Impact in Action: Meet Marlena
Marlena had been a part of the Head Start Program since her son was in Early Head Start. Having completed his second Head Start school year in June of 2025, Marlena’s son started kindergarten this past fall.
Marlena was not only a Head Start mother for the past several years, she took on the role of a Head Start Classroom Volunteer for Miss Mary’s classroom at Big Hank’s Plaza.
As a volunteer, Marlena wore many hats with JCEO Head Start. In addition to being the Parent Volunteer in Mary’s classroom, Marlena assisted with Center Support in Miss Breanna’s (Saranac) classroom, as well as assisting Miss Donna with a few kitchen duties.
Marlena was one of several involved parents at the Big Hank Center. She attended and participated in virtually all Parent Meetings. Marlena would engage in pleasant and informative conversations with other parents, particularly when parents would inquire about certain activities and programs within the vicinity of Plattsburgh.
When not volunteering at Head Start, Marlena is very proud and publicly open that she attends the “Pro’s” Program offered through BHSN. Marlena describes Pro’s as a “Mental and Physical well-being program that provides as smorgasbord of classes such as: Parenting, Financial, Diabetes, for examples.”
Head Start staff shared that Marlena was a pleasure to have as a Head Start parent and volunteer, sharing that “Marlena flourishes the world with kindness and compassion.”
The impact of Community Action is not just measured in numbers, but in the stories of those we serve. Whether it’s a parent securing stable childcare so they can advance their career, a student receiving school supplies to start the year with confidence, or a family putting food on the table - these moments define our mission. They remind us that when we invest in people, we invest in a more prosperous future for all.
