“PLTI taught me to ask questions objectively, to step out of the box and look at myself and reflect on the reasons why I am the way I am. Now I’m involved in politics and make decisions for the people who elected me. PLTI taught me to maneuver positively through the system and advocate properly without losing control. I can’t begin to tell you how much of a difference it has made.”
-Jackie Caron, a single mother of three who lived on state assistance, went through periods of homelessness, and had a felony record before resolving to stop drinking and turn her life around. Today, she sits on the Norwich City Council.
“I learned to listen intently. Listening lets people know you know what you’re talking about. People say things to you that are important, but they can get by you if you’re not listening hard enough.”
-Erik Clemons of New Haven, a father of four who’s pursuing a college degree while working full-time for the U.S. Postal Service.
“PLTI has helped me to better understand a city I thought I knew so much about. I now have a feel for where parents are coming from and what parents need. I am a stronger teacher and community leader because of PLTI.”
-Carolyn Keenan Smith, a 5th-grade teacher in the Danbury public schools, mother of two, and chair of the Greater Danbury Parent Leaders, a group of 112 PLTI graduates who use the skills they learned in class to advocate for children in Danbury and surrounding towns.
“Being involved ROCKS!!! Thank you, PLTI!”
-Kimberly Fontaine, 2006 Middlesex County PLTI graduate
Commission on Women, Children and Seniors 