On Friday May 18, 2012 the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition hosted its first Learning Academy. Located in Leominster MA at the Doyle Center- Trustees of Reservations, the day consisted of professional development workshops. Each workshop addressed key topics such as Education, Construction, Support Services, and Program Management. Directors and Staff members from all ten Massachusetts YouthBuild programs were in attendance. Developing and planning the Learning Academy provided an opportunity for YouthBuild to strengthen their program through the transfer of knowledge relationship and products. Each program walked away with something new to bring back to their site. As a Coalition, YouthBuild continues to increase its ability to function and effectively meet its mission. “This is the first time YouthBuild programs came together not only to learn and experience professional development, but to get to know other YouthBuild programs. I would like to see a lot more in the future.” (Quoted from Greg Mumford Deputy- Director of YouthBuild Boston). We are thankful for all that helped make this happen and plan to have more opportunities for professional development and program networking in the years to come. See photos of the Learning Academy on the home page tab
Here’s a look at some of the workshops presented below:
Education
· Portfolios as an Essential Part of a YouthBuild Education-By Catherine Pautsch
· Classroom Engagement for critical Thinking-By Krista Sabados and YouthBuild Lawrence
· Strengthening Your Post- Secondary Education Training-By Scott Emerick
Construction
·How to keep all students engaged on the work site (especially in light of reduced stipends)-By Dennis Mihaly and Harold Denfeld
·Weatherization-By Gloria Williams- Direcor of YouthBuild New Bedford
Support Services
·Healthy Nutrition- By Robin DeCiero UMass Extension programs
·Record Keeping Without Driving you Crazy-By Erin Rodriguez
·Building an Employer Network-By Mary McRae
Management
·How to Effectively Deal with DYS/Court Involved Youth-By Elizabeth Seigle- Program Manager at YouthBuild Boston
·Engaging Staff for High Outcomes-By Terry Moran Coalition Director
·YouthBuild as a Charter School: What Does it Mean to the Program-By Phil Matero, California YouthBuild Charter School (via Skype)
In the last few months the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition has partnered with Stone Soup, a community center that suffered a severe electrical fire in March 2009. Their new home is located at 4 King Street in Worcester Massachusetts. This Community Center not only serves as a space for groups to hold meetings, events, and host activities, it also plays a vital role in the community. TRA YouthBuild Worcester and other community organizations have contributed to the renovation of the space. Volunteering community service, TRA YouthBuild Worcester students participated in a several week intense demolition phase and fire debris cleanup.
The students have demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and team work. Having the opportunity to volunteer service has provided our youth with hands on training and exposure to the carpenters union. TRA YouthBuild students are able to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to real life situations. Everyday supervisors and staff are a witness to how motivated the students are and the progress they are making. Empowering today’s youth is a key element of YouthBuild’s mission and working on project like Stone Soup is one way to accomplish their dreams.
Although there is still more to go you will see on our home page a sneak peak of the before restoration and complete vision of the finished structure. There will also be photos of TRA YouthBuild Worcester Students: Terrell Taylor, Joel Ventura, Marques Laura, and Kyle Kozlowski working on landscaping and damaged sections of the house. For more information on Stone Soup feel free to visit their website at http://www.stonesoupworcester.org/
It’s spring time, YouthBuild! Here are the highlights of the Massachusetts
YouthBuild Coalition’s 5th annual Basketball Tournament. Sponsored by
YouthBuild Fall River, eight teams made up from mixed squads from YouthBuild
Worcester, Cambridge, Quincy, Lowell, Lawrence, New Bedford, Brockton, Fall
River, Springfield, and Boston challenged each other in a double elimination
basketball tournament. Kicking of the day at 10:00am, State Representative David
Sullivan was awarded legislator of the year award for his great leadership and
strong support of YouthBuild programs.
This year’s theme represented good sportsmanship, hard work, dedication, and
team work. As the tournament went on teammates and the crowd cheered for
the players. Coach Charlie Parker from YouthBuild Just-A-Start in Cambridge
came in first place. Second place went to Coach Michael Quigley from TRA
YouthBuild Quincy. The Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition is so proud of
the positive example YouthBuild players showed. Carrying on this basketball
tournament theme of sportsmanship, hard work, dedication, and team work will
definitely take you forward in life. Congratulations YouthBuild and keep up the
good work.
On Monday February 27th ten YouthBuild programs of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts gathered together at the State House to educate lawmakers about the value of YouthBuild programs. YouthBuild assist a large portion of Massachusetts undeserved youth. The group is requesting funding of $2,770,500 for YouthBuild. Without continuous funding it will be very difficult for many programs to continue their dedicated work.
