December 2011
Our volunteer spotlight goes to Steven Hill and David Nelson from the Blue Hill Club. Steven and David are Curry College students who have volunteered at the club since October.
Steven, sophomore from Middlebury, Vermont, is studying Education with a minor in Criminal Justice. While at the Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club, Steven started volunteering in the Learning Center, helping youth of all ages ages with their homework and working one-on-one as a tutor for several members. Steven then began working in the teen center, where he was invited to become a mentor for several teens that needed extra support. Steven’s enthusiasm for engaging youth has made him a great addition to the Blue Hill Club. When Steven graduates in 2013, he would like to pursue a career working with teens who are dealing with substance abuse, trauma, or juvenile delinquency.
David Nelson is a senior from Bridgewater, MA who is studying Education at Curry College. He began working in the Learning Center as a tutor in the fall, forming relationships with several youth and encouraging them to work hard on their academics. He branched out to other program areas and began helping in the Games Room as well as the Gym. David’s patience and positive attitude help motivate club members to try their best at whatever they’re doing, whether it’s homework, playing pool, or engaging in a game of basketball. David hopes to pursue a career working with inner city youth when he graduates in December.
We wish Steven and David the best of luck in their future endeavors, and thank them for all of their hard work as volunteers at the Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club!
June 2011
Whether using the parachute with 6- and 7-year-olds or supervising a game of Four Square, Derek Pfau appears at ease and in control, all while sporting a smile on his face. Derek came to the Blue Hill Boys and Girls Club in December 2010, to complete 200 volunteer hours he needed for his Sports Management major at Lasell College. He immediately jumped into his volunteer hours with enthusiasm and a willingness to work. Derek was able to balance his studies and volunteer hours easily, and always came to the Club ready for whatever the day had in store for him. Derek was a perfect fit for the Athletic Department and was a much-needed asset during the busy winter months. He was able to apply his knowledge from Lasell into creating fun and interactive activities with the members. When not in the gym, Derek also assisted Jasmine Nichols in the Social Recreation Department. Jasmine describes Derek as “hardworking” and “always going above and beyond, so much that he volunteered over his required hours.” Members responded well to Derek’s energy and matched him step for step. His easy going and flexible approach to youth work is an asset to the Blue Hill Club and really resonated with members. Derek has made a huge impact on our members.
Comcast Cares Day - April 30, 2011
Comcast volunteers planted a Good Food Garden on the grounds of the Yawkey Club of Roxbury on Saturday, April 30 for the 10th Anniversary of Comcast Cares Day. The Good Food Garden program is a joint effort of Scripps Networks Interactive / Food Network, Share Our Strength, and Teich Garden Systems. The mission of Good Food Gardens is to educate families on the importance of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods.
The garden, which will be maintained by Club members with staff guidance, will produce vegetables and herbs that will be used in cooking classes as part of the Club’s healthy lifestyle curriculum. Boys & Girls Club staff across Boston and Chelsea are committed to promoting wellness initiatives, not only to members but also to their families. The percentage of Club members who reported frequently eating fast food has steadily decreased from 38% in 2007 to 15% in 2010.
Comcast volunteers also refreshed native plant gardens to beautify the outdoor space around the Yawkey Club, prepared the baseball field for summer activities, and implemented a spring cleanup to clear the property of debris. Their service inspired local families from the neighborhood to participate in this team effort. Thank you, Comcast!
National Volunteer Week: April 10-16
This week is National Volunteer Week! We would like to put the spotlight on all of our amazing volunteers who dedicate their time to serving youth in neighborhoods throughout Boston & Chelsea. From July to present, we have hosted over 1,000 corporate, college and individual volunteers in our Clubs, helping us have a greater impact on the youth we serve. In a recently conducted survey, 92% of volunteers felt that they made a worthwhile contribution to BGCB and 80% said they would continue volunteering with BGCB in the future. Other remarks from a Charlestown Club volunteer and Blue Hill Club volunteer, respectively, had this to say:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I look forward to continuing to volunteer. I had no idea what a fantastic place the Boys & Girls Club was until I started tutoring. What an incredible opportunity for the children in my neighborhood to learn, play, laugh, nurture friendships and feel part of a strong community.”
“I loved my time volunteering; I definitely plan to continue volunteering next semester and hopefully in the next years to come. My favorite part is just every week when I walk into the club and see the kids’ reactions to my arrival. They always run up and smile and they’re just so happy to see me. That’s what keeps me coming back every week, the fact that I can see that I’m making a difference in these kids’ lives.”
