The Care Center

Bringing the power of education, arts and culture to youth and their families in Holyoke, MA

Student Profiles

Sheynatais Rivera on How College Impacts her Baby

Sheynatais “Shey” Rivera is the first in her family to attend college. She is thriving in her first year at Bard Microcollege Holyoke. Shey is currently taking a sociology course and is fascinated by the way false stereotypes can lead to real consequences in life. Shey, like so many other young mothers and women of color, has dealt with others’ negative stereotypes. “I have had a lot of people … [Read more...] about Sheynatais Rivera on How College Impacts her Baby

Priscilla Daniels on the Power of a Small Group of Women

Priscilla Daniels first found The Care Center when she was sixteen years old. Unsure whether or not to fully commit to the educational program, she carefully observed her classmates. Priscilla watched as some of her peers left, while others took advantage of The Care Center’s supportive educational opportunities. As young mothers graduated from The Care Center, Priscilla couldn’t help but notice … [Read more...] about Priscilla Daniels on the Power of a Small Group of Women

Care Center graduate opens small business

Article from The Reminder: New café offers breakfast and lunch options in Holyoke Trent Levakis HOLYOKE – During early 2020 Nilka Ivette Ortiz decided to start selling chocolate covered strawberries and other treats from her home to make some money during the coronavirus pandemic. Putting herself out there in starting her small business from home has now led to her opening the Ortiz Family … [Read more...] about Care Center graduate opens small business

Care Center Graduate Now Medical Social Worker, Serving Teen Moms

Katiria Moran is a medical social worker serving new mothers, including teen parents, at Baystate’s Labor and Delivery Unit. A teen mom herself, Katiria never imagined that she would work in the same maternity ward where she became a mother. She has a deep understanding of the challenges her clients face. Katiria had a baby at age 15 and lived in foster care during the beginning of her … [Read more...] about Care Center Graduate Now Medical Social Worker, Serving Teen Moms