The Voices Project Top 10

Happy 2010, everyone. The Voices Project blog has some exciting new features coming down the pike this year that I can’t announce just yet. ;) I hope you’ll come back often to check out our new content. Don't forget to sign up and start blogging!

In the meantime, someone asked me off-line what are the most popular posts on the Voices Project Blog. So, of the 118 posts on Voices so far, here’s the top 10:

1.) New MA child care regulations sparks debate

Definitely a hot topic this past fall, Massachusetts drafted new, strict regulations that requires child care workers to write progress reports, assist children in their care brush their teeth after meals, and provide a robust curriculum (for more info, visit http://bit.ly/88shgF). These regulations took effect Jan. 1, 2010. (411 reads)

2.) A new study highlights the importance of quality child care for low-income families

A blog about the new study published in the September/October 2009 issue of the journal Child Development that proves quality child care for low-income families is essential to a brighter future. However, quality child care is not always so easy to find. (371 reads)

3.) Why Can’t I Get a Daycare Voucher?

Clearly, child care is a hot topic on Voices! Here a former Woman to Woman participant, N.S., explains what it is like for an under-employed, low-income family to try to get a day care slot in Massachusetts when vouchers are difficult to come by and families face a waiting list that has over 22,000 children. (327 reads)

4.) CWU Hastings House Annual Barbeque

Business Coordinator for CWU housing programs, Sharon Molino, shared the fun and festive celebration that is the annual Hastings House barbeque. Sounds like everyone had a blast! (289 reads)

5.) Letter to my rep....Sonia Chang-Diaz

Voices Project blogger and Woman to Woman graduate Grace shared the letter she wrote to The Honorable Sonia Chang-Diaz. In the letter, she shares some of the difficulties homeless families face and what the government can do to better help families in need. (274 reads)

6.) Affordable housing for single mothers or families!!

Single mom and WtW graduate Kimber7377 shares her story of homelessness and makes a passionate plea for more housing vouchers under the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). Currently, this program is underfunded. (257 reads)

7.) It's great to advocate for ourselves!

WtW graduate and former administrative volunteer, Amara, shares her struggles with her housing, and with encouragement and resources, was able to work with the property manager and get a new lease. She includes some excellent resources for others that may be in the same situation. (257 reads)

8.) CWU Advocacy Update

Public Policy Coordinator, Chelsea Lettieri wrote and update and posted a full audio podcast from the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities on September 15, 2009. The hearing was an important step to move the Workers' Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Act (SB 37) through the legislation process. Chelsea, along with VP of Public Policy Ruthie Liberman, is working hard to get this Act passed so look out for some more updates this spring! (228 reads) Psst! You can also sign up for the Voices Advocacy Network here for occasional e-mail alerts to find out how you can help!

9.) Special Education Funding

Blogger edythe j speaks out for parents of children with special needs with a plea for more funding for her son’s school (one of many) that is closing. For a recent Boston Globe report, “Costly schooling,” on special education, click here. (227 reads)

10.) A Month For Women

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, but not many are aware it is also Domestic Violence Awareness month. For CWU intern Briana Scafidi. While the nation is covered in pink for the 180,000 women that are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, she urges us not to forget about the 5.3 million women that are abused each year. (222 reads)

Kirsten Athena Blocker

Coordinator of Marketing & Communications

Crittenton Women’s Union