The Care Center Launches the 21st Edition of Nautilus II por MANUEL FRAU-RAMOS

On June 23th, The Care Center in Holyoke released its 21th edition of Nautilus II: Poetry and Art by Young Mothers Studying at The Care Center. The event was held in the same venue that has been held for many years, the iconic bookstore Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley. The launching of this book has become a yearly event that attracts a large number of friends of The Care Center to Odyssey Bookshop. Each year, a team of young mothers from The Care Center is selected to be the editors of the arts and literature book. In the process, they learn editing, graphic design, public speaking and leadership skills necessary in the production of Nautilus II. The book, a collection of poems, photos, and art, represents The Care Center’s high standards, mission and the own students’ perspectives. The team of students are in charge of editing the work, write supporting materials, and collaborate with local designer Craig Malone to bring this unique publication together.

Nautilus II is one of the many outstanding arts and educational initiatives of The Care Center. The Holyoke-based organization was honored by the White House in 2011 with a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, issued by The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities and it is also a recipient of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s 2019 Commonwealth Award, honoring its long, outstanding and exceptional achievement in the sciences, arts, and humanities.

The Student Editorial Board of the class of 2023 consisted of the following group of Editors: Destiny Bermudez, Aaliyah Carrión, Xaymara Díaz, Jamirra Gamboa, Imani Harrinson, Franshesca Nuñez, Breanada Pérez, Sairenys Pérez, Zanyah Pittman, Adelaiza Reyes, Carmen Rios, Brianna Rock, Ashley Santos y Amanie Torres. Aaliyah Pereira is the Senior Editor.

Craig Malone was in charge of Design and Production, and Staff Editors were Charlene Choi (Managing Editor), Ana Rodríguez (Asociate Managing Editor), Marjory Zaik (Contributing Poetry Editor), Amanda Munson (Associate Contributing Poetry Editor), and Léa Donnan (Art Editor).

Brenda Pérez Gómez designed the Cover Art for this year’s edition. Nautilus II is supported by a network of local poets, the Poetry Foundation, the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Youth Reach Program, by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Care Center, established in 1986, has become an oasis of hope and opportunity for success for thousands of young people in the region, mostly residents of Holyoke, by creating an environment where success is possible. It has worked with thousands of teen mothers and their families as the women continue their education and move toward greater self-awareness and economic stability. Each year more than 100 pregnant and parenting young parents use The Care Center. Services include academic classes in preparation for the HiSet, college courses, with on-site daycare, health care, in-house counseling, assistance with the transition to higher education, and door-to-door transportation.

Other programs offered by The Care Center are HiSET/GED, a high school equivalency program, the College Support program that offers a wide range of supports needed to get to and through college, and Bard Microcollege Holyoke that provides students with a high quality, liberal arts associate degree. The Care Center is home to Bard Microcollege Holyoke, a free accredited associate’s degree program for Care Center students and other low-income women, the first of its kind in the nation.

For more information about the poetry journal contact THE CARE CENTER | 247 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 | Phone: (413) 532-2900 or visit THE ODYSSEY BOOKSHOP: College St., South Hadley, MA 01075 / Phone:(413) 534-7307.