Empowering Residents: Paula Smith
September 19, 2025
Resident Opportunity Self-Suffiency (ROSS) is also guiding adults on financial basics—like creating a simple budget or building credit—right at the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA). And soon, ROSS hopes to bring GED classes on-site, so anyone can continue their education without having to travel far.
Picture a cozy gathering inside one of RHA’s community rooms. Families and neighbors come together, looking for ways to give their children a better future. In one corner, representatives from the Rockford Public Schools talk about the benefits of starting early with preschool and how to enroll. Across the room, folks from Midland Bank are setting up charts and handouts about spending, budgeting, and saving. All of this is part of the ROSS Program’s mission to make life easier and brighter for everyone in the community.
It’s not just about giving you an opportunity; it’s about bringing that opportunity right to your doorstep. With preschool enrollment help, free financial literacy workshops, and soon-to-come GED classes, ROSS aims to support every generation, making sure children, teens, and adults can all keep learning and growing.
Have you ever wondered how to sign your child up for preschool without feeling lost or overwhelmed? With ROSS and Rockford Public Schools working side by side, there’s now a friendly team ready to guide you step-by-step. They’ll talk you through the forms, important deadlines, and how preschool can spark your child’s curiosity early on.
At the same time, in another part of the community room, you might hear excited chatter about money—something many of us find confusing. Midland Bank’s workshops offer simple lessons on how to create a budget, pay off debts, and use credit cards wisely. They even share tips on how to grow your savings without feeling like you have to give up all your fun activities. By learning to handle money better, families can rest easier and plan for a brighter tomorrow.
Now, imagine you—or someone you know—didn’t get the chance to finish high school. It can feel tough to start over when you’re already busy with family or work. But soon, RHA residents won’t have to worry about transportation or high fees. The ROSS Program plans to bring GED classes right into the neighborhood, making it easier than ever to catch up on school.
In the meantime, if you’re eager to get started, ROSS can point you to trusted GED options in the area. It’s all about knocking down barriers and opening up new paths for success, whether that means a new job, a college degree, or just a sense of personal accomplishment.
These partnerships are like a fresh breeze of hope, blowing through our community. By working together with Rockford Public Schools and Midland Bank, ROSS is making sure our children get a head start, our families learn to better handle their finances, and our community members get the education they need at any stage of life.
Keep an eye out for more updates! With everyone’s help, we can brighten young futures, strengthen financial stability, and make learning possible for all.
Share this with your friends, family, and neighbors! Let’s make sure everyone knows about the free resources available through ROSS, Rockford Public Schools, and Midland Bank.
