Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start congratulates The Building Blocks for Future Careers 2025 cohort graduates (L to R): Terryann Wallace, Jozette Irizarry, Rebecca Athis Lara, instructor Yasmin Ibrahim, Tanisha Gannett, and Pamela McKissick with baby Elijah. Also not pictured, graduate Nikson Athis and instructor Shawnsti Baret. ### Six Parents Graduate from HCS Head Start Career Readiness Program
Springfield, MA – Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) proudly celebrated the graduation of its sixth Building Blocks for Future Careers (BBFC): Career Readiness Program cohort. The program reflects HCS Head Start’s continued commitment to strengthening families through career development, economic mobility, and holistic support.
The Building Blocks for Future Careers program began as a community collaboration with HCS, Springfield Works and Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, utilizing a Two-Generation Approach to careers. The program was designed to help families build economic assets, access employment pathways, and enhance overall health and well-being through workshops, resources, and strong community partnerships. The initial pilot cohort launched in April 2019 and quickly demonstrated meaningful impact for participating families. Due to its success, HCS Head Start established an internal model to offer the program annually.
Today, the career readiness program continues to empower parents to advance along their career pathways while balancing personal and professional goals. Recently, the sixth Building Blocks for Future Careers cohort graduated and included Terryann Wallace, Jozette Irizarry, Rebecca Athis Lara, Tanisha Gannett, Pamela McKissick, and Nikson Athis. During the course, participant Pamela McKissick demonstrated extraordinary commitment, returning to class when her new son, Elijah, was just five days old, reflecting the dedication and resilience of the families served through the program.
The program is delivered as an eight week training experience held from 9 am to 12 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Programming includes career readiness instruction, parenting education, healthy relationships, financial wellness, coaching and mentoring, and peer support. Career readiness instruction was facilitated by Shawnsti Baret, with parenting and healthy relationships workshops led by Yasmin Ibrahim. Participants also received digital literacy training through Tech Foundry and financial wellness education through United Way Thrive.
Upon completion of the program, participants receive four certificates of completion, a professionally developed resume, professional attire provided by Dress for Success, and continued guidance to support their next steps along their career journey.
Parents who participated in the program shared powerful reflections on their experience. One participant shared, “I really appreciate this program. I am more confident, more disciplined, and more responsible. I really like the trainers. I learned a lot, thank you all, especially Head Start.” Another participant expressed, “Amazing teaching skills. I learned a lot.” A third participant added, “I’m really happy to be part of this group. Thank you to the instructors for helping me grow and overcome my shyness.”
Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start remains committed to supporting families through innovative programs that strengthen career readiness, confidence, and long term stability.
To learn more about HCS Head Start visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start: HCS HS has been providing high-quality early childhood education services for children and families in cities and towns located in Western Massachusetts since 1965. They are committed to providing low-income children and their families with a source of support for a brighter future. They strive to do so by providing high quality comprehensive child development services to enrolled children and empowering families to achieve stability in their home environment.
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Meghan Rothschild President & Founder Chikmedia
Building Blocks for Future Careers supports economic mobility and family stability