Humans of SSYP (Week 2)

Welcome to the second installment of our Humans of SSYP blog posts! Here you will find in-depth interviews with the subjects of HoSSYP. I hope you will gain some insight into the individuals that make up this diverse and growing community. 

Ada

How did you find out about St Stephens’ Youth Program?

“I found out about SSYP through my son's school. I was going through the pickup line in my car. A lady banged on the window and she asked, ‘Hi, would you like to work at the school?’

I said yes. It wasn’t something that I had to beg for.” 

What made you choose to be involved in SSYP? 

“When I found out about St Stephens’ Youth Programs and how it would give me not only an opportunity to work within the schools, but also to be involved within my community. That's how I decided this was something that I have been waiting for for a long time.”

Can you summarize SSYP in one word or phrase? 

“In my case, I would describe SSYP as transformative. It has made a big difference because until recently, it has put my dreams into a way that has materialized my journey. So yeah. I mean, I'm not there yet, but I mean, I'm on my way there.” 

How do you feel about SSYP now compared to when you started?

“I feel more connected with my community now compared to when I started. You feel more engaged and more educated when it comes to the schools, education and how things work in the school districts.”

What has been your biggest challenge at SSYP? 

“There was a time when I was spending too much time here. It was a big weight on my family. I didn't like spending as much time with my family, which I communicated to my then director. My boss said ‘You know what? Yeah, there's a way that you can still participate and be engaged in all of the activities and also spend time with your family.’ That was great. I think that she helped me a great lot to be part of the team, but also be with my family as much as possible.”

What are you most proud of during your time at SSYP?

I'm most proud of the relationships that I have built with the families and parents within the community. I think that they trust me. I think most of them I have known for quite a while since I started the mentor program and parent organizing, because a lot of the parents are also part of the peer mentor program in organizing.

Looking forward, what can we expect from SSYP?

I think that looking forward, we can innovate, update and have a more proactive approach with the current condition and not only with our families, but also our students and us as a whole community. I think we need to take a more holistic approach to what's going on and focus on our motto ‘Nurturing the heart, Nourishing the mind, Building communities where all can thrive.’ I think we need to refocus on what we specifically decided that we're going to work on at the beginning of the year.

What’s your favorite memory at SSYP? 

I have so many good memories from all the students and all of the parents, but I think my favorite memory has to be with one of our current students. She has a lot of needs that haven't been met and addressed. Sometimes, she's not able to focus on her academic tasks and I’m trying to get her to sit down and focus. She wrote that she hated me. I asked, ‘well, is that how you feel about Miss Ada?’ And she was like ‘not you silly’.  I said, well, you know what, Miss Ada is going to close her eyes and you can write something else. Right after that, when I opened my eyes, she wrote, ‘I love you’ and that you're the only nice person that I can talk to. For me, that touched my heart and my soul because it makes me feel and think that I'm doing something amazing. I'm connecting with kids, even though we don't see it in real time because it happens so fast. You think that you're not connecting with them at those upper levels, but that interaction made my day and my year. 

Jackie

What inspired you to join the SSYP community?

What inspired me to join is St Stephens’ Youth Program’s commitment to long-term relationships and community. This is because community and relationships are some of my core values. Additionally, I’m excited to engage with the populations that support their work since they're people of color, especially Latino or Hispanic people like myself.

Can you summarize SSYP in one word or phrase?

I'd use long-lasting connections. 

How do you feel about SSYP now compared to when you started? 

When I first started, it was mostly getting to know the staff and getting prepared and organized for our participants to come. At first, it was a little bit difficult to understand how everything works. Now, I feel very energized and excited to continue to engage with all the members of the SSYP community. I feel like I have a better understanding of how they are able to reach different age levels within the community. I feel committed and excited to do that work with them. 

Have you had to overcome any significant obstacles so far? 

I think the main obstacle has been working with younger kids because I've had the experience of working with peers my own age. An obstacle has been getting used to working with younger populations and understanding how they best receive information and learn. Having the opportunity to work with them these past few weeks, it has benefited me because I'm now gaining more experience on how to work with a larger range of age groups and how to accommodate different ways of learning and receiving information.

What are you most proud of so far during your time at SSYP?

I'm most proud of being able to try my best to instill in the participants that anyone can be a scientist because science is a field where there is very low representation of women and people of color. I'm most proud of being able to present to them examples of different scientists that are people of color and women of color. Even if right now they think science is boring or hard, in the future, just knowing they've seen images of people that look like them, that they can feel empowered to be able to study science and know that they can do it as well.

Do you have any regrets about your time at SSYP?

I wouldn't be when I started not being more engaging and with all the community members, because I'm more on the shy side. I think I could have pushed myself to speak with more people to get to know them better sooner.

What's your favorite memory at SSYP so far?

I don't think there's a specific one, but it's whenever all the staff and team members are together and sharing a meal. One of my friends has this thing that food is fellowship. I really liked the times we're able to eat a meal together for lunch and get to know each other better.

What do you think the future holds for SSYP?

If SSYP can continue to grow and impact the lives of more community members. I think that they're building a solid foundation so that in the future they'll continue to do the important work that they do reaching all of our community members. Hopefully other groups around the nation can model what SSYP does so we can build these long-term relationships with other places in our country.

Is there anything else you want to talk about or say about SSYP in your experience?

I love that SSYP gives a voice to the voiceless in the community of South End Boston. 

Rafa

How did you first hear about SSYP?  

When Ariel and I heard about this parent mentor program in Chicago, we decided to travel to Chicago and bring that program here to Boston. I really fell in love with the program. Even though I was already part of the parent organizer program, I was also a parent mentor that was working in the classroom at the Blackstone school. This was really good because I was getting the parents involved with the schools.

I really loved the Blackstone school and being involved in that and getting to be a volunteer and now getting paid for it. I was really in love with that. Because of that moment, I have just one job. When the Blackstone approved the program, they had approved a pilot plan, which was six parents to be in the schools. I was one of the six mothers who started the Blackstone program. I was working Monday-Thursday at the school for two hours a day like every mother in the program. I worked an additional two hours a week in training and capacity building on Fridays. 

What was the network that got you started on your journey of bringing the parent-mentor program to Boston? 

Ariel went through Chicago, so that’s how she first found out about the program. She came to Boston and talked about the program here. I travelled with Ariel to find out more about the parent-mentor program. The biggest connection over there was a woman named Bridget. There was also an association of the Logan neighbors. There was additionally an organization that we had connected with to learn more about the program. 

Can you summarize the parent mentor program in one word or phrase?

Transformative. 

How do you feel about the parent-mentor program now compared to when you started? 

The best thing about the parent-mentor program is that they taught me how to be a leader in my house, be a leader in my school and a leader in my community. 

I think that the parent-mentor program is the power of the woman and the power of the family. The parent mentor program provides relationships with the school because the teacher and the principal have a very good relationship with the students and parents. 

It’s very important to me to be recognized for my leadership. The Blackstone created an award for me in honor of the work I’ve done for the parent-mentor program. When the award is given out every year, it is going to be dedicated to a parent, but it will have my name on it. It’s called theRafaela Polancoaward. The award is going to be given out at every graduation to the parent who was the most involved in what’s happening at the schools. 

What are you most proud of during your time at the parent mentor program?

One thing that made me really proud is when we won the decision to not cut the budget at the Blackstone School. Another thing I was proud of was being able to have more say and being part of more decisions made at the school that didn't happen before.

What's some memories you have of your time in the parent mentor program?

“My favorite memory is every time we have a graduation ceremony is when we listen to the parent-mentors’ stories and see how big the changes are that have been transforming their lives. 

One of the memories that really stuck in my mind is one time a Boston police officer stopped me on the highway between Gloucester to Boston. He treated me with discrimination. He threw the ticket to me, like gave it to me for minor traffic violations. The paper that was printing, he grabbed it and threw it in my face and said that Latin people don’t know how to drive. When he threw the paper at me, my son was in the backseat and he was shaking because he was scared. When I stopped to look at the ticket, it was about $415.

