owfortefdn.orgowfortefdn.org/images/2014_grant_app_summaries_uplo… · Web viewBoston Landmarks...

OWFCF Special Grants Applications Summary

OrganizationReviewed by

1 AGM Summer Fund Fred2 Alma del Mar Foundation Alison3 America Scores Cosmo4 Apprentice Learning Dick5 Artists for Humanity Don

6 Bellesini AcademyAlexandra

7Big Sister Association of Greater Boston Luis

8 Bird Street Community CenterMaryKate

9 Black Ministerial Alliance Rob10 Boston Arts Academy Tyler11 Boston Children's Chorus

Alexandra

12 Boston Landmarks Orchestra Alison13 Boston Natural Areas Network Cosmo14

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras Dick

15 Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston Don16 Boys & Girls Clubs of Brockton Fred17 Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester Luis18 Cambridge Community Center

MaryKate

19 Cambridge Community Television Rob20

Cambridge Family & Children's Services Tyler

21 Catholic Charities North Dick22 Coaching For Change Alison23 Community Educational Center Cosmo24 Community Rowing

Alexandra

25 Cristo Rey Don26 Discover Roxbury Fred27 Doc Wayne Youth Services Luis28 Dorchester Youth Collaborative

MaryKate

2 East End House Rob

of 39


930 Epiphany School

Alexandra

31 EV Fred32

Family & Children's Service of Greater Lynn Alison

33 Friends of the Children Boston Cosmo34 Girl Scouts of Greater Boston Dick35 Girls'LEAP Don36 Higher Education Resource Center Tyler37 Housing Families Rob38 Hull Lifesaving Museum

MaryKate

39 IBA Luis40 Lawrence CommunityWorks Tyler41 Let's Get Ready

Alexandra

42 MA Adoption Resource Exchange Alison43 Marble Collection Cosmo44 Merrimack Valley YMCA Dick45 Nashoba Learning Center Don46 Our Sisters' School Fred47 Playworks Luis48 Roca Luis49 Sociedad Latina Rob50 South St Youth Center Fred51 Southwest Boston CDC Alison52 Straight Ahead Ministries Cosmo53 STRIVE Dick54 UMass Boston Urban Scholars Don55 UTEC Tyler56 Waypoint Adventure

MaryKate

of 39


57 Wildflower Camp Foundation Rob58 YOFES Tyler

1 AGM Summer Fund

Mission: To provide underserved and low-income Greater Boston kids access to quality summer camps.

Organization budget: $1,450,000 Number served: 25,000 children at 106 program sites

Program name (if applicable): n/a

Program budget (if applicable): n/a Number served: n/a

Summary of request: AGM Summer Fund requests $15,000 to make grants to summer camps that offer scholarships and reduced-fees to low-income families. In 2013 Summer Fund raised approximately $1.27 million and paid about 85%, or $1.08 million, to 75 organizations operating 106 summer program sites. These sites served 25,000 kids.

Comments (optional): AGM, the membership organization that promote effective and responsible philanthropy throughout Massachusetts, is fiscal sponsor for Summer Fund. After more than 20 years, OWFC stopped funding Summer Fund after 2012 since timely information was not provided to us and a 5% management fee was charged for nonexistent service. OWFC gave up its AGM membership in 2014 since AGM does not offer much of value for its dues. Other funders I work with (LZF, Franklin Square House Foundation) have also stopped renewing their memberships. AGM annual budget is $749,093. I have no issues with the Summer Fund mission, just with its inept execution and its inability to send an accurate and timely proposal and justify its management fee. This application confused us with the Baupost Foundation and alternated between requesting $15,000 and $50,000. I’d prefer to continue fielding summer camp funding requests directly, which we started doing in 2013.

2 Alma del Mar Foundation

Mission: Alma del Mar is an inclusive, K-4 Expeditionary Learning school that puts New Bedford students on a college trajectory and challenges them to be service-minded leaders. Organization budget: $2,752,200 Number served: 200

of 39


Program name (if applicable): Afterschool Program Program budget (if applicable): $53,800 Number served: 40 Summary of request: Request $5,000. Have largely been funded by general operating grant funds but as Afterschool Program is growing they are seeking more private funding. We have not given any money in years past. Comments (optional): We are all familiar with the state of the New Bedford school systems. After fully understanding this misfortune when touring Our Sister’s School, Alma del Mar seems to be a wonderful alternative for kids living in this area. With the main objective of their students discovering a love of learning and thereby outperforming their peers statewide in math and English, I believe whole heartedly in this organization’s commitment to the growth of its community. Specifically, the afterschool program runs daily Monday- Thursday and provides students with homework assistance, mentor pairing, and a huge range of activities such as karate, sailing, theater, basketball, lacrosse, dance, soccer, girls’ club, jewelry making, art club, science club, engineering, yoga, bowling and leadership club.

3 America Scores

Mission: America SCORES Boston improves the lives of at-risk urban youth through soccer, academic support, and enrichment programs that advance the health, education, and development of the whole child.

