Since last month’s Welcome Family Event, we’ve been reflecting on how much of a vital role the ongoing support from parents and families plays in our program. One parent is Johanna Ortiz, whose deep connection to the neighborhood and continued involvement with the program – as a parent of one of our youth, Luciano, and as a chaperone and supporter – inspires us. Since this is a season for caregiving and appreciation, we wanted to show our gratitude to Johanna by highlighting her long history with and contributions to NSNP – Thank you, Johanna!

“When it comes to my son, I’m very particular and involved. I want to make sure he’s comfortable where he is and that he’s on the right path,” said Ortiz.

Caregiving has been central to Ortiz’s connection to the neighborhood since she started as a Teaching Assistant with the Norris Square Community Alliance’s daycare 14 years ago. At NSCA, she extended hands-on care to her son and other children, many of whom attend program at NSNP now. After her son, Luciano, graduated from NSCA, Johanna left NSCA but continued to give back to the Norris Square neighborhood as a home caregiver. At NSCA, she connected with NSNP’s own Evelyn Matos, who, when her son was entering high school this September, helped connect her with our after-school program to foster his growth.

“When I put him in this program [NSNP after-school program], I said, ‘Okay, this is gonna help both of us,’” shares Ortiz.

Ortiz admits she and her son were nervous about him beginning high school at the Philadelphia Military Academy this year; new people, a new environment, and new experiences can be daunting. She wanted to encourage her son to thrive in this new chapter of life, so she enrolled him in the Semilias del Futuro after-school program so he could “open up and be more sociable” as well as have a safe environment to try out new skills, make mistakes, and grow.

Since his daycare days, Johanna has always taken an active role in her son’s education. Luciano has special needs, and Ortiz sees this as an opportunity to be alongside him in his learning process. She has a deep understanding of his needs – an understanding that she is happy to share with NSNP.

While Luciano’s needs differ from others, Ortiz says, “I never treated him like, ‘you can’t do this, you can’t do that’ no, you can. Even if you can’t, as long as you try, you’ll be okay.”

This makes us all the more grateful for Johanna’s trust in our after-school program, which she demonstrates both by encouraging her own son’s involvement and guiding him and other youth during events and field trips.

“My biggest concern was teaching him the real world,” Ortiz told us, but through NSNP, he can “socialize with older peers” and “prepare to be out in the real world with job experience” – something that she knows can be especially tough for young people with special needs.

Our program provides an environment where her son can put the wisdom she shares with him – not to be afraid to constantly learn, ask questions, make mistakes, and try new things – into practice alongside his peers.

“His peers take care of him when he’s off track. That makes me feel good. Everyone’s taking care of him,” Ortiz says.

By highlighting Ortiz this month, we wanted to acknowledge all parents and caregivers’ crucial role in our organization. The care and empowerment they provide their children form the intergenerational foundation from which our program can continue guiding our youth through new and rewarding life experiences.

So, thank you, Johanna, and thank you, parents!

If Johanna’s story inspired you, you can learn more about our After-school program here and donate to expand our capacity to encourage our youth to learn and grow in this season’s spirit of caring and giving back.