"In Albany Park, moms, along with school staff members and teachers, realized that there were several families missing sending their children to school because they were afraid to leave their homes. In a truly dystopian timeline where parents are being snatched off the street by ICE agents and kids are coming home to empty houses, these Chicago moms and neighbors decided to step in, forming a walking group that helps get all of the kids to school safely so their parents can stay home - and stay safe. With this sweet initiative, volunteers like May check in via group messaging to let parents know they're on their way to pick up their child."
"It's a spot of normalcy for the kids, a chance for them to not worry about ICE or what could be lurking around the corner for their parents. One teacher, Dulce Jimenez, shared that students have told her they're making new friends, they're getting a chance to know the volunteers, and all of it is helping expand their community and their ability to feel joy there. It's such a small act of kindness, but a huge moment of resistance."
Chicago-area mothers, neighbors, and school staff in Albany Park organized a Walking School Bus to escort children to school after families stopped sending kids because parents feared leaving home during increased ICE activity. Volunteers coordinate via group messaging to notify parents when they are on their way and pick up children along established routes. The initiative gives students a sense of normalcy, opportunities to make friends, and chances to know volunteers, which supports community expansion and emotional wellbeing. Teachers report that students are experiencing more joy and connection. Social media comments praised the mothers as protectors and community heroes responding to government failures.
Read at Scary Mommy
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