Organization budget: $1,224,200 Number served: 1,000

Program name (if applicable): Middle School Social Entrepreneurship Program

Program budget (if applicable): $116,047 Number served: 300

Summary of request: The middle school core program is an expansion of the elementary school curriculum. While it still utilizes soccer, poetry, and service-learning as core activities, practice sessions and writing workshops are specifically tailored to this demographic with a greater emphasis on spoken word poetry and social entrepreneurship. 300 middle school students from 10 Boston Public Schools will continue to improve the writing skills and healthy habits learned through the elementary school program. In addition, middle schoolers strengthen their membership in the community by identifying needs and using money earned from spring social entrepreneurship projects to address them. The middle school core program takes place over the same 17-week season as the elementary school program.

of 39


Comments (optional): Received $2,500 from OWFC last year. 52% of revenue from foundations. 40% from individuals. No United Way Support. America SCORES Boston (ASB) was incorporated in Massachusetts in 1999 as the first affiliate of the national organization America SCORES. ASB has grown during its 15-year history to become one of the largest after-school programs operating in the Boston Public School (BPS) District – growing from 4 elementary schools serving 100 kids during our first year to delivering 27 elementary and middle school programs serving more than 1,000 kids in 10 Boston neighborhoods during FY2014.

4 Apprentice Learning

Mission: Apprentice Learning works with emerging adolescents to build practical intelligence, critical thinking, and problem solving skills that will help students gain an understanding of the components of a successful work life. This knowledge will improve students’ employability, advance their academic interests, and support their transition to high school as well as towards a higher education pathway.

Brief Description of Organization:Founded in 2012, Apprentice Learning is an educational program for Boston public middle school students that offers exposure to the culture of work through short apprenticeships in local businesses. As part of the school’s 8th grade curriculum, students work alongside adults and gain practical skills and insights needed to obtain a job and succeed in a career.

Organization budget: $140,790 Number served: 35

Comments (optional): Right in our sweet spot. A new organization trying to develop an interesting concept. Top notch people. The founder is a friend of Barbara’s. On to the next round.

5 Artists for Humanity

Mission: provide paid employment in the arts to underserved Boston teenagers as a step to self-sufficiency.

Organization budget: $3.9m Number served: 225 directly, 2000 more w. adjunct programs

Program name (if applicable): Youth Arts Enterprise

Program budget (if applicable): $2.5m Number served: 225

of 39


Summary of request: The Youth Arts Enterprise program employs Boston high school students, 84 percent from low-income families, to work in small, professionally supervised groups, on art projects ranging from mural painting to fashion design. Participants are paid stipends. The students are diverse racially and ethnically (11 percent Caucasian). Much of the work is self-expressive and is offered for sale at periodic art shows; other work is design or art commissioned by businesses and community organizations (e.g., website design, silk screen graphics, murals, sculptural bike racks, brochure layout) or entrepreneurial ideas of the students (e.g., stenciled or tie-dyed T-shirts). In addition to work on projects, the program integrates elements that enhance quantitative and verbal skills, offers individual tutoring in academic subjects and monitors students’ progress towards a high school diploma. Including outreach events and summer drop-in, 2,000 youth have contact with AFH programs

Comments (optional): Gillette recently donated a parcel of land adjacent to AFH’s main facility. A hand-written note to Fred seeks to talk with her about a special capital campaign to expand its facility into this space.

6 Bellesini Academy

Mission: Bellesini Academy is an independent Catholic middle school dedicated to providing a quality scholarship education to boys from limited financial means living in Lawrence. The mission of the school is to provide an academically challenging and highly structured environment that develops the potential for each student to succeed in competitive secondary schools and colleges.

Organization budget: $1,000,980 Number served: 60 (enrolled) and 102 (alumni)

Program name (if applicable): Alumni Support Program


Summary of request: Basically they served 102 alumni this past school year, and are expecting to be needing to serve an additional 114 this coming year. Our grant of $5000 will be serving 5 students fully (which is a small chunk when dealing with 216 alumni). The funding goes toward supporting the kids after they graduate the middle school to keep them on the right track in high school, end eventually get them into a 4-year program in college. The middle school itself has very extensive hours, with the kids in school for 12 hours a day on top of monitored night activities to make sure they are staying on top of their work. The school is in session 11 months out of the year, and they continue to provide support to the kids after graduation. The obvious goals

of 39


are to make sure the students participate in both the academics and the extra-curriculars necessary to get into a 4-year college.

Comments (optional): We funded them in 2007 (for $5000) in 2012 (for $2500) and 2013 (for $5000). This seems like a great program, the service is free to the families of the kids attending. Apparently for the past 7 years all the kids that graduated from the middle school have received full scholarships to high schools which is great.

7 Big Sister Association of Greater Boston

Mission: Big Sister Association’s mission is to help girls realize their full potential by providing them with positive mentoring relationships with women, specifically tailored to the age, stage of development, and unique needs of each girl.


Program name (if applicable): Community-Based Mentoring and School-Based Mentoring

Program budget (if applicable): $2,273,099 Number served: *Unspecified*

Summary of request: $10,000 to match seven Little Sisters living in Greater Boston with Big Sisters.

