Mona Tavaao is used to the loud, incessant chatter of kids. As a School District of Philadelphia Bus driver and this summer as a driver for Artology, it comes with the job.

 

This year at Artology, BuildaBridge is thrilled to welcome back a very special family. Mona and her two sons, Mat (age 15) and Mark (age 10), became involved with BuildaBridge’s Artology camplast summer while residing at a Philadelphia homeless shelter. Mona and her family, who are now living independently in transitional housing, have returned for a second year to share their gifts with the Artology program.

BuildaBridge seeks to help as many people as possible, but above that, the organization hopes to create a personal relationship with all those with whom  they come in contact. The Taavao family provides an excellent example of the kind of connection BuildaBridge hopes to create and foster.

Mona, who is a certified school bus driver and a trained medical assistant, is one of two official van drivers for Artology. She is responsible for transporting up to 15 students to and from the camp site, as well as to various field trip locations across the city during the three-week session.

This year, Mona’s oldest son has been promoted to a paid position as a Junior Leader at Artology. Mat is responsible for mentoring younger students and assisting Group Leaders with the daily functions of the camp program. Mark is completing his second year as an Artology participant.

 Mona says that she and her sons are very happy to be involved with Artology again this year. She says it is a great opportunity for all of them, especially for Mat, who is excited to have his first paying job this summer. “This is the first time in a long time that we have all woken up together to go to the same place each day – it’s been great to spend the time together as a family,” Mona said.

According to Mona, BuildaBridge is special because of the talent and dedication of the staff, who, she says, take the time to get to know families and are “great with kids.” Mona said, “I would recommend [the Artology program] to any parent!"