My name is Maria Eliza-Rodriguez and I am the Social Worker/ Homeless Education Liaison for the Southbridge Public Schools. I have been the Bilingual (Spanish) Social Worker since February 1999 and was assigned as the Homeless Education Liaison for our district in March 2003.

As the Social Worker, my tasks include: advocating for at-risk students and their families; empowering families to share their concerns with school officials; maintaining open lines of communication between home and schools; helping families understand their children's educational needs; making referrals to community agencies; tracking students involved with multiple agencies; and working with the larger community to identify and develop resources to better serve the needs of students and families, as needed.

My role of Homeless Education Liaison consist of making sure that children and youth in homeless situations enroll in, have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in school, and ensure that families, children, and youth receive educational services for which they are eligible under the McKinney-Vento Act.

My main office is located at Wells Middle School and I may be contacted at 508-765-9793.