How Do You LIVE UNITED?
We asked Dr. Carol Roche, Ph.D, a Community Impact volunteer on the Education Impact Subcommittee “How Do You Live United?”
How do you LIVE UNITED?
First, I strive to know and understand what’s happening. Being well informed helps me understand issues and people better and is fundamental to being part of any change. Next, I try to “Live United” by working with my friends and neighbors to create new opportunities that benefit all. I know and appreciate the work that United Way of Monmouth County does; and am proud to be part of the change by serving on their Education Impact Subcommittee.
Why is education such a critical need in Monmouth County?
In the school districts of Monmouth County, there are wide differences in poverty rates, academic achievement, high school graduation rates, dropout rates, and young adults who are ready to transition successfully from school to work. Although there are some excellent high achieving districts, there are also a large number of low achieving ones, consistent with the disparity in socio-economic levels from one community to the next.
How does the Education Impact Subcommittee’s agenda address these concerns?
The Education Impact Subcommittee has targeted three issues: early childhood development, after-school programs and high school achievement. The committee has also targeted ten Monmouth County districts identified as having the greatest needs in these areas. By focusing its resources on these specific issues and by creating new strategic partnerships within the community, the committee seeks to have a deep and lasting community impact.
Also, the specificity of the objectives will enable a more accurate assessment of the outcomes to be measured. As a result of this strategy, the committee hopes that in those targeted towns, the new opportunities available will enable more young children to come to school with the readiness skills and attitudes needed to learn, more middle school students to have enriching after-school experiences that will increase their overall academic achievement, and more high school students to find success in school and graduate ready for work or college.
You have been a loyal volunteer for a few years. If you had the opportunity to get others to support United Way, what would you say are the most compelling reasons to do so?
United Way works hard to allocate its resources fairly and equitably to “get the most for its buck.” It has amassed extensive information about the demographics and needs of Monmouth County residents, and has a close relationship with the numerous nonprofit agencies operating in the county. It consists of people, your neighbors, who care about our community and want to make it a better place to live and work for all. With your help, we can do an even better job.
Dr. Roche’s Background:
Dr. Carol Roche is a longtime educator with a passion for all things school-related. Her experience crosses a variety of school districts. Dr. Roche has worked in a variety of positions including teacher, guidance counselor, school psychologist, elementary and middle school principal, deputy superintendent, assistant superintendent, interim superintendent, and adjunct instructor at several different universities. Dr. Roche currently serves on the Board of Literacy Volunteers.
