July 12, 2024

Longtime Homework House executive director bids farewell

REGIONAL
By Kathleen Harrington

(IObserve file photo)

HOLYOKE- The longtime executive director of Homework House, Virginia Dillon, will be leaving after 11 years at the helm. Homework House, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, offers free tutoring and mentoring to children in need.

“I always joke that unlike the Sisters of St. Joseph, I am not going to work until I’m 90,” said Dillon who was planning on retiring next year. She said she is relocating to Delaware for family reasons and will take on a new role as executive director of a local senior center.

Homework House assists approximately 110 elementary school children, providing tutoring in reading and math.

“When she came to us, Virginia was a woman with the necessary skills from her previous experience working with non-profits like Girls Inc.,” recalled Sister of St. Joseph Jane Morrissey, co-founder and volunteer at Homework House until her retirement in 2021.

Keeping Homework House true to its mission is her “greatest accomplishment,” Dillon said.  Sister Morrissey agrees.

“Virginia made sure we were addressing the needs of the children we were out to help. She certainly surpassed our expectations,” said Sister Morrissey.

Since arriving at Homework House in 2013, Dillion has expanded the services offered to children and families A summer literacy program has been added. Also, children now have access to the services five days a week.

“Holyoke had a friend from the moment she arrived with a dream to share,” said Nayroby Rosa, president of the board of directors. “Virginia was always the best person to lead Homework House. She was an unbelievable fundraiser,” Rosa continued.

Dillon oversaw the Adult Spelling Bee and breakfasts at the Log Cabin which united families and teachers with the staff and volunteers, keeping Homework House in the spotlight and contributions coming in.

“I think that the biggest challenge has been navigating through the COVID pandemic and its aftermath,” said Dillon. The staff and volunteers pivoted to continue to provide services. Now, Dillon said her rewards are from time spent connecting with the children and their families as well as “being surrounded by such a warm and caring community, our volunteers, and the Sisters of St. Joseph.”

The search for Dillon’s replacement has begun. The executive committee of the board of directors hired a consultant to help find a new executive director for Homework House. Dillon’s last day is July 12^th.