January 2017 Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ronn Johnson, Executive Director Martin Luther King Family Services, Inc (413) 746-3655 ext128or rjohnson@mlkjrfamilyservices.org It is with great pleasure that Martin Luther King Family Services, Inc. announces the promotion of Samantha Hamilton to the position of the Director of Operations. Samantha assumed the duties of this newly created position effective July 1, 2016 as part of the Board and Administration’s move to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the internal processes of the agency to strengthen its ability to continue to support the community and provide quality essential services. This position consolidated several functions including accounts receivable management, vendor relations, transportation and Human Resources-related duties. Samantha joined the staff of Martin Luther King Family Services14 years ago and has filled numerous roles with increasing responsibility. Her initial roles allowed her to learn the organization through the core of its services. She began as a camp counselor transitioning to a teaching associate and volunteer coordinator as an American Vista Core Volunteer. This work prepared her to assume the duties of assistant to the Vice President of Programming and later as Director of Youth Development. Her most recent position was the Director of the Public Health Initiative. Born in Jamaica, Samantha came to the United States in 1993 with her family. Leaving behind property and the home that her father built in search of better opportunities, they came with nothing; her family of eight lived in a small attic space. Her early years here were often difficult as the family adjusted to their new home. However, Samantha explains that this background gives her a deep understanding of the needs of the clients that Martin Luther King Family Services supports. She graduated from American International College where she earned her bachelor’s in Business Management with a minor of Psychology. She will graduate from American International College with a Masters in Counseling Psychology in May 2017. Samantha’s connection to Martin Luther King Family Services predates her personal work experience. Her father, a successful mason, was part of the crew that built the Martin Luther King Community Center located on Rutland Street in Springfield. Samantha is excited about her new role though she will miss the direct client contact. When asked why she has remained with the organization for 14 years, she proudly shares that she believes in the mission of Dr. King. She adds that, “If you believe in what it is all about, there is a reason to stay. The sense of empowerment embraced by those that the organization helps through its services makes the difference.” She is continually encouraged as former MLK participants come back to share their success stories. Their life achievements highlight the true passion that drives her work. The mother of three, Samantha grounds all the she does through the values of faith and family and being a good role model. MLK Center has been a cornerstone in Mason Hill neighborhood for over 27 years. The center has served as a beacon for the multicultural inner city community, offering afterschool programming, literacy retention, multicultural programs, community outreach initiatives and cultural experiences through art, dance, and sports. |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ronn Johnson, Executive Director Martin Luther King Family Services, Inc (413) 746-3655 ext128or rjohnson@mlkjrfamilyservices.org It is with great pleasure that Martin Luther King Family Services, Inc. announces the appointment of Janice Watson to the position of Director of Education and After-School Programs effective January 2, 2016. In this position, Janice will be responsible for running all of the after-school programs and camps hosted both at the Martin Luther King Community Center on Rutland Street in Springfield and at Martin Luther King Charter School. She will also be responsible for supervising staff, understanding billing and transportation, and communicating with the Department of Early Education and Care. Additionally, Janice will oversee a new parent engagement program that will be run in collaboration with Rebecca M. Johnson Elementary School. The program is designed specifically for parents to help them to better engage with their children in order to improve reading proficiency. Registration for this program will begin at the Martin Luther King Day Celebration to be held on January 16th at the MassMutual Center. Janice brings a wealth of experience to this position gleaned through her many years of service in the field of youth development that began with an amazing journey fueled first by her love and commitment to track and field and a determination to achieve. Janice came alone to the United States from Jamaica at age 19. She moved originally to Florida, living with family, in order to pursue track and field. While her dreams were not met at that time, she did meet some influential women of color who were instrumental in shaping an important life view. Janice explains that these women taught her to, “Stand up for something even when you don’t have anyone or anything and to trust the right people and have the right people in your circle.” She took this critical message with her in her move to New York where she lived with her aunt. There, she met and worked with a track coach who encouraged her to coach others. She moved to Springfield in 1998 and continued on this path of coaching others inspired by her coach. She began the Genesis Track Team at Martin Luther King Community Center and also coached track at the High School of Commerce for 9 years, co-coaching with James Morton—her mentor. Janice also worked with James Morton at MCDI as the Youth Program Coordinator, responsible for WIA youth Summer Employment Program and At –Risk Youth GED and Workbase Learning Programs. Her grandmother had taught her and her cousins to dream and to work hard toward whatever that dream may be, and while Janice valued education as an essential key to building a future, she began her journey here working in people’s homes and as a custodian at the Robert M. Hughes Charter School moving forward with the pride of striving for excellence no matter what the work as she prepared herself to pursue that dream. When the opportunity presented itself in 2008, Janice began her studies in Marketing and Sports and Recreation Management. Balancing working full-time with being a full-time student and a mom, she graduated from American International College in 2012. She then entered the Organizational Leadership program at Springfield College and graduated with her Masters in 2014. Janice joined the staff of the YMCA at its downtown Springfield Location on Liberty Street again working with James Morton. She held several leadership positions there earning 6 promotions before being promoted to her role as the Executive Director of the Dunbar Y where she served three years before returning to lead the downtown branch as Group Executive Director Family Center Operations and Association Sports. Janice explains that, “ While her years at the Y made her a better leader, returning to MLK brings her life full circle and she is excited to return to a role that again allows her to touch the lives of children.” Janice continues to coach track and field at Putnam and looks forward to bringing the two worlds together by allowing her Putnam students to mentor her MLK students. Married with two boys ages 10 and 13, Janice says her life is grounded by her faith and that the encouragement and support of her church family allows her to continue to pass the positive messages she received from her family and role models onto the children she will now seek to inspire. MLK Center has been a cornerstone in Mason Hill neighborhood for over 27 years. The center has served as a beacon for the multicultural inner city community, offering afterschool programming, literacy retention, multicultural programs, community outreach initiatives and cultural experiences through art, dance, and sports. |