2019 Fall Newsletter
Ashesha Rockett: A Parent with a Plan
Ashesha Rockett enrolled in the Urban College of Boston in the summer of 2017 and is on track to get her Associates Degree in the spring of 2020. She and her seven-year old son Zaeden live in Dorchester.
“I first heard about Sitters Without Borders from the Eva Project at the Family Justice Center. I had been taking Zaeden to my evening class at the Urban College, which was definitely not ideal. Or I’d find someone to watch him one week while I was at school, but the next week I’d be scrambling for someone else. There was no consistency.”
But SWOB changed all that for Ashesha and Zaeden. “Danielle started sitting for him at the beginning of the spring semester and returned this fall. Zaeden loves Danielle.”
Ashesha is studying human services case management and volunteers at Project Place. She’s not sure yet what job she will look for when she graduates with her AD next spring, but plans to continue in school. “I will work for a four-year degree, probably through a connection Urban College has with other institutions, like Endicott College. One thing is for sure -- I know I want to keep Danielle forever!”
Danielle Clark-Cole : A Sitter with a Purpose
In addition to her day job as HR Director at Trillium Brewing Company, Danielle Clark-Cole holds the SWOB record for longest active sitter. She’s taken care of four different children since she began volunteering in 2016. This fall is her second semester taking care of Zaeden and she’s as smitten with him as he is with her.
“Zaeden is such a cool kid, so sweet, so kind. We have dinner together, do homework and then have time for play – usually ninjas and superheroes. He’s got a wonderful imagination."
Danielle graduated from Boston University, moved away for a while and then returned to Boston four years ago. “When I moved back, I googled volunteer opportunities and up came Sitters Without Borders. I was immediately drawn to it: I love the mission, work with kids and the direct impact I can have. I know how much babysitting costs so I could see that volunteering for SWOB offered real, tangible help.”
This fall, Sitters Without Borders welcomed Danielle on to our Board of Directors. We are thrilled to have her professional skill set and sitter perspective as we grow our small nonprofit.
SWOB Welcomes Four New Board Members in 2019
In addition to Danielle Clark-Cole (see profile above), SWOB is happy to announce the arrival of three other Board members in 2019: Cassi Hradysky, Senior Marketing Coordinator at Vanderweil Engineers, brings considerable energy and creative marketing and social media skills to our all-volunteer board. She joined the board in April. Rosie Cunningham and Leakhena Schechter joined the board in late October. Rosie is Director of Strategic Initiatives at Family Reach and a new mom. She brings valuable experience in the marketing and non-profit worlds with a particular focus on strategic planning and growth. Leakhena has focused her career in communications and sales, most recently at Monster Worldwide. She is a consummate networker / fundraiser. As a stay-at-home mom of a two-year old and with a baby on the way, she will also contribute to SWOB’s parent perspective!
2nd Annual Bowling Fundraiser
Thanks to all who made it a success!
Kings Bowling and Entertainment in Back Bay Boston was once again the scene of the SWOB Fall Bowling Fundraiser. We raised just over $18,000, which included $9,000 in sponsorships – a first for us and, we believe, fertile ground for growth in our 2020 fundraising plan.