When I saw the ticket, I just started crying. I said to myself ‘what am I going to do if I don't know any English to go to court?’ One of the things that I started thinking about and remembering is all my training and how parent-mentors become leaders. I was receiving parent mentors that made me understand that you cannot give up and you can do it.

I came to St Stephen’s and they told me what I can do. They said to go to a motor vehicle office, and tell them that I'm wanting to appeal the ticket and then they will let me know what the next step is. 

The funny thing was the same day that I was going to appeal the ticket was also the day of the parent mentor graduation two years ago. I went in the morning to do the appeal and the graduation was later that afternoon. I went to the appeal and I was the last one to be seen because the interpreter never arrived. I ended up speaking my Spanglish, and the judge understood what I was saying. So they took all the tickets away. I won the appeal. A story like mine; there are a lot of stories like that in this program.” 

A lot of people have that fear of not speaking up because of the language barrier. One of the things I really like about the parent-mentor program is that blindfold, they take it away and they give you another vision to see the things that you can do.

There are no barriers, anything can happen, everything can happen and you can do it if you work hard for it.

Humans of SSYP (Week 1)

My name is Edina Alix. I have the honor and privilege of being the SSYP Communications and Development fellow through the College for Social Innovation for the Fall 2021 semester. My Special Project for CfSI is a social media campaign titled “Humans of SSYP.” The purpose of these posts is to spotlight members of the SSYP community that are not typically highlighted on our social media. These include staff members, community leaders, and members of our parent-mentor program. I hope with these anecdotes you can gain a greater understanding of the many individuals that put their hard work and dedication into making St Stephen’s Youth Programs the place we’ve come to know and love. 

Latasha

How do you feel about SSYP now compared to when you started?

“I felt like before it was just a job. Now, it’s a lifestyle for me. It kind of goes home with you, even if it’s not on a deep level or a topic that is detrimental to youth development. It’s just the fact that they put a smile on your face or you go home and you think about all the highlights that happened in the program.”

Have you had to overcome any significant obstacles that SSYP was able to help you overcome?

“I’m a young black woman living in poverty trying to still survive. I think that SSYP gave me the opportunity to do more than just survive and do it in my own way. They definitely helped me with the guidance and understanding of what I needed to do for self-sustainability. They also pointed me in the right direction of helping me professionally grow. So, shout out to St Stephens.” 

What are you most proud of during your time at SSYP?

“I’m most proud of watching my youth develop from JCIT’S to CIT’S and really see them take full accountability of the program and what it offers. Just to see them grow through it  is to see them transition through it is dope.” 

What is your favorite memory at SSYP?

“My favorite memory would be celebrating black excellence month. We actually turned black history month into black excellence month. We definitely talk about prior things that have happened that shape who we are as an African-American society, but we’ve also found a way to hone in on black excellence.”

Is there anything else you would like to say? 

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow the YLC program and to grow myself and to actually grow my teens, my leads and my volunteers to everybody that I encounter. Keep giving me the encouragement to be a better youth worker.” 

Erin

What made you choose to be involved with the Boston College Pulse Program?

“I really liked how [the PULSE program] was both a service learning program and also academics. It was cool to learn philosophy and theology in class and then be able to take those ideas and put them into action by serving. I really had been wanting to get involved with service at Boston College, and I thought it would be a good way to do it.”

Can you summarize SSYP in one word or phrase? 

“I would definitely say my first impressions were accurate. When I came in, it just felt super welcoming, like a great community. Everyone had such good energy and it was super positive and energetic, and I think that's exactly how I've felt since I've started working here.”

What is your biggest challenge at SSYP?

“I think my biggest challenge has probably been working on being patient with the kids. They're the best, they're such nice kids, super funny, but they're also second graders and I'm a college student. So our energy is very different. It's been good learning how to do that.” 

What are you most proud of during your time at SSYP?

“I think I’m most proud of the relationships I've already built with some of the students. Being able to see them recognize me and know who I am and see me as someone that they want to talk to when I'm here is really nice.”

What’s your favorite memory at SSYP so far?

“I think my favorite memory so far was my first day and I was reading books with one of the students in my group. We were reading a Star Wars book, and he just pointed to Ray in the book and he was like, ‘that's you?’ And I said, that is the nicest compliment. It was so sweet.”

What do you think the future holds for SSYP?

“I think in the future that students are still going to love coming here. Everyone I've ever talked to has said how much they love it. I think that it's a really good opportunity to get more involved with the city of Boston and the next generation of students here.” 

Yrmaris 

What made you decide to be involved in the SSYP parent-mentor program? 

“When the parent-mentor program was presented to me, I was unemployed and I thought okay, this is another option for me. I'm already involved in the school. I was part of the parent council and it was another opportunity for me to be included and have employment. So I thought ok we'll see. And I was chosen.”

Can you summarize SSYP in one word or phrase? 

“In one phrase, the parent-mentor program is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

How did you find out about SSYP?

“I remember when I first heard about the parent-mentor program when Raphaela went to present the program to the parent council. And I thought, oh, okay. This is really fascinating because it's trying to get parents to be more involved in what is happening in the schools. This was a perfect opportunity for me to be more involved. All the parents were like, we want in on this. It's awesome.”

How do you feel about SSYP now compared to when you started?

“I feel way much better now compared to when I started the parent-mentor program. When I started it, I had my insecurities, like, I'm kind of afraid to be speaking, be outspoken and speak in public and things like that. But now since I'm in the parent-mentor program, I can be more focused and more inspired to be speaking my mind on things I care about. I advocate for the schools. I do testimonies once in a while. Now I'm part of the parent organizers here, so I was able to grow in my role here.”

What are you most proud of during your time at SSYP?

“Last year I was proud that I accomplished a lot. I was doing the parent-mentors and I also was doing the ambassador program through Project Hope and graduated from that too. There were still things that I was like, ‘Okay, I need to focus and get this done.’ I got it done. I also do catering on the side. People were hiring me for catering once they opened their doors. I was like, that was really nice.”

What’s your favorite memory of the parent-mentor program?

“For the parent-mentor program, my favorite memory was one time that I was with the kids one-on-one in our breakout room. She was getting really frustrated and almost started crying. I go like, ‘don't you cry, just keep trying, don't give up your sunshine. Don't you cry’? Now I sometimes speak with her mom and the mom said that she's so independent now She's independent on her own. When they tried at first, she was not trying at all. I was like, you need to ask questions for you to understand what is happening. So I told her, I would like her to never feel shy about asking any questions, because practice will make the master. So since then, she's been really focused. I talk to her mom once in a while, so that's good.”

What do you think the future holds for the SSYP parent-mentor program?

“I will say for the future of the parent-mentor program, there are a lot of schools in Boston that I know like having parents involved in their kids' education. In the school district to be able to help improve academics because you know when a kid you like is working hard, they feel so proud when one tries to do their best to make the parents proud. I will say my goal is to expand the parent-mentor program to at least 30 more schools.”

Is there anything else you would like to speak about?

“I will say for parents out there, don't feel shy about trying something new. If you are interested, try it. You don't know the experience you can have with it and how much love you will experience. It is something that will wake inside you, that will make you say ‘oh my God. how come I never thought about doing this before’. Being involved in your kid's life, especially in an emotional way at school helps them beyond measure.”

Nurturing the Heart with STEM

By Jackie Rojas, SSYP Jesuit Volunteer Corps Fellow

The theme this year for B-READY “Nurture the Heart, Nourish the Mind, Build Community where all can Thrive” has been a great inspiration in creating the STEM lessons for this year. When it comes to the study of science, technology, engineering, and math, nourishing the mind is seen as one of the top priorities, closely followed by the sharing of data and discoveries within the scientific community and the world. Rarely is nurturing the heart thought of as an instrumental element to education in the sciences when, in reality, nurturing the heart is an essential first step in STEM education and education at large. The mind cannot be nourished at the expense of the heart. 

