Meet Your Neighbor: Maria Lausell

I’ve lived in the Pomonok Houses for almost 40 years. I stay involved with this community in every way I can. I’m the PTA Treasurer at the local school, where I coordinate nutrition workshops for the parents. I try to make sure everyone around here knows about the Pomonok Community Center.

I have seven children, and they all went to the Center’s afterschool program. My two youngest daughters are there now, and they love it. I was on my own since 18, and I don’t know what I would have done without the support I've received.

I go to all the family events at the Center because it makes my girls happy, and it’s a nice way for me to relax. When I'm there, I see parents I’ve known since they were babies, so it feels like family.

Now my oldest kids are grown and in college or careers, and they send their kids to the center. That’s why I will never leave. Generations after generations are here.