In a school district known for its diversity and rural charm, Unity Point Elementary stands as a beacon of resilience and community. Within this landscape, two individuals— Sherry Nelsen-Smith and Catherine Fager—are not just educators but champions of a program that deeply transforms the lives of students and their families. Their work in the Parent Mentor Program has not only impacted children but created ripples of change throughout the Unity Point community.

Sherry Nelsen-Smith, a seasoned organizer for the Parent Mentor Program in Southern Illinois, has been with the initiative since it first arrived at Unity Point. When asked about the journey that led her here, Sherry’s story unfolded like a serendipitous meeting of personal passion and professional fulfillment. After leaving her previous career in medical labs, she was encouraged to try substitute teaching. From there, her connection to students in special education deepened, and the path toward becoming a central figure in the Parent Mentor Program emerged. Sherry remarks, “Being in the classroom, you see how trauma and stress play out in children’s lives. I feel like the work we’re doing is truly making a difference.”

The Parent Mentor Program, originally founded in the mid-1990s in Chicago, aims to provide support to students facing toxic stress while empowering parents to play a greater role in their children’s education. What began as a small initiative has now expanded statewide, including its recent impact on Unity Point. The program trains committed volunteers—mostly parents or grandparents—who work inside classrooms to provide additional support to teachers and students alike.

That’s where Catherine Fager comes in. Originally starting as a volunteer parent mentor, she has since taken on the role of coordinator for Unity Point, overseeing other parent mentors. “I started because my grandchildren were here,” Catherine explains, “and I just fell in love with the students, the school, and the work.” Her commitment to helping students get the most out of their school day is apparent as she talks about how the program helps address not only academic challenges but social and emotional needs as well. Whether it’s making sure a child who didn’t have breakfast gets something to eat before class or helping a teacher connect with a struggling student, Catherine is on the front lines ensuring that each day runs smoothly for both students and teachers.

While their efforts are crucial to the students’ daily lives, Sherry and Catherine’s work extends far beyond the classroom. “We’re empowering not just the students, but the parents too,” Catherine says. Through weekly training, the mentors learn how to navigate the education system, communicate effectively with teachers, and even advocate for their children in school board meetings. It’s about building confidence, fostering leadership, and creating a supportive community for all involved.

Sherry’s role as an organizer has given her a front-row seat to the lasting impact the program has on both children and the wider community. She’s quick to point out that resilience—while often praised as a virtue born from adversity—shouldn’t be something children have to develop out of necessity. “A lot of kids face challenges before they even step foot in the school building,” she explains. “Our goal is to meet them where they are, address their needs, and provide a stable, supportive environment where they can learn and grow.”

Perhaps most remarkable about Sherry and Catherine’s partnership is their shared vision for the future of the program. They talk excitedly about expanding services, offering more training for mentors, and even seeing some of the mentors move on to become substitute teachers or aides within the district. The ripple effect of their work—both inside and outside the classroom—continues to grow, offering hope and opportunities to families who need them most.

As Sherry reflects on the program’s impact, she shares a story about one of the students who came back from a particularly challenging home situation. “When that child saw one of our mentors in the hallway, they just lit up,” she recalls. “It’s those moments that remind us why we do what we do. We’re building a better future, one child at a time.”

In a world where challenges often seem insurmountable, it’s people like Sherry Nelsen-Smith and Catherine Fager who remind us that resilience isn’t just about surviving hardship—it’s about creating a supportive community where everyone has the chance to thrive.