On behalf of the entire staff here at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! Your time and service is much appreciated and you truly make a difference in the lives of the youth that we serve.
January is National Mentoring Month!
We would like to thank all of our Mentors here at BGCB for their commitment to serving youth and making a difference in the Greater Boston community over the past year. Thank you to:
Blue Hill Club (Dorchester)
Marlie Pesek
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Keison Harry
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Lucas Donohue
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Jeff Glew
Charlestown Club
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Stephanie Rivkind
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Hannah Pierce
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Christine Gillis
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David Silverman
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Karson Tager
Jordan Club (Chelsea)
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Vedran Vukovic
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Lisa Rodriguez
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Jonathan Perez
South Boston Club
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Liz Cunningham
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Heather Carbone
Yawkey Club of Roxbury
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Scott LaBelle
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Emily Wisniewski
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Casey McKay
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Ian McLean
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Khadijah Mboup
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Kevin Hill
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Claire Coughlin
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Chris Lamb
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Michael Webster-Clark
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Ashley Kippins
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Liz Skinner
Two words stand out when it comes to Michael Webster-Clark: open and committed. Michael has been a mentor to Yawkey Club of Roxbury member Ronjay since his first year at Northeastern University. Now more than halfway through his second year, he found that he has learned a lot about himself and a lot from Ronjay that he did not expect through this experience. In fact, Michael said he plans to stay and volunteer at the Club because of Ronjay. He adds, “I really feel like I’m giving back.”
Ronjay was among the first to participate in the Yawkey Club’s mentoring program, which was made possible through BGCB’s partnership with Northeastern University Center of Community Service Civic Engagement Program and the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship. “Before I met Michael, I didn’t really have much to do here. I’d hang out with my friends.” Stopping to briefly reflect, Ronjay continued, “I wanted a mentor so he could help me out with homework… [and] because of Michael I will probably get a higher score on the math MCAS than I would’ve without him. On all MCAS actually.”
Twice a week Michael visits Ronjay to help him with homework and have fun playing video games and board games. They reminisce about everything from favorite pastimes like Scrabble to their trip to Northeastern last year, something they plan to do more often in the coming months. The little moments and stories they share all add up. The more you sit and listen to them, the more they sound like brothers. Not surprisingly, Ronjay is proud to say that he looks up to Michael as a big brother.
When asked what they were looking forward to, Ronjay beamed, “just another good year of being mentor-mentee.”
Paul Corcoran (top row in green shirt) began volunteering five years ago and remains a consistent member of the Jordan Boys & Girls Club team! During his scheduled hours, he dedicates his time to supporting education programming. His devotion to Club members, however, goes beyond his weekly six hours of volunteering with homework help, test prep, and reading assistance. He has quietly supported members and families in expanding their educational opportunities. His commitment reached a new level when one of the Club members was interested in attending a private high school. The member had the strengths to be successful in that setting, but not the resources to get his foot in the door. Paul helped with applications and financial aid forms. He met with this member’s family at the Club and answered many questions. Paul continued to provide homework help and supported him right through to college. All that Paul expects in return is that the former Club member continues to do his best.
Paul's volunteer service to BGCB recently was highlighted by Yvonne Abraham in The Boston Globe. Yvonne Abraham's November 25 column can be accessed here.
Thank you, Paul!!!
Angelo Thalassinos first came to the South Boston Boys & Girls Club in September of 2010. He came highly recommended from the Charlestown Club and with good reason. He currently helps out with our College Club and has been a great asset thus far. In his short time here, he has reviewed essays, helped fill out applications, and much more. Angelo is also very open and candid about his own experiences as a college student, which was not long ago.
As a lawyer, Angelo has a unique range of experiences through his travels and educational endeavors and has shared these experiences with our members. His willingness to discuss these experiences and the difficult, but rewarding, path to becoming a lawyer has served as a great example to all of our members to pursue their dreams.
On September 11, a national day of service and remembrance, approximately 40 Northeastern University first-year honor students volunteered at the Yawkey Club of Roxbury’s Spirit of Roxbury community event. This event was made possible through a partnership with Northeastern University, which launched in 2009. Students came to the Club through Northeastern’s Honors Outreach Project, which seeks to introduce first-year honors students to the neighborhoods and communities that surround the university. From facilitating activities like face painting and carnival games to serving food, students pitched in wherever they could. Everyone had a lot of fun, and some were so enthralled by the experience that they are coming back to volunteer during the academic year. As the fall season begins, we look forward to continuing the partnership and welcoming new volunteers from Northeastern.