One of the many ways that the heart can be nurtured in education is through the power of representation. Especially in fields like STEM, there is a lack of diversity and representation. The percentage of women and POCs that make up the STEM field is alarmingly low making it harder for these communities to feel valued, heard, and seen in their field. A powerful first step in combating this lack of representation is by instilling in students the unquestionable reality that anyone can be a scientist, engineer, or mathematician so that one day they can feel empowered to join these fields even in the face of disproportionate representation. The simplest way to instill this truth is by uplifting the voices and stories of women and POCs in the STEM field. Seeing their faces, learning about their research, and listening to their accomplishments brings solace and security to any hurting heart that longs to hear if they can do it, I can do it too.  

The STEM lessons for this trimester have tackled representation by, first and foremost, uplifting the voices and stories of several scientists. Each lesson is focused on a specific topic and paired with a scientist. During our lessons about space, astronauts Mae Jemison, Ellen Ochoa, and Franklin Chang-Díaz were uplifted as the first Black woman, Latina, and Latino to go to space. The most recent lesson focused on planetary geologist Adriana Ocampo, along with the layers of the Earth. This exposure to a diverse group of STEMists will continue throughout the trimester to dispel the stereotypes of what scientists, engineers, and mathematicians are supposed to look like. Finally, there will be a culminating project at the end of the trimester that will allow every B-READY participant to create their very own superhero scientist based on the influential people they learned about. This is one of many ways of nurturing the heart, but its end result is what makes room for the flame of wonder, commitment, and resilience to shine a bright and steady path toward the nourishing of the mind and building of community.

SSYP welcomes our Fall 2021 fellows through the College for Social Innovation!

By Edina Alix, Development and Communications Fellow, CfSI

Each semester, SSYP welcomes college fellows through the College for Social Innovation’s (CfSI) Semester in the City program. Throughout the fall months, CfSI teaches distinctive courses in problem-solving and social innovation. Students also participate in an internship with a non-profit organization in the social sector. By partnering with this organization, SSYP and CfSI give undergraduate students the chance to broaden their professional skills, workplace experience, and gain college credit in the process. This semester SSYP has THREE fellows participating in this special opportunity.

Edina Alix is our Communications and Development fellow. Edina will be working with our social media and assisting in creating several social media campaigns highlighting our community, our staff, and what makes SSYP unique. She is a junior at Bridgewater State University majoring in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. She is originally from Framingham, Massachusetts and just moved to Cape Cod from North Carolina last year. In her free time, she likes to watch old movies and listen to podcasts. 

Molly is our School Partnership Fellow. Her role will consist of volunteer coordination with the Blackstone School Library, as well as developing literacy programs and resources through the B-Ready program. Molly attends the University of New Hampshire and is a sophomore studying English and Justice Studies. Molly is from Sandwich, MA on Cape Cod. Molly is an avid reader and can’t wait to experience Fall in the city. 

Briahna is joining St. Stephen’s Youth Program through Semester in The City as academics fellow for the 2021 fall semester. She is studying both psychology and sociology at Southern New Hampshire University and initially began her BA with the idea of eventually becoming a therapist. Once she became more involved in afterschool programs working with children she then realized that it would soon become her passion. Her role in the program is to help teach youth groups ranging from the elementary and middle school level different lessons that go beyond what a typical school day has to offer. The goal is to give students a choice when it comes to what it is they would like to learn while also adhering to specific lesson plans that provide necessary skills and learning opportunities.

We hope you join us in welcoming and celebrating these fellows and everything they are doing at SSYP! We can’t wait to see what they are able to accomplish in our programs, communications and community!

Exploring Identity Through Mask-Making with the YLC

By Samantha Lopez Charrizales, PICS intern, Academic Specialist B-SAFE 2021

As the B-SAFE summer program enters its final week, youth and staff have gotten to grow together and explore the program's theme for this year - "Brave Enough to Be It." Working as a new member of the Academic Team for the summer, I had been anxiously awaiting being able to share the curriculum our staff worked hard to put together for the youth. For weeks, we had been anticipating the summer, getting prepared for rotations that would be both fun and educational. After months of virtual schooling for the kids, we knew that there would be a lot of adjustments to be made in order for them to feel comfortable and excited to learn in person again. Taking the approach of “learning through play”, we planned lessons that would encourage the kids to get hands-on and creatively express themselves. 

For my curriculum, I sought to create culturally-centered lessons that would help our middle schoolers think critically about the world around them, how it shapes them, and how they shape it. After four weeks of program I have seen these lessons come to life with the vibrancy that the young people and the staff at the YLC bring every day. One of my favorite rotations this summer revolved around identity, tying into our weekly theme, "Brave Enough to Be You." 

We began with an activity about our “Circles of Influence”, which asked us to think about who we are in the context of different groups and social structures (our family, friend groups, schools, country, etc). With this in mind, we moved on to making art that expressed the multiple and dynamic aspects of our identities. The YLC was tasked with creating masks that would represent the parts of their identity that are associated with the communities they belong to, their collective identity, on the outside of their masks, and the parts of their identity that they define themselves, their individual self, on the inside of their masks. There was a lot of creative energy in the room during these rotations, as the kids took to painting everything from the flags of their heritage to their favorite anime. It was a colorful, albeit messy, time that allowed everyone at the YLC to get to know each other.

With B-SAFE ending soon, the masks remain great reminders of the memories we have made this summer as a diverse group full of enthusiastic personalities. As the youth reflect on their identities and the world that surrounds them, I hope that they feel empowered to take our theme outside of these walls - being brave enough to be unapologetically themselves, to try new things, to speak up, and to make a change. It has been a summer full of learning and fun for me personally, with the YLC truly showing me the purpose that drives youth work. I am inspired by the fact that, whether I turn to our Site Manager or our youngest fifth grader, I know that when I walk into 31 Lenox, I am walking into a room full of leaders.

MA Attorney General, Maura Healey, Visits SSYP!

By Tyler Cavanagh, Development Associate

On July 27, 2021, SSYP hosted a visit from Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and her team. During the Attorney General’s visit, our JCITs (B-SAFE’s 9th grade leadership internship program) had the opportunity to voice their concerns about challenges in their community to the AG and advocate for change.  While we often talk about our young people advocating for equity in education, our 9th graders spent time preparing for this visit by identifying needs in the community outside of their schools. They did this by engaging in conversations with neighbors, business people, and community leaders over the past three weeks. Some of the topics included litter, affordable housing, rent control, the challenges associated with gentrification, access to public libraries, and homelessness.  JCITs also spent considerable time with the Attorney General discussing the impacts of gun violence, public safety, and the opioid crisis. 

These challenges are real and our young people see them every day.  When asked by Attorney General Healey “raise your hand if you ever feel unsafe,” hands around the circle went up immediately.  This conversation, a valuable and honest exchange of information, allowed our teens to take part in their own governance, highlighting a phrase that is heard often at SSYP and elsewhere, “nothing about us without us.”  The Attorney General’s staff were there to provide resources to the young people and make note of the issues that are important to them.  

One major challenge shared by SSYP’s Teen Program Manager, Jasmine Bruner, was around funding for teen employment.  Each summer SSYP provides meaningful employment to more than 100 teens from around the city of Boston.  These positions at SSYP are funded, in part, through the Healthy Summer Youth Jobs Program, a grant through the Attorney General’s office.  We are grateful for this support and proud of our commitment to creating opportunities for young people to gain valuable work experience in an environment that allows them to feel safe, big, and connected. 

After the group discussion, Attorney General Healey walked with us to Ramsey Park to play basketball with our teens, a shared passion.  While some of our young people may have been more quiet in the group discussion, their energy was tangible on the court. These moments of relationship building are key to our mission at SSYP.  Sharing this moment of fun and camaraderie allowed our youth to see past the title and office of Attorney General and instead see someone who is literally on their team, ready to put in the work so we can all win. 

We are so grateful to Attorney General Maura Healey and her entire team for taking the time to visit us and see what makes SSYP unique! 

B-SAFE 2021 - Launched and Already Halfway There!

By Liz Steinhauser, Senior Director of Community Engagement

B-SAFE 2021, St. Stephen’s Youth Programs 22nd year of summer programming, is launched and already halfway done! There is a reason everyone calls this a sprint! 

