MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS
With the help of over 250 volunteer tutors annually, we create a safe and nurturing place for the children who come through our doors to explore, learn and experience success. Our programs for children in grades K-6 foster academic achievement and ignite joy in learning through positive tutoring/mentoring relationships. Every day, almost 90 kids come to Homework House’s two sites which are located in Holyoke’s most economically challenged neighborhoods. Homework House’s programs focus on improving the children's literacy and math skills.
Homework House is a learning community of caring adults and children. Volunteer tutors are matched with 2-3 children with whom they work throughout the entire year. The relationship that the tutors and the children develop and the connections that they make has a real positive impact on the children’s academic and social outcomes.
Gisela P.
"My experience working at Homework House has been so integral to my growth here at Smith College; it helped me realize the kind of work that I want to do post-graduation and the impact I would like to have in the future."
Mary Lee
"My experience at Homework House affected my life in a way I could never have imagined and I have the children to thank for that. I’ve developed and maintained a meaningful friendship with Guillermo one of the children I tutored."
Jeremy B.
"I became a fellow because I saw firsthand the way Homework House helps the kids who attend, and wanted to spread that message to others at UMASS. What keeps me coming back is the kids. It's always the kids. Watching them succeed--in a big or small way--is a reward in and of itself."
Karla S.
"The children I've worked with taught me to be more socially aware and want to fight for social equity. They showed me how to teach with care, and they taught me what kindness looks like. Homework House has helped me grow as a person."
Scott F.
"My experience at the Homework House was one of the greatest times of my career in education. Homework House opened my mind to the world of Education as it influenced and inspired me to pursue a career as a teacher. I can't thank Homework House enough for allowing me to start my teaching career while giving me the opportunity me to have a positive impact on the young students of Holyoke."
Medina
"I'd have to say that more times than not, I feel that the kids are teaching me. They teach me about patience, empathy, understanding, and that being a tutor opens up a space for exchange between teacher and student. And through this exchange there is a building of confidence and trust that enables the student to find an inner passion and recognition that their capabilities come from within. My job is to just make them see it."