BGCB's Mentoring program and South Boston Club mentor Patrick McKiernan were featured in Boys & Girls Club's of America's "Connections" magazine. Read the full article here.
Claire Richmond began volunteering at the South Boston Club in January 2010. Claire works full-time as a graphic designer in the marketing department at Heinle, a part of Cengage Learning here in Boston. She volunteers once a week in the Computer Clubhouse teaching members about 21st century design tools, such as Adobe Photoshop. She is a great inspiration to members who come in the realm of the Computer Clubhouse to learn how to utilize various forms of technology in conjunction with their passions. When Claire is not helping out in the Computer Clubhouse, she enjoys interacting with the members by giving them insight on life, their future, and their education. She serves as a role model to members, encouraging them to make the most out of the opportunities that are presented to them and the advantage of seeing the end result of goals that they wish to pursue. She says that working with our members gives her great joy and pleasure. Claire has left an indelible mark of positivity and creativity during her time at the South Boston Club. William Cullity, a 10-year-old member with whom she works directly, says that Claire is a fun, smart, and creative person that cares about people. She is respected and deeply cared for by our members at the Club. Claire has made a huge impact on our members. Thank you, Claire!!!
Stephen Rogulski began volunteering at the Blue Hill Club in December of 2008. A Portfolio Administrator at State Street, he volunteers in the Learning Center two days a week helping out with our tutoring program. He is a great motivator to members who come into the Learning Center to receive homework help. When Stephen is not in the Learning Center, he enjoys helping out in any area in need of support. He likes playing foosball in the games room with members, shooting hoops in the gym with the basketball team, and even drawing in the Late Room with members who are waiting to get picked up. Yet more than that, he serves as a role model for members. He gets to know the members and gives them someone to confide in. Stephen says that coming to the Club is the highlight of his week. He has stuck with volunteering at the Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club because he finds purpose and meaning in the time he spends with members.
Stephen has been an unbelievable asset to the Club for the last two years. He is known by all the staff and revered by the Club members. He is reliable and enthusiastic. Shawn, a 9-year-old member who receives homework help from Stephen says, "I like how Stephen encourages me to do my homework and then shoots hoops with me when I'm done. He is awesome!" Stephen has made a huge impact on the kids, staff and Club community. Thank you, Stephen!
The week of April 18 is National Volunteer Week. Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers for your service to the youth of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston!
BGCB partners with Northeastern University to bring mentors, new perspectives to members
In the fall of 2009, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston launched a new and exciting partnership between the Yawkey Club of Roxbury and Northeastern University. With both establishments having a rich history in the Stonybrook community, the partnership made perfect sense. Based on campus and managed by a full time Americorps volunteer, this perfect pairing has increased volunteers, programs and training opportunities for staff at the Yawkey Club. To date, some 70 volunteers have dedicated more than 2,500 hours of service to the Yawkey Club of Roxbury through serving meals, tutoring, providing administrative support, participating in the mentoring program and volunteering at some of the Club’s annual events.
While all of the Northeastern volunteers benefit the Yawkey Club and its members, the mentoring program stands out. Although the program only allows for a limited number of mentors (six in total – four at Yawkey and two at Dearborn*), it has made an outstanding impact on the lives of the children participating. Mentors and their mentees currently meet for a total of five hours a week. During their meetings they do homework, play board games, eat dinner and talk – the mentors spend time getting to know their mentees, learning where they’ve come from, what they’re interested in and what they aspire to be in the future. Our hope is that memories of these meetings will stay with our members, influence them to do the right thing and hopefully make a lasting impact on their lives.
Most recently, the Northeastern mentors were able to welcome their mentees into their world. Rather than spending an afternoon at the Club, a place that most of our members consider a second home, the matches ventured out of the club and over to the Northeastern campus. Matches toured the campus, checked out the dorms and ate in the dining hall. For most, this was a first look at college life, and an inspiring experience at the least. One member was taken aback by the view of his neighborhood, “I loved the view from the 22nd floor. Up there you have a view of all of Roxbury. I've never seen Roxbury like that.” Being able to see his neighborhood in a different light topped his list of favorite things about the visit. Other members began to consider the possibility of attending Northeastern. One mentee remarked, “Yes. I would go there to live in a nice dorm (the International Center)… It's close to my mom and you get to have roommates. You meet all kinds of different people and you get a degree so you can get a good job and make money.”