In the first 13 days of B-SAFE, young people across our four sites in Boston have..

• Made new friends

• Sculpted clay animals

• Watched the IMAX movie Sharks! in 3D

• Bowled spares and strikes at Boston Bowl

• Run through the sprinklers at the Christian Science Plaza

• Pet rabbits at Farrington Nature Linc

• Learned about social identity through mask-making

• Offered apologies and reconciled when they made mistakes or hurt another person’s feelings

• Splashed at Ashland State Park

• Interviewed neighbors and business leaders in the South End about their community

• Sang along to In The Heights at the Coolidge Corner Theatre

• Started their resumes to be ready to apply jobs

• Created drip paintings and added positive affirmations

• Explored the USS Constitution

• Got a paycheck (a lifetime first for many of our teen Counselors-in-Training)

• Ate a garden full of carrots

• Had sooooooooooo much fun! 

Our staff and leaders from partner organizations have done BIG and IMPORTANT things--together--creating a supportive learning environment for young people, some of whom are rejoining groups for the first time in nearly 18 months, due to the necessity of quarantines during the pandemic. And all of this is happening during the rainiest July on record and when the climate emergency is creating algae blooms in the lakes at our field trip destinations. Rain plans and flexibility galore! WOW!

The theme for B-SAFE 2021 is “Brave Enough To Be It” from youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb.” Young people, teens, and adult staff have been brave enough to meet new people, taste new foods, go new places, and try new things. Parents have also been engaged through cook-outs, zumba sessions, and a workshop learning about the history of parent leadership in the Boston Public Schools (starting in the 1600’s!). 

It has been a brave and beautiful first half of the summer. BIG thanks to all who have put their love and energy into making this a safe, big, and connected first half of the summer. We cannot WAIT to see what happens next!

When Parents Organize, Parents (and Schools) Win!

By JP Blasi, CfSI Development and Communications Fellow

On March 31, 2021, the Boston School Committee voted on the final draft of the budget for Boston Public Schools for 2021- 2022: $1.3 billion, the largest appropriation ever. After several days of digging into the details of the spreadsheets, SSYP leaders were thrilled to find that our three partner schools--Blackstone Elementary, Orchard Gardens K-8, and Hurley K-8--would be receiving a combined $1.3 million in additional funds. 

The news was especially surprising, since earlier draft budgets received by the three schools showed significant budget cuts, with one version of the budget seen by Orchard Garden leaders showing a $600,000 decrease. SSYP parent leaders and school teachers were alarmed by and mobilized to act, knowing that what was really needed was additional resources to overcome the learning losses and social and emotional needs caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

What caused this shift in the budget? Certainly, federal funding for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Boston from the American Rescue Plan made a big difference. But it is no surprise to those close to SSYP that our parent organizing team also played a major role in the change 

For the past five years, SSYP’s parent organizing group has been a growing presence in Boston. Through SSYP, close to 300 parents have built community through emotional support groups, technology workshops, English language classes and even Zumba workshops. These relationships have created social ties and confidence that have been critically important during the recent public health crisis. 

These connections have also given SSYP parents the courage to offer powerful speeches in front of politicians and BPS officials on budget matters. It wasn’t always like this. Rafaela Polanco, who leads the parent organizing effort, said “Just three years ago, many of the parents in the SSYP community were not even capable of giving their testimonies. They felt too insecure to advocate for their children and their school. We were fearful in part because we are all still deeply rooted in our culture. Some of us may even be undocumented.”  

Polanco continued, “I used to live in a shelter when I started at SSYP, and I remember when they told me to give testimony I’d hide or make up any excuse because I felt like I couldn't speak up against the BPS or the government. I had to educate myself and it was a process, but I learned I could still advocate even [while living] in a shelter.” 

Another person who has felt the impact SSYP and parent organizing has had on her life is Glenda Torres. A mother of five whose children go to the Blackstone Elementary School, Torres lost her job as a record manager in downtown Boston when the pandemic hit. 

Inspired by her children and Polanco, Torres called to talk about the parent mentor program. “I remember telling Rafaela, ‘I don't know if I can do it,’” Torres said. She went on, “I'm afraid because I've never really had experience working with children in a classroom with teachers on my own, but my good friend convinced me that this was something I was very much equipped to do. So after procrastinating for days, I applied, and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.” Just months after losing her job and her family having COVID-19, Torres interviewed for the Parent Mentor position and was accepted. “I finally felt a sigh of relief and a little weight lifted off my shoulders. I knew there was a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Marioska Medina is a Parent Mentor at the Hurley K-8 School. “Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I had a job where I worked more than 12 hours a day; with this, I could support our home. Losing this job, I felt very depressed and without the strength to continue,” Medina shared.

Medina said being a mentor mother in the school has changed her life. Her current roles include acting as the teacher’s aide on Zoom, supporting students one-on-one during their virtual independent learning time, and working with the library. “Now I can understand what is happening at my daughters' school. I belong to the School Parents Council. I motivated other parents to get involved in the school. I advocated for improvements in [all] the schools,” Medina said. “I have testified at Boston School Committee meetings so that they do not cut my school’s budget. Today, I can see my change and my growth in defending the rights of my daughters,” Marioska said with pride. 

Through all the parent engagement programs, SSYP is developing leaders and equipping parents with information on many topics. Rafaela Polanco shared, “City Life/Vida Urbana taught a workshop with families about housing rights and evictions. There are coalitions that are teaching us about better jobs within the community.” 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and schools went remote, many parents needed training on technologies for the new virtual world. SSYP started offering tech classes every Thursday, with over70 participants attending each meeting. On Wednesdays, there are English classes with 22 parents studying the language, all at different levels of difficulty. On Mondays, more than 100 parents participate in SES (Social and Emotional Support) meetings, learning coping techniques to manage anxiety, depression, and familial issues. “It gives families a dose of hope every Monday,” said Polanco. 

Polanco concluded, “Through this education, we feel stronger and our community is stronger.” 

Learning About Control with SES

By Melissa Clay, SES Intern

This month we have been learning about the Locus of Control: what we are and aren’t in control of. One of our rotations was a series of three activities:

First, we read the book “Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad day” by Judith Viorst. In this book the main character, Alexander, narrates us through his day and gives us as readers the opportunity to tell if Alexander had a choice in what happened or if her didn’t. We used a poster board with space for situations that were in Alexanders control and those that were out of his control and placed the situations accordingly. This brought up great conversation with the students about how feelings can sometimes make us feel like we have no control when actually we do. 

Our second activity was freeze dance. We made this more challenging by wearing bells on our wrists, this meant that the students had to have complete control over their movements because even the smallest wiggle would make the bells sound. The students had a lot of fun with this, trying to freeze as their leg was in midair or in other silly positions.

Our third activity was a control the balloon game. The students made boxes on the floor (which measured about 2.5 ft by 2.5 ft). Each student got a balloon, and the challenge was that they had to stay inside the square and keep the balloon in the air for 2 minutes. This activity proved challenging but fun. After the two minutes students made up their own rules: things such as only one foot could go out of the square to get the balloon if it went outside of the box or they could only hit it with their forearm or head. The students did a great job of realizing they needed to go slowly and make small movements with the balloon so it wouldn’t bounce away. This activity also helped the children with understanding spatial awareness, where their body is in a certain space.

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Melissa is an intern in the Social Emotional Support program at SSYP. She came to Boston from Vermont to begin her graduate program. She is currently working on getting her master’s degree in Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapies. She has been teaching in an early education setting for more than 10 years and enjoys bringing new experiences to children through the arts.

Blackstone Elementary School Library Celebrates Read Across America Week!

By JP Blasi, SSYP Development and Communications Fellow

Across the country, March 1-5, 2021 was Read Across America Week (RAAW). RAAW is an annual time that schools and libraries use to celebrate reading and books. RAAW has been a part of the calendar of St. Stephen’s Youth Programs (SSYP) for more than a decade, as SSYP leads the school library at the Blackstone Elementary School, which is directly across the street from our South End site. 

