By Patience Waller
The Joe Williams Family Center is a place for students and families to come together in Lower Price Hill.
Many things are offered for students and families at the Joe Williams Family Center such as tutoring, food, help with finances, unemployment and more.
Jessica Polzin has stepped down from her former director position which is now filled by Danny Burridge.
There are also new staff Jessica informs us about such as Ben, Shannon and Danny.
As of now, transportation must be provided elsewhere from Santa Maria; but Jessica is hopeful that transportation will start to be provided soon.
Here are some opportunities for students throughout the week:
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| 1-2:30 p.m. | 7th Grade Girls Social Emotional Skills Group; Tutoring | ||||
| 3-4:30 p.m. | 7th Grade Boys Social Emotional Skills Group; Tutoring | 8th Grade Boys Social Emotional Skills Group; Tutoring | 6th Grade Boys Social Emotional Skills Group; Tutoring | 8th Grade Girls Social Emotional Skills Group; Tutoring; Violin Lesson for 6 grade girls | 6th Grade Girls Social Emotional Skills Group |
| Music recording opportunity, learn to make music (times not disclosed) |
There is even a chef cooking opportunity coming up to learn new recipes.
From a news release, H.A. Musser, Jr., president and CEO of Santa Maria, reports these numbers to show how the community centered organization assisted families in 2020:
- Santa Maria helped 40 students in grades K-8 build academic and social emotional skills.
- 119 families increased their household income.
- 185 families maintained stable housing in 2020.
- 113 people received job skills training.
- 149 individuals had employment barriers removed.
- 90 people obtained employment with the help of Santa Maria.
- 91% of our GED students earned a high school equivalency diploma.
For more information on youth development at Santa Maria, check out their website: https://santamaria-cincy.org/youth-development/