Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, FEbRuARy 6, 2026 TPS FOR HAITIANS | FROM PAGE 1 “Haitian families are an essential part of our community— they are our neighbors, coworkers, business owners, faith leaders, and friends. Many have lived here for years, contributing to our local economy and enriching the cultural fabric of our city,” Van Campen said. “The potential termination of TPS for Haitian nationals would have far-reaching and devastating consequences for families, employers, and communities across Everett, the State, and the nation. As faith leaders, we ask for compassion and support for the community,” said the Senior Pastor of the Haitian Church of God of Unity, Reverend Guival Mercedat. Communities across Massachusetts, including Everett, continue to face persistent workforce shortages. The Haitian community has helped meet that need, particularly in healthcare, where Haitian workers in Everett provide care to an estimated 80 percent of older adults in nursing homes and homebound patients receiving home health services. “They’re not just at risk of losing their TPS, we’re at risk of losing them,” said the Everett Haitian Community Center Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Myrlande DesRosiers. Older community members and their families, who rely on them daily for trusted, compassionate care, would bear the brunt of this loss. “Ending TPS would force these trained, trusted, and culturally competent caregivers out of our communities, creating immediate harm to patients, families, and hospitals … The fear and uncertainty this policy creates not only affects families but also weakens public health and public safety,” said Health Care For All’s Director of Community Engagement, Jamila Xible. Haiti continues to face extraordinary challenges, including political instability, violence and humanitarian crises. Ending TPS under these conditions would place thousands of families at risk of being separated or returned to circumstances that threaten their safety and well-being. “We believe in compassion and fairness,” Mayor Van Campen said. “We urge federal leaders to carefully consider the human impact of this decision and to pursue policies that refl ect both our values and our long-standing commitment to welcoming those seeking safety and opportunity.” The City of Everett will continue to stand with our Haitian community and work alongside local organizations, advocates and partners to ensure that immigrant families are supported, protected, informed and treated with dignity and respect. BLACK HISTORY MONTH SERVICE SUNDAY, FEB. 15TH 3:00PM G U E S T P R E A C H E R : R E V . J E F F E R Y B R OWN A S S O C I A T E P A S T O R O F TWE L F T H B A P T I S T C H U R C H B O S T O N , MA NAN PROJECT | FROM PAGE 3 versation. We want to get into every school and in front of as many students and parents as we can.” In discussion, he added that conversations with children at the elementary school level will use diff erent terms and language than those with Middle and High School students and focus more on feelings in general than depression. Cavanaugh helped start The Nan Project in 2016 after his sister Nancy, known as Nan, took her own life in 2012 at age 24. “There was a stigma then and there still is now,” he pointed out. School Committee Ward 5 member and Vice Chairperson Marcony Almeida Barros invited Cavanaugh to the meeting. “I asked them to come so they can tell us about what they do and let the community know how important this is.” He also mentioned that The Nan Project will be participating in a Youth Council Summit at the State House on Monday, February 9. Cavanaugh added tat there will be peer counsellor training at the YouForward Young Adult Access Center in mid-February, although applications must be made online. Other business In other business the School Committee formally approved a proposal to expand preschool and prekindergarten to full-day programs by September that was discussed, but tabled for procedural reasons, on January 20. At the January 20 meeting, Superintendent William Hart also addressed a concern of Ward 4 member Robin Babcock that Everett was or would be losing state aid as a result of a declining student population. “Funding is related to enrollment and, because of the housing crisis and immigraS E N I O R P A S T O R B I S H O P R O B E R T G . B R OWN 7 5 7 B R O ADWA Y | E V E R E T T , MA WWW . Z I O N C H U R C HM I N I S T R I E S . C OM 6 1 7 - 3 8 9 - 8 3 5 7 DEAN’S LIST | FROM PAGE 4 ing coursework but about developing the intellectual rigor and sense of purpose that will guide students long after graduation.” Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph nearly a century ago in tion issues, people are choosing to leave,” Babcock said. “Is it a number that might be concerning? Chelsea lost a significant number and our district is not dissimilar.” Enrollment totals can and do change during a school year. Months when apartment rental leases end or begin, especially August/September and December/January, often affect the numbers. Hart said the October number was 300 less than October 2024, but 100 have been added since then. Generally, however, he said, the approximately 7,000 students in the school system is a pretty stable number, with 6,908 reported to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) on October 1, when DESE collects information, and 7,082 currently enrolled. The new number will be submitted to DESE in March when they update district profi les. He added that the type of students, particularly students who are in their fi rst year of school in the country, regardless of age, and English Language Learners (ELLs), can affect state aid more than the number of students. “It’s based on variables, not just the number of students,” Hart explained. “It’s the kind of students we support. The kind of kids we support provide us with more state funds and continues to grow. The kids we serve come at a higher reimbursement rate. We have kids who need support and are getting reimbursed at a higher rate,” a reference to 43.4% of students being ELLs. The state average is 13.4%. (ELL students are also known as English as a Second Language students and Multi-Language Learners.) “It sounds like our enrollment is stable, with enrolling students who need support positively impacting the budget,” Babcock reacted. Weston, Massachusetts, Regis College educates students to lead with integrity, purpose and compassion. Through an inclusive and innovative learning community, Regis prepares graduates to build meaningful careers and make a positive impact in the world.
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