This past September, even in the midst of the pandemic, SSYP welcomed a new Library Coordinator to the school, Maura O’Toole. O’Toole brings 14 years of experience working in other Boston Public School libraries, Plus, she is a product of the Boston Public Schools herself, a first for this position. 

During RAAW 2021 at the Blackstone, regular classroom activities were accompanied by some incredible events. Teachers, students, parents, and partners celebrated the ways the Blackstone Library has pivoted during Covid, providing virtual programs and recorded video read-alouds. 

Many of the events of RAAW were made possible thanks to the SSYP-Blackstone partnership with WonderMore, a non-profit that “connects Boston-area students to authors and illustrators who reflect our diverse and vibrant communities.” WonderMore assisted in arranging two virtual author visits during the week. Authors Raul the Third and Lulu Delacre are both award-winning Latinx writers. Commenting after the events, O’Toole emphasized how important this representation was for students, especially for students in the CABA class at the Blackstone who are immersed in learning English. “Most children’s--whether or not they are rich or poor--first exposure to art is through books,” O’Toole said, “and it is especially important for them to see a Spanish-speaking American author [who looks like them] visit their school.” 

Students at the SSYP Resource Center watches Raul the Third’s virtual visit to the Blackstone, which included a tour of the author’s studios.

In addition to setting up author visits at the Blackstone, WonderMore donated 85 copies of Raul the Third’s new book ¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market (World of ¡Vamos!) to the second grade classrooms, ensuring that each second grader could take home a book of their own.  Plus, when Lulu Delacre met with the CABA classroom she donated books, each of the 21 students in that classroom were thrilled to have their own copy. 

RAAW wrapped up with one more great opportunity. In conjunction with the MLK Season of Action--two months of learning, service, and action planned and carried out by parents and staff and partners from SSYP and the Blackstone--the Blackstone Library organized supporters who donated more than $2500 in funds and  directly-purchased books to add to fourteen classroom libraries in grades 3-5. Special shout-out to St. Elizabeth’s, Sudbury and Porter Square Books, which were big parts of this effort. All of the books focused on social justice movements and civil rights heroes. A total of 326 new books were added to the classroom collections, about 23 new books per mini-library! 

Some of the 326 new books on civil rights and justice donated to Blackstone School classrooms

Despite the virus and remote schooling, Read Across America Week for 2021 was one of the most successful ever! Big gratitude to all who made it possible.

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JP Blasi is the Development and Communications Fellow at SSYP through the College for Social Innovation for the Spring 2021 semester.  He is a junior studying English: Text/Business Writing/Digital Studies at the University of New Hampshire. JP has a passion for youth education and has worked as a summer counselor in his hometown. He is now helping out in the Resource Center at St Stephen’s Youth Programs. He loves the outdoors and is an avid Boston sports fan. 

Northeastern’s Black Athlete Caucus visits SSYP's teen program

By Erika Matthews, Mass Promise Fellow

On Thursday, February 25th, a panel of athletes from Northeastern’s Black Athlete Caucus (NUBAC) joined St. Stephen’s Virtual Teen program to share the challenges and rewards of attending university as Division One athletes and their experiences navigating that space as Black athletes. NUBAC grew from Black students’ dreams of amplifying their voices on campus and pursuing meaningful representation in Northeastern’s Athletic Department. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Black students banded together to create a space to promote social change and allow for students, faculty, and administration to have difficult conversations around race, representation, and equity while fostering impactful change in their community. 

NUBAC features athletes from a variety of Northeastern’s sports teams including Men and Women’s Basketball, Men’s Baseball, Men’s Rowing, Men and Women’s Track and Field, and more. Students at St. Stephen’s were rapt with awe as athletes shared their personal triumphs and setbacks, laughed as athletes recounted anecdotes about their college experience, and asked questions about what they could expect were they to become future Northeastern University students. Panelists shared valuable insights on offerings like the Cooperative Education program that set Northeastern apart from other universities. 

The dedication NUBAC athletes have towards building community bonds with organizations like St. Stephen’s through inspiring youth is admirable, and hearing these athlete’s passion and resilience inspired youth in our program to continue striving towards achieving their dreams despite setbacks.

For more information about NUBAC click here

SSYP Welcomes two new fellows through the College for Social Innovation

SSYP is excited to continue our partnership with the College for Social Innovation (CfSI), an organization that trains college students to be leaders and problem-solvers by matching them with Boston social impact organizations for a semester of on-the-ground experience and college credit. We are thrilled to welcome new CfSI Fellows Marco and JP to our SSYP team for the spring 2021 semester. Check out their introductions below!

Marco (left) and JP (right), SSYP’s spring CfSI fellows!

My name is JP, and this semester I am lucky enough to have an internship working for SSYP. I am currently a junior studying English: Digital Studies at the University of New Hampshire. I am from New Hampshire and excited to work and spend the next few months with the folks at SSYP and live in Boston. At SSYP, I will be running the social media platforms to develop better connections between our organization and the community, and I am thrilled to get started! 

Hello! 

My name is Marco Cepeda and it’s great to be here. I am currently a senior at the University of Vermont (UVM) and I’m a Music Performance major (cello) with a minor in Communications! Aside from playing cello, hobbies I enjoy include running, cooking, playing tennis, writing letters, and reading. At SSYP, my role is to create fun curricula to help kids build skills through play. Specifically, I look forward to leading the Skillz Lab and teaching young people music. Thank you to SSYP for having me and for all the support they continue to give me! I feel so loved.

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In Our Own Words: Parent Mentors and the Impact of SSYP

By Glenda Torres and Sasha Ramos, Parent Mentors

My name is Glenda Torres. I am the mother of five children, three of whom are adopted and two who are my own. I have long been involved in the SSYP community, as all of my children have attended the after school and summer programs that SSYP provides. In addition to my children, my nephews have also been part of this great community. As of right now, my youngest daughter, who is 10 years old, attends the Blackstone Elementary School; she is still in the SSYP program.

I want to tell you how I became a “Mentor Mother.” It all started when my daughter Melanie  told me that she wanted very much for me to be a Parent Mentor since the mothers of her friends were Parent Mentors with SSYP in their schools. Seeing what they did, my daughter had the wish that I also be part of the program. Every day she asked me this question, “When are you going to become a Parent Mentor?” Having a full-time job, I couldn't join the program at that time. 

Unfortunately, when this pandemic arrived and had an impact on so many lives, I was left without a job. Then, an email came to me saying: apply to be a Parent Mentor! I quickly went to my daughter and she immediately said, “Mommy, you can do it!” I filled out the application. Few days later, I was interviewed by Rafaela and Estephany, the SSYP leaders of the program. I was very excited! As soon as I received the news that I got the job, I told my daughter, “I am going to be a Parent Mentor!” She was very happy.

I am a Parent Mentor at the Blackstone Elementary School, working in a K2 classroom. I also help in the class of special needs students. Being a Parent Mentor is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. 

I remember the first time I met the teacher. I was super nervous! I was also nervous when I  was going to be with the students for the first time. I was scared they would look at me and wonder who I was. Looking back now, it was very funny. The teacher, Mr. B, introduced me to the students and they were all very welcoming. 

With virtual learning, I help the teacher when he does the “breakout room” in Zoom. This helps us maintain order in the class. Being virtual is a bit difficult because all the children want to talk at the same time! Also, I support the very shy students; I do my best to get them to feel comfortable to speak out loud and join the class in discussions. I also help with the technology, and I stay on the lookout for admitting students to the class. I offer support to the teacher by searching for videos, songs, or new ideas for the coming class.

This job of being a Parent Mentor has changed my life completely. I feel like I have the talent to work with children. If I had not had this job, I never would have discovered this. At the end of the day of classes, my daughters always come to me to tell me how proud they are of me! They say that I do this job very well. For me, this is priceless. 