On this day students shared their experiences and recited with their classmates their YouthBuild pledges. Juan Ortiz, student of YouthBuild Boston shared with everyone a beautiful reflective poem of a dark time in his life were the path he was taking lead right to jail. Once YouthBuild came into his life he was able to make a profound change for the better.
Key influential representatives such as Representative Byron Rushing and Gloria Fox spoke about the importance of youth speaking up for what is right and important in our lives. They want to see them to succeed and have opportunities just as many others have.
We hope by being active participants in our state government and speaking up on important issues such as YouthBuild funding that YouthBuild will be granted its request. Please take a moment to see what a great impact YouthBuild is showing.
*Photos in courtesy of Massachusetts YouthBuild Prograns*
Hello YouthBuild Members. Today I want to take the time to share with you all the memories of hard work, dedication, and passion to serve our communities. This slide show represents each of your programs and what we stand for. Congratulations on a job well done at YouthBuild's Day at the State House. Go YouthBuild!
*Photos in courtesy of YouthBuild Boston*
On January 16, Martin Luther King's Day, CTI YouthBuild Lowell students partnered with the Community Team Work Incorporated, Senior Corp volunteer program for a day of service. These young students made the dream come true to Milly's Place, CTI's family shelter based in Lowell. They gave the family shelter an extreme makeover. One could say, generations came together as YouthBuilders, Senior volunteers, and even shelter residents.
This mission included an array of tasks from the installation of shelves to curtain hanging, door installation, and the repair of windows. Our young people put their talent to work by designing and implementing a wall mural for the children's play room as well as general organization of the room. By the end of the day all volunteers were treated to pizza and were provided with Martin Luther King Day t-shirts to commemorate the day and to signify the importance of giving back to those in need.
"I always thought of community service as something you were forced to do, that's not the case, when you really get into it, it actually means so much more. Its about helping those who need a hand and doing something for our neighborhood and community that has a lasting impact and makes a difference. I hope the community see's what YouthBuild students and want to get involved and pay it forward too. We really can start a movement." Legmy R. YouthBuild Lowell student *Photos in courtesy of CTI YouthBuild Lowell*
MLK day, "A Day On Not a Day Off" turned out to be a complete success for YouthBuild Boston. YouthBuild Boston partnered with parents teachers, and students from Parkside Christian Academy in Jamaica Plain. This nondenominational private school serves students Kindergarden-10th grade. On this service day three hallways and four bathrooms were painted. There was a total of sixty-five volunteers and 384 hours of service. This is the third Martin Luther King day of service for YB Boston after previous years of donating time to Children Services of Roxbury in 2011 and Roxbury Community College in 2010. We are so proud of YB Boston and there efforts to be a positive role model and continue to carry out Dr. Kings legacy. See the wonderful photo album below in courtesy of YB Boston.
*Photos in courtesy of YouthBuild Boston*
In April 2011 YouthBuild Just-A-Start committed to a day of service with long time partner, The Cambridge Housing Authority. YouthBuild's main assignment was to dismantle a Gazebo from Cambridgeport to North Cambridge. YB students and supervisors accomplished the octagonal structure and wheelchair ramp. YB students learned new carpentry techniques and skills. The coalition applauds all students, staff and partner Cambridge Housing Authority for their efforts to improve our communities. Attached below is a photo album of the Gazebo event.
*Photos in courtesy of YouthBuild Just-A-Start*
On Wednesday November 9, 2011 YB Boston had their annual Housewarming event. YouthBuild Staff and students as well as other partners collaborated together to improve the conditions of two non-profit organizations. The project sites were located at the Freedom house in Dorchester and the Hildebrand Family Self- Help Center in Cambridge. YouthBuild Students, staff, and volunteers assisted with weather-stripping, caulking, foaming and door/window repairs. This community event had a wonderful turn out and helped our neighbors be better prepared for this winter season. Lead sponsor Bank of America also dedicated their time and efforts to serve the community. Enclosed below is some on-the-scene footage of the Housewarming event.
Roxbury Community College- Media Arts Center
The Freedom House
The Hildebrand Family-Self-Help Center Inc.
*Photos in courtesy of YouthBuild Boston*
Members of the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition were present at the annual "Real Estate Event " held at Goulston and Storrs. Students from programs such as YouthBuild Boston, Just-A-Start, and Fall River attended. YouthBuild Students had the opportunity to share their experiences of how YouthBuild programs has played an influential role in their life to the Real Estate community. The students did a great job and we are all very proud. Below are some photos of the event. Enjoy!
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