Ruth has faith

Ruth Wong, Community Liaison for Boston Public Schools'  Office of Community Engagement and Circle of Promise, is helping to create partnerships with faith-based organizations.  Ruth started with the BPS in July due to a partnership between the Emmanuel Gospel Center and the Boston Public Schools. Currently there are more than 30 schools that partner with faith-based organizations and Ruth looks to expand the partnerships to other schools.

Recently, one of the partners, Roxbury Presbyterian Church, was honored by the White House as a school improvement champion for the Dearborn. “Faith communities have an extraordinary ability to help educate our children,” said White House Executive Director for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Rev. Joshua DuBois.  “Together, these schools, these programs can help take the country where it needs to go!”

Faith-based partnerships have greatly benefited BPS families.  Roxbury Presbyterian Church’s partnership with Dearborn Middle School is helping the school to expand to a 6-12 Early College STEM Academy.  One of the students who participates in an after-school program provided by the church says, "Before Saturday School I didn't know how to divide.  Now I totally get it!" Another partner, City Mission Society in partnership with Citizens Bank gave away about 400 coats to the Russell School families.

I asked Ruth what are the goals for the coming year and she  said, “ The faith communities in greater Boston are resources and community assets who are eager to support and partner with our schools.  My goal is to help align more faith-based and community-based partners who can help students, families and schools thrive. With the help of faith-based organizations, I am confident that we will be able to contribute to increased student achievement and family engagement in our schools.”

To learn more about faith-based organizations you can contact Ruth Wong, rwong@egc.org