LOWER BUCKSTIMES lowerbuckstimes.com
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2024
BUCKS COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
IN THE TIMES
Local happenings
Neshaminy students thrive in TMA Bucks Seatbelt Safety Challenge; 101st Annual Flower Show set for Aug. 23-24. Page 2
Family Service Association’s bilingual programs win Champion Award
Mariel Santiago leads five weekly groups for area Spanish speakers, offering peer support, parental education and more
End of a chapter
A total of 112 students are By Samantha Bambino The Times graduating in Holy Ghost Prep’s class of 2024. Since 2022, Family Service Association of Page 6 Bucks County has been working diligently
Milestone commencement
Bensalem High School celebrates its 100th graduating class, comprised of 490 students, on June 7. Page 8
to provide a sense of community for local Spanish-speaking families through its lineup of bilingual programs. According to Mariel Santiago, the lead facilitator who runs up to five groups weekly in various locations spanning the entire county, fostering a supportive environment is crucial. Oftentimes, when an immigrant from Honduras or Guatemala has to look over forms from their child’s school district, or navigate the healthcare system, it can be a stressful experience as someone who isn’t a native English speaker, and who isn’t sure
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A sense of community: Spanish speakers in Bucks County gather at one of Family Service Association’s weekly group sessions.
where to turn. “I get told all the time by worried parents, ‘In Bucks County, they speak more English, not Spanish,’ ” she explained to The Times. However, thanks to Family Service’s bilingual programs, their stress is eased a
bit. Santiago’s weekly group meetings offer community resources and peer support, a safe space for parent education (Nurturing Parenting, 24/7 Dad) and family activities,
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