In addition, I have learned a lot from the children in my classes. They make me laugh! I am always waiting for the next day to come so I can continue my work with Mr. B and the students. I love helping the students in my classes. I want to gain more experience and learn more about the school system so I can advance my work in the Blackstone. I am very grateful to SSYP, Blackstone School and--especially--Mr. B for believing in me! This has been a great opportunity. Thanks a lot! 

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Hola! 

Soy Sasha Ramos, soy una madre mentora desde el pasado octubre 2020. He tenido una  experiencia enriquecedora. Desde nuestro entrenamiento empecé a crecer de manera  integral(emocional, profesional). He conocido personas geniales, es increíble cómo todos  tienen tanto que dar. 

SSYP se ha convertido en un lugar muy especial para nosotras(mi hija Sophia y yo) porque  hemos conocido lindas personas, hemos vivido lindas experiencias y hemos aprendido  mucho, además de relacionarnos con nuestra comunidad y sus necesidades. 

Lo que más me gusta de SSYP es que no discrimina y que está enfocado en trabajar cada vez  más y mejor siendo muy justos y solidarios. Te hacen sentir capaz de trabajar con propósitos y  así he descubierto en mí capacidades que a estas alturas no pensaba tener. 

Me siento muy agradecida de la oportunidad que SSYP ha traído a mi vida y deseo que este  programa siga creciendo e impactando más vidas, más hogares y más comunidades en todo  USA.

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Hello!

I am Sasha Ramos. I have been a Parent Mentor at the Hurley K-8 School since October 2020. From our training days,  I started to grow holistically, both emotionally and professionally. I've met great people. It is amazing how they all have so much to give. Being a Parent Mentor has been an enriching experience for me. 

SSYP has become a very special place for my daughter Sophia and me. This is because we have met beautiful people, we had lovely experiences, and we have learned a lot. What we do relates to our community and its needs.

What I like most about SSYP is that it does not discriminate and it is focused on being very fair and caring.  SSYP makes me feel capable of working with a purpose. I have discovered, in myself, skills that--until this point-- I did not think I had.

I am very grateful for the opportunities that SSYP has brought into my life! I want the Parent Mentor Program of SSYP to continue to grow and impact more lives, more homes, and more communities throughout the USA.

JUSTICE IS INDIVISIBLE - ON MLK DAY AND EVERY DAY

By Liz Steinhauser, Senior Director of Community Engagement

On Monday, January 18 close to 100 parents, students, SSYP staff, and allies walked from the Blackstone Elementary School in the South End to City Hall in support of high-quality education for high-needs students, a top concern of SSYP’s parent community. 

This action not only highlighted an urgent education issue, it also honored the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We recalled how, at the invitation of Black women activists and their allies, Dr. King marched in Boston in 1965, from Roxbury to the Boston Common, calling for more equitable public schools. “Boston must become a testing ground for the ideals of freedom,” King said. “Our children grow up in a system that says ‘You don’t count.’ Well, I’ve come to Boston to tell you that you are somebody,” he added when he spoke from the Parkman Bandstand then.

Parents and students at the Blackstone Elementary, the Hurley K-8, Orchard Garden K-8 and many other schools are so grateful for the unbelievably hard work of teachers under the challenging circumstances of remote schooling. Still, it is clear that English language learners, special education students, young people who are unhoused, and others who are identified as high-needs students learn best with in-person school. Given Covid-19, for in-person education to be safe for teachers and students, there needs to be an increased investment in Boston school facilities. Safe, well-maintained school buildings were an issue for decades; a fall survey with SSYP teens showed this was a top concern of high schoolers from before the pandemic. The pandemic shows that addressing years of deferred maintenance and establishing buildings that are ready for 21st century learning is now urgent.

Suleika Soto, a parent at Blackstone Elementary, walked because “our highest-needs students deserve to have the same chance at success as any of their peers; only a high-quality education will ensure they are not left behind.”  Katherine Marta, a parent at Orchard Gardens, said, “Nuestro niños son el futuro del país y por lo tanto deben recibir una buena educación. Nuestras voces deben ser escuchadas, que todos vean que nos preocupan nuestros niños , que nos preocupa su educación.” [Our children are the future of the country, and therefore should receive a good education. Our voices should be heard, everyone should see that we are worried about our children, worried about their education.]

Despite the complicated challenges of the pandemic, SSYP parents and allies are hopeful. A week ago, the Boston Public Schools and the Boston Teachers Union reached an agreement about returning safely to in-person instruction starting in early February. City Council President Kim Janey, who cares deeply about education and the well-being of students, will likely soon be Boston’s mayor (as current-Mayor Marty Walsh moves to Washington, D.C. to become Secretary of Labor in the Biden cabinet). We look forward to meeting with our new mayor and moving our agenda for safe, healthy facilities forward together. 

Two Takes on the BEST Training

By Latasha Scott, YLC Program Coordinator

As I'm spearheading my professional career at St. Stephen's Youth Programs (SSYP) there are many opportunities to impact my progress as a professional. One of those is the training that St.Stephens encourages staff as youth workers to take advantage of and that's the BEST training. This training is all about Youth work and how to better serve the youth you work with. I learned great things like Youth development, development outcomes, and indicators.

 Prior to training, I figured we all had this unspoken rule of giving youth the best as I could as a youth worker because they are deserving, however, I had not known the many ways to measure the content and relationship building I was doing with my Middle school program. This training was a reflection on my past 3 years at SSYP, my roles and responsibilities, and how it impacted my youth. 

This training shows many ways to interact with youth and the power they have to impact their own future with less adultism and more collaboration. What also made this experience so cool, was that I got to be paired with my own staff, so we are learning together and able to be better youth workers that serve youth that we dearly love at the same time, as Dominick, my 5th-grade lead staff would say SENSATIONAL, check below for his words on the importance of the BEST training. 

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By Dominick Jackson, Community Organizer & Lead Counselor

The Best Training is set out to teach youth workers about how to better serve the youth they work with, such as working with youth to help them feel big, safe, and connected; this is something we pride ourselves on at SSYP. In the best training, the people were very open to sharing ideas and experiences that help them navigate challenges and showing their strengths in youth work. I learned a few things that I could definitely apply to my service now. I learned that giving the kids more leadership roles such as grabbing pencils, markers, or paper for the group, helping pass out snacks, and also helping peers with homework can help with group management. 

Another thing that stuck to me is that you don't have to wear a suit and tie to know what you are doing as a professional. I think this is a beneficial tip for myself and anyone new to youth work, as I strive to do my best I want to look my best, however, we touched on a topic of adultism, and prior to this training, I did not know what that was as to how it impacted me so much. I played up on my own image and now understand my look is relational for some youth and being me is what keeps my youth coming back to program. With the help of the BEST training, I was able to put that into perspective. 

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Latasha Scott is a New York native and currently lives in Roxbury, MA. She has been integrated with St. Stephen's since the fall of 2017 as a lead counselor. This year her role has shifted to YLC Program Director after serving 2 years as Massachusetts Promise Fellow. She is enrolled in Northeastern University as a health science major. Latasha likes to build relationships and connect with the youth in a fresh way. She enjoys learning and teaching about current events.

Dominick first joined SSYP in 2012 as a CIT, and in 2016, he became a community organizer to fight for youth jobs, school funding, gun violence, and much more. Dom also always tries to make you smile — ”it’s nice to be important but it’s more important to be nice.”

Keeping the Halloween Spirit Alive at B-READY

By Spike Sommers, Mass Promise Fellow

Behind the masks, smoke, and candy wrappers, Halloween is about community. On Halloween, we explore our neighborhoods with our friends. In past Halloweens, the YLC’s has turned the church of St. Augustine and St. Martin into a haunted house. There, students eat candy, dance, and prank staff. In 2020, although celebration remains as essential as ever, the YLC’s Halloween party looked different this year to protect our community. Nevertheless, despite a pandemic and a snowstorm, our resilient and creative community kept the spirit of Halloween alive. 

