MCCOY Kicks off the Attend To Your Future Pilot Program!

The last two Tuesdays in July were incredibly exciting for the MCCOY staff as we carried out the first round of workshops in the Attend To Your Future year-long pilot program. MCCOY teamed up with the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA) to provide academic success resources and training for families in two public housing communities. Residents of Laurelwood and Blackburn Terrace were invited to join us for dinner, presentations from school representatives, and discussion surrounding the issue of school attendance. The rich discussion within both community resident groups allowed for identification of barriers to children’s attendance and, as a result, we have developed a framework to provide resources and support to these communities throughout the year.



The first workshop in Laurelwood served about 60 children and their 43 parents while the second workshop in Blackburn Terrace served 50 children and their 30 parents. Each of the children in attendance received a school uniform polo shirt and every participant received a free dinner sponsored by Papa John’s Pizza. The parents who signed the release of attendance data consent form for their children are registered to participate in this pilot program for the entire year; they will be contacted monthly by MCCOY and IHA representatives via newsletters, surveys, workshops, and interventions. MCCOY will also collect children’s school attendance weekly, in an effort to provide support as soon as problems arise. Residents who signed up for this year-long program will also be entered into raffles for school supplies and other school-related prizes throughout the year, rewarding students who exhibit improved or excellent attendance.



MCCOY would like to give a big THANK YOU to all of our sponsors and volunteers for making the Attend To Your Future workshops possible:



- Papa John’s
- Vernon J. Petri & Associates
- Wal Mart
- M&I BankPeyback Foundation