According to Yawkey Club social worker, Adam Chaprnka, the program has been such a success that he hopes to triple the number of matches in the coming years. Adam targeted 11- to 13-year-olds, an age group that tends to stray from the Club as they enter their teen years, when recruiting members for the mentoring program. He believes that participating in this program will help to retain these members as they enter these transitional years. With the expansion of the program, Adam is hopeful that he will be able to reach many more teens and keep them engaged well into their teen years.
*The Dearborn Boys & Girls Club is one of BGCB’s five Shared Space Clubs, and is located nearby at the Dearborn Middle School. Members from this Club were invited to participate in the mentoring program at the Yawkey Club at the beginning of the school year.
If you ask any of the staff members at the South Boston Boys & Girls Club, they would tell you that Joe Barbosa is an outgoing, motivated member who has made great strides over the past year and participates in all sorts of programming. However, this was not always the case. In his early years at the Club, Joe strayed from the norm in South Boston. He was less interested in participating in the programs offered and more interested in doing his own thing - even if that meant breaking some rules. Despite their hard work and dedication, staff at the South Boston Club were finding it hard to reach Joe. Much of their efforts were falling on deaf ears and it looked as if Joe would be one of the few kids that BGCB staff aren’t able to reach.
Enter Pat McKiernan, who signed up to participate in the BGCB Mentor Program in 2008. Shortly after signing up, he was paired with Joe and, for the past 15 months, the two have been spending valuable time together on a weekly basis. Every Thursday evening, barring school vacations, Joe and Pat spend time doing homework, playing ping pong, and simply talking. Their relationship has helped Joe grow quite a bit. Chris Devlin, Mentor Advisor and Pre-Teen Specialist at the South Boston Club, has seen first hand the impact that the mentoring program has had on Joe:
“Joe has shown great strides while being mentored by Pat McKiernan; before they were paired together, Joe was in constant trouble at school, at the Club, and even at home. Since being paired, Joe has improved his ELA and mathematics grades, while also getting more involved in club activities, such as the Torch Club and intramural sports. Before they were paired, Joe struggled with his temper and used his size and attitude to intimidate the people around him when he was mad. Over the last 15 months, Pat has taught Joe that patience is a virtue and that he can resolve issues without being violent.”
BGCB's Mentor Program, initiated in fall 2008, has been making a difference in the lives of kids like Joe across the organization with the hopes of reaching many more in the coming years. With more than 25 mentor/mentee matches this year, our members are learning skills and building relationships that they would not have had access to otherwise. Our mentors are a diverse group of people made up of community members, college students and young professionals, all looking to give back and inspire children to do great things.
Recruitment for the BGCB Mentoring Program begins in the summer; if you are interested in becoming a mentor please check the web site for more information in the coming months.
January is the National Mentor Month, and Thursday, January 21 is Thank A Mentor Day.
BGCB would like to thank the outstanding mentors who have donated their time during the 2009-10 program year. Below are the names of mentors who are working directly with youth in our five Free-Standing Clubs and one Shared-Space Club.
Candace Alexander Tom Ames Heather Carbone Andria Diaz Jessica Fidgeon Rodrigo Garcia Jeanne Genao Violeta Hernandez Ashley Kippins Alexa Kuzmich Chris Lacolla Kate McCabe
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Tim McDonald Jessica McGovern Pat McKiernan Robert Newton Lisa Rodriguez Valerie Shields David Silverman Karson Tager Sarah Triewweiler Vedran Vukovic Michael Webster-Clark |
November 2009
BGCB’s Converse “All Stars”
On November 11, 100 sales representatives from Converse Inc. participated in a day of service at BGCB’s five free-standing clubs. Over the course of three hours, sales associates personally fitted members with a brand new pair of sneakers, provided athletic programming and even included a creative component - letting members design their own sneaker on a piece of paper and bringing their design to life on a sneaker.
To staff and members alike, the day meant more than just a free pair of sneakers.
“The volunteers were very nice, interacted with the kids and made a lot of connections. The highlight of the event was the sneaker design activity where the members had a chance to design their own Converse sneakers with arts and craft supplies. It was so much more than just giving our members a free pair of sneakers and that’s what stuck out to me the most about this event. I am grateful to have been a part of it” – Blue Hill staff member
Over 1,100 members were provided with brand new sneakers and a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We are happy to welcome Converse to BGCB’s network of 600+ volunteers who work effortlessly to inspire and encourage our members in new and creative ways every day!
If you are interested in joining our network of volunteers, please contact Alexa Kuzmich at akuzmich@bgcb.org for more information.