On October 30th, the YLC and LEARN gathered in small cohorts at St. Stephen’s and St. A&M for Halloween games and crafts. YLCers not only enjoyed participating in these activities but also grew as leaders, creative thinkers, and team members by leading these activities for their staff. However, due to this year’s smaller numbers, it’s likely that you, the reader, we’re unable to attend. Therefore, in the spirit of building a virtual community, here are three games from this year’s YLC spooktacular your family and friend can play from home next time you’re in the spooky mood:

1. The first spooky YLC game you can play at home is a “mummy wrap.” The only material this game requires is toilet paper. Once you’ve found a roll of toilet paper, choose one person to be “the mummy.” This person will get wrapped in toilet paper. The remaining players will either wrap this person up or be the timekeeper. As soon as the timekeeper starts the timer, the wrapper or wrappers will run around the mummy, until this mummy is completely wrapped in toilet paper. Whoever wraps their mummy the fastest wins.

2. The second game is a skeleton relay. To set up this game, cut out the bones of two skeletons from a printout. Lay the two sets of bones on the floor with a line between the two sets. For the game itself, divide players into two teams. After an “on your mark, get set, go” the first players from both teams will race to the middle, grab one bone, and run to a wall. At the wall, the players will pick up some tape, rip a bit off, and tape the paper bone to the wall. When they’ve taped the paper bone to the wall, the player will run back to their group. The moment they’ve passed the line, the next person from their team can run, grab a paper bone, and tape it to the wall. By the end of the relay, there should be two anatomically correct skeletons on the wall. The first team to finish their skeleton wins.

3. The final activity the YLC recommends is creating a spiderweb. First, glue three popsicle sticks together at their centers to form an asterisk. Once the popsicle sticks are connected in the middle and look like a snowflake, wrap string over and around the sticks. Our YLCers recommend using plastic spiders and different color strings to make your spiderweb your own. Tie the string off when you’re happy with your spider web’s design.

Staff, teens, and YLC and LEARN students had a great time playing these games. We hope you enjoy joining in the fun at home! As this blog post evinces, we’re happy to strengthen and expand the community we hold beyond the walls of 31 Lenox. In the covid era, we’re learning the YLC lives first and foremost in our hearts.

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Spike was born in San Diego, California. Last school year, Spike taught English in Germany as a Fulbright Scholar. The students and staff he met while volunteering at his college in Minnesota, teaching in Germany, and assisting at Charlestown High School during City Year, inspired him to continue working with young people as a Massachusetts Promise Fellow. Outside the classroom, he enjoys making and listening to music.

Making the Most of a Virtual Community

By Jeremy Kazanjian-Amory, Director of Program Development

“This is so cool, my grandmother and I just watched you on Youtube, you’re like, actually famous.” This sentiment was shared by one of the high school juniors involved in St. Stephen’s Youth Program’s virtual program two weeks ago to Alex Weber, one of the career panelists that night. Alex is an award-winning performer, motivational speaker, America Ninja Warrior competitor, and the most recent example of how we as a staff have leaned into virtual programming as an opportunity to build community and create connections for our teens. 

Six months ago, when the decision was made for our teen program to go virtual, there were lots of conversations about how we would replicate our program virtually. What we decided to do instead was lean into the creative opportunities that the virtual world brought us, realizing that teens would be far more engaged to try new virtual programming that they would never have been able to do in person. One of our first ideas was to try and engage career panelists from all over the country, understanding, for example, that the ability to speak to a Los Angeles actor would only happen virtually. Since April, we have done over 30 career panels, with over 100 different panelists and speakers joining our virtual community from all over the world (over 10 different countries!). The vision of these panels is for our teens and alumni to hear about the different educational and professional journeys that people have endured to get to where they are today. We are doing this in because our high school students and alumni are constantly inundated with questions about their own goals and dreams, and these opportunities allowed them to learn about the wide variety of career opportunities that exist, as well as hear firsthand how well established professionals didn’t know what they wanted to be, even after college.

Teens meeting with former Senior Advisor to the President, David Axelrod

One unique panel that the teens have gotten to experience was a panel of individuals in the entertainment industry, featuring a TV Executive Producer, New York music producer, award-winning photographer, and a featured writer for The New Yorker magazine. Another panel featured community organizers from Malawi, India, South Africa, Guatemala and Los Angeles, who spoke about the work they have done within their communities. In addition to a series of panels, we were able to also offer a special speaker series this summer through the support and connections of Beth Meyers, an amazing supporter of SSYP, and member of Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill. Through her support, the students had the opportunity to hear from former US Senator Mo Cowan, former Senior Advisor to the President, David Axelrod, and City Councillor and Mayoral candidate Michelle Wu. We have had over 200 teens participate in panels, and every time we ask for feedback from the teens, it remains one of their favorite pieces of our virtual program. 

In addition to the opportunity to hear from these amazing professionals; through ongoing workshops, teens have also learned about networking, building social capital, the art of the interview, communication, and other crucial skills that allow our teens to take advantage of the opportunities to meet these professionals. These skills have been a focus of what has been a highly successful virtual transition for the SSYP Teen Program. 

When we first started this program, we were unsure about the level of engagement that we would see from the teens, a fear that was driven by anticipated “zoom fatigue” and the challenge of building relationships virtually. What we have discovered is an increased interest in our program, as information about the types of programming students are able to participate in has spread. This summer we increased our teen jobs, in partnership with the city of Boston, from 85 to 140 for our B-SAFE Program.  With over 100 teens applying for a limited number of staff positions, we were able to pilot a new virtual 8-week teen staff program. This program provides a stipend for the teens selected to build upon the changes to our program implemented during the spring and summer. 

We have had exceptional attendance this Fall in our pilot program, with 40 teens participating in social & emotional, civics, college & career, and professional development programming. We are hoping to extend the pilot program through the Spring and will be looking to partners to help make this possible. In addition to our teens wanting to continue, we already have close to 30 teens on the waitlist, interested in participating in either our virtual pilot program or our virtual 9th-grade leadership program. Our staff is continuing to expand our programming, and this Fall added morning hours that allow for Teens to be able to come and use our buildings for virtual school. With the most recent announcement of the Boston Public Schools that school will continue to be virtual for the foreseeable future, that interest amongst our teens has already grown. Overall, our staff starts teen programming by opening the doors at 7:30 AM, and then finishes up our last virtual sessions every day around 7:30 or 8:30 PM. In these moments of uncertainty, we believe it is more important than ever to continue to build the community that makes SSYP so special, and our Teen Program Staff is working hard to ensure that whether teens are engaged virtually or in person, they know that the SSYP family is here to support them, no matter what.

Planting Seeds on Lenox St.

By Dani Fearon, Director of Social & Emotional Support

At SSYP, we have been working hard to adapt our programming to fit the current needs of our beloved community and how to do this as safely as possible. Grappling with how to support others in building positive and healthy relationships, staying connected, and moving toward wellness amidst parallel pandemics of covid-19, systemic racism, and our current political climate has been difficult, to say the least. 2020 has created new stressors that are unique to each individual and exposed the ongoing racism and inequities in medical care, housing, and income opportunities. As a white therapist, working counter-culturally on all of the previously mentioned realities is my choice and privilege, and other than giving some context, not the main focus of this particular blog post per se!

I was recently given the opportunity to partner with a local black-owned farm, Urban Farming Institute (UFI), and introduced to a wonderful student there named Amanda Leyton-Nolan, who also appreciates the therapeutic benefits of nature. When looped in on communications around our underutilized raised bed garden which also includes a meditation area and an amazing outdoor theatre, I didn’t hesitate to take the lead on pushing the project forward as part of our social and emotional support programs (SES).

Growing up in rural Maine hasn’t always been something I appreciated or felt good about, as a young person, I was eager to leave home, hungry to explore and experience more of the world. I learned to enjoy homegrown food early because it is a cultural norm, it is accessible and the abundance was always shared among neighbors and friends. I didn't realize how cool it really is to be able to grow your own food until having to grocery shop on my own and I didn’t consider racial elements of farming such as stereotypes, access, and exposure to nature until more recently.

