making a difference in other people’s lives, you know, it happens naturally. The Stabilization Program is really special. I’ve seen people who come out of shelter feeling uncertain or timid. Then all of a sudden they’re making it, you know, I’m seeing the progress. They’re attending meetings, making resumes, overcoming challenges, and are off to a great start.”
Follow the tent!
As families arrived at the park, the party was easy to spot, thanks to a huge tent with tables and chairs.
“It was fun! We had kickball, bingo, bubbles. And boxed lunches from AC’s Main Street Market,” said Griffin, who helps coordinate monthly educational workshops for families in the pilot program. “We also had arranged for parents to write a note for their kids, to put it in their book bags or their lunch box, with some words of encouragement for the first day of school.”
“Kids kept coming up, saying, ‘Is it OK if I take a backpack?’ We let them pick their own color and all that. They were really excited to get the backpack full of supplies,” said Rodriguez, who applauded Griffin and Torres for their comprehensive event planning, which included providing families with Ubers to and from the park and inviting resources from the community.
With a shout-out to all the organizations who attended the back-to-school bash! Thank you to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Springfield Boys and Girls Club, the Impact Center, and the New England Barber Academy. And to Way Finders’ own Employment Support Services team. And with gratitude to the staff at Van Horn Park, who helped ensure a clean and welcoming space.
Members of the Way Finders’ Housing Support Services team at the 2026 staff picnic
Advocacy + policy change
Way Finders continues to work with a third-party evaluator—the Public Health Institute—to document and demonstrate the results of the HomeBASE Enhanced Stabilization pilot program, explained Rodriguez. Through a combination of data review and story building, Way Finders will be poised to advocate to change state policy for the benefit of all residents.
“Yes, that’s exactly what we’re hoping to get out of this,” said Rodriguez. “The state is always looking at ways to save money and be more impactful. So, we’re at a unique opportunity right now to be able to propose this to the state to influence some policy.”