Part of my work is focused on developmental trauma and educating on why experiences have a greater impact on our brains during childhood. I always encourage young people to try new things and promise them and myself that one day the things we practice together will come back to help us.This idea of ‘planting seeds’ and always continuing to plant seeds even without knowing the end result but, with the hope that some will flourish is something I was taught by my Nana, who was a family counselor by profession and is one of my greatest cheerleaders. It is really fascinating to have things come full circle and recognize those early hands on activities are now my go to coping skills and hobbies. 

Many of our young people speak fondly of the fresh fruits and vegetables they enjoy while in DR but, few have experienced growing plants from start to finish and few know that we can actually grow food right here in Boston. From planting tiny seeds, rooting within fertile soil, celebrating change, there are endless things that can grow from our garden other than the crops. So far we are working on maintenance, planning and decision making, tool and garden safety, fine motor skills, mindfulness, teamwork, patience, gentleness, and strength.

To this day, I never visit Maine without an empty cooler, very happy to enjoy the fruits of my family's labor. I am honored to provide this opportunity to young people here in Boston and hope to share the fruits of our labor with families in Roxbury come Spring! As Audrey Hepburn once spoke, “to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” which feels especially important this year.

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Dani Fearon joined St. Stephens staff as the Manager of Social and Emotional Support Programs in August 2018. Dani holds a BFA from MassArt and a master’s degree in mental health counseling and art therapy from Lesley University.

During her undergraduate studies she explored mixed media sculpture including jewelry design, handmade paper, ceramics, surface design on fabric, large metal fabrication, and fine art mediums. Dani considers herself a lifelong student with eclectic skills and interests. She is an artist, licensed massage therapist, lover of nature, dog enthusiast, amateur yogi, and reiki master to name a few.

Her graduate studies largely focused on creative interventions for children and families with developmental trauma. Dani has worked in a variety of settings including transitional housing, dementia care, substance abuse recovery programs, family reunification, therapeutic schools, and various community spaces. In these spaces she uses art processes to connect with people, teach skills, and create positive change.

Since starting at SSYP, Dani has enrolled in a series of trainings on restorative justice, racial equity, and social and emotional learning. She is excited to continue her journey at St. Stephens and is dedicated to laughter and learning everyday!

Fresh Faces for B-READY!

Each fall, SSYP provides opportunities for interns and fellows completing a semester or year of service. This year we are excited to have a wonderful cohort of new team members joining us! Let’s meet them!

Spike Sommers - Mass Promise Fellowship - YLC and Teen Programs

"Spike was born in San Diego, California. Last school year, Spike taught English in Germany as a Fulbright Scholar. The students and staff he met while volunteering at his college in Minnesota, teaching in Germany, and assisting at Charlestown High School during City Year, inspired him to continue working with young people as a Massachusetts Promise Fellow. Outside the classroom, he enjoys making and listening to music."

Jonah Berthelesen - Mass Promise Fellowship - College and Career Support

Jonah is a Massachusetts Promise Fellow serving as the College and Career Support staff member with St. Stephen's Youth Programs this year. He recently graduated from St. Olaf College in southern Minnesota with a Degree in Political Science and Film Studies. Following this year with SSYP he hope to attend law school where he can continue to pursue his formal education in preparation to further serve his community. Jonah is looking forward to connecting with the young people at St. Stephens and supporting them through the difficult transition into a post-secondary educational or vocational setting.

Rosa Del Carmen Gomez 

Rosa was born on an island named Castro right off the coast of Chile but grew up in Weymouth, MA. She graduated from Lasell University with a B.A in Journalism and Media Writing and a Spanish Language Studies minor. Rosa is currently a Massachusetts Promise Fellow and will be working as the YLC Lead Counselor. She is excited to be a part of St. Stephen's team and is looking forward to learning and growing professionally and personally. Rosa believes that education is incredibly powerful and youth deserve to have mentors and individuals in their lives that inspire them. She believes that everyone has the power within themselves to change the world and impact others.

Nia Clark - Brigham and Womens Health, Simmons University - Social-Emotional Support Intern

As a transgender youth of color who spent most of her childhood in foster care, Nia Clark has worked for nearly 15 years changing the child welfare system from within as a consultant, national trainer, residential counselor, and LGBTQ+ youth advocate.  She is currently a social work intern from Simmons University and has also worked for several youth-serving organizations including The Home for Little Wanderers, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Human Rights Campaign, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Nia is *super* excited about working with youth in St. Stephens' Social and Emotional Support (SES) program this year and hopes to teach them life-long positive coping skills.

Yueran (Sandy) Yang -University of New Hampshire - Social-Emotional Support Intern

Sandy is a dog-loving, self-indulgent apprentice in art, with a mercurial attention span and a fervid attachment with coffee. Though this year is mostly unexpected and full of challenges, she is really looking forward to seeing how the online version of her internship and programs will turn out!

Tonisha (Toni) Johnson - Brigham and Women’s Health, Boston University, Social-Emotional Support Intern

Toni will be interning in the SES team. She is a person that likes to learn and grow. She is excited about being able to work with everyone in SSYP and broadening her skills.

Jessica Reilly - College for Social Innovation - Community Engagement Fellow

Jessica is a senior at UNH studying Psychology and Education! For this semester she will be interning as a Community Engagement Fellow under the mentorship of Liz through the College for Social Innovation! Jessica loves meeting new people, making new friends, and is overjoyed to join the team at SSYP!

Delpiero Beaumont - College for Social Innovation - College and Career Program

Delpiero is a senior at Umass Dartmouth and is interning at St. Stephen's Youth Program through the College for Social Innovation. He is 22 years old and was born and raised in Jamaica. Delpiero is a runner and loves to eat!!

A Messy & Positive Beginning to Virtual Learning

By Olvia Friend, B-SAFE 2020 A-TEAM Member

As a new member of the B-SAFE Summer program, jumping into this novel way of teaching and interacting with young people was nerve-wracking and messy. I knew that being a part of the virtual side of B-SAFE was going to be an adventure, but one that was rewarding and worthwhile. When I hopped into one of my first zoom lessons, I was overwhelmed with the level of unpredictability.  Not only was I embarking on a method of teaching that was unfamiliar to me, but I was joining a new community of youth, families, and staff.  

When my first student joined our zoom call, I felt an instant and overwhelming feeling of gratitude for this program. Before I even said a word, the student was smiling and visibly eager to begin the lesson. She had so much excitement that she had already completed the day’s art project before the lesson began. Even though the materials were supposed to be used during the lesson, seeing how proud she was of her colorful creation made me feel that my virtual work was going to be very meaningful over the next few weeks.  

I have felt an immense amount of comfort knowing that other members of the Academic Team are also tackling this summer virtually. Having that team and our leader, Vicky, as a constant support system has been one of the primary reasons that the last few weeks have gone smoothly for me. The first week of online lessons was messy and new, but regardless of how many materials got lost or students were absent, the people who were present made a huge effort to make those 50 minutes the best they could be. From these mishaps, I learned how to improvise and make connections with the students. This helped me realize that basic bonding time, where the kids have space to be their most authentic selves, is just as crucial as the content of the lesson, especially when we are limited to virtual contact. 

We are approaching the end of the third week and I already have a running list of memorable quotes and heartwarming sentiments from the kids. At the end of one of my lessons in the first week, I asked the students how they were adjusting to this new method of programming. Immediately, one student unmuted her microphone and said, “Ya know, I’m just happy that St. Stephens decided to open. I get to go be at program and then I get to come home and do fun activities on zoom. Today I was just thinking, wow, I am lucky!” It was endearing to hear how grateful she is to be a part of this program. 

With this being my first summer at St. Stephens Youth Programs, I have felt so lucky to be a part of their mission and work alongside such driven, passionate, and big-hearted individuals. While I have moments every day of wishing that I worked in-person with the students, I know that the virtual connections that we are making are just as valuable.

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Olivia Friend is a rising Junior at Brown University, concentrating in Education Studies. She grew up in Newton, MA and went to school in Cambridge, MA prior to Brown. This is her first year working with St. Stephens as an Academic Team member and a Teaching Specialist. She loves working with kids and is passionate about enhancing her teaching and learning skills.