Comments (optional): The OWFCF has supported the BSA in the past, and thanks to the donations, has helped more than 30 girls “realize their full potential” by providing them with positive mentoring relationships with women. Last year, $10k was granted, and in 2012, $2,500 was granted. It should be noted that from a grassroots perspective, the BSA does have a fairly large program and organizational budget; but programs like these can really help to influence and shape impressionable female youth, and therefore should not necessarily be written off. I support it.

8 Bird Street Community Center

Mission: To provide low income high-risk youth with all of the critical programs and services that allow inner city children and youth to rise above poverty, to become the first in their families to graduate from college, to lead the community as a place of peace and prosperity, and to thrive as the adults of tomorrow. Bird Street provides these programs and services in an environment that is youth-friendly, safe, and supportive of the potential hat

of 39


is possible when families schools, and agencies work together to nurture the young.

Organization budget: $1,797,057 Number served: 400

Program name (if applicable): Workforce Development


Summary of request: Priority funding areas of grant maker (indicate how your request fits within the grant maker’s strategic interest[s]): Bird Street Community Center joins the Orville W. Forte Foundation in our dedication to supporting youth-at-risk in Boston so that they will find success in school, work, and family.

Comments (optional): Click here to enter text.

9 Black Ministerial Alliance

Mission: to provide spiritual nurturing for clergy, advocacy and program services for the larger community.

Organization budget: $3.5M Number served: 450+

Program name (if applicable): Victory Generation Out-of-School Time

Program budget (if applicable): $236K Number served: 30

Summary of request: Request $ 8K to expand and improve all musical programs and to expressly buy new musical instruments for the youth program at the Hamilton Garnett Music and Arts Academy. 30 students 3x per week.

Comments (optional): Est: 1962. Staff: 8. Volunteers: 100. Couldn’t find location or website for the Academy. OWFF funding $8K- 2008: $8K- 2009. Requests $8K.

Note from Fred: OWFCF has never funded this organization.

10 Boston Arts Academy

Mission: To prepare a diverse group of students to be successful in their college or professional careers, and to be active in their communities. BAA is a laboratory for artistic and academic innovation, a resource for arts-

of 39


integrated education, and a creator of arts outreach programs for students throughout the school district.

Organization budget: $6,840,902 Number served: 440 students annually

Program name: Boston Arts AcademyProgram budget $910,000 Number served: 440

Summary of request: Since 1998, the BAA has been a very successful public high school for the visual and performing arts serving low income high school students located on Ipswich St in Boston. The school has received numerous awards over the years and 98% of the 2013 class went on to college. They are requesting $5000 to support their general operating budget.

Comments: I love supporting schools and it fits our general parameters (supporting low income youths), but the BAA is already well supported and now has a strong footing in the community. I am just not sure our grant will make an impact. We supported them in 2007 ($5,000) & 2009 ($2,500). Open for discussion.

11 Boston Children's Chorus

Mission: Boston Children's Chorus (BCC) is an innovative arts education organization that brings together a diverse group of children to sing and serve as musical ambassadors in and around the city of Boston as well as on tour nationally and internationally. Our programs include comprehensive musical education and best practices in youth/leadershipdevelopment that foster self-esteem and teach children-especially those underserved- the analytical, creative, leadership and teamwork skills needed to excel in future life endeavors.

Organization budget: $2,486,577 Number served: 400+

Program name (if applicable): BBC’s Choir Programs

Program budget (if applicable): $1,782,672 Number served: 450

Summary of request: They are asking for $5000 to strengthen their choral programs which serve kids aged 7-high school. The main goal seems to be to strengthen their self-confidence, to provide top tier training to student who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. They claim their program is highly selective, but 98% of those who audition get in. They allow beginners/people who have no prior experience singing.

of 39


Comments (optional): Honestly the program does fit our requirements of a youth program, reaching underprivileged youth. However, I feel as though, as important as the arts and the music are to kids for expressing creativity, there is greater need in the programs dealing with abuse or education. Personally I would not vote for this program though it seems like they’re doing a great job in their field. We funded them before in 2006 and gave them $5000.

12 Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Mission: Boston Landmarks Orchestra is a professional orchestra dedicated to making great music available for free to all Bostonians throughout the summer. It brings people from every walk of life together through the common language of music by creating innovative programs in collaboration with Boston’s arts, cultural, educational, and social organizations. Organization budget: $1,317,300 Number served: N/A Program name (if applicable): Notes in the Neighborhoods Instrument Playgrounds Program budget (if applicable): $12,500 Number served: N/A Summary of request: Request $2,500. We gave $2,500 last year. Another $2,500 would allow the production of at least 2 more musical prlaygrounds in 2015. Comments (optional): This program is a wonderful avenue for strengthening the self-esteem of Boston’s disadvantaged youth through the love of music. It is a music education program put on by the orchestra in various community centers throughout the city. The objective is to expose kids to instruments and if an interest is discovered to loan them rented instruments and enroll them in musical instruction programs. The staff consists of music education interns that are recruited annually and provided training. The goal for the summer of 2015 is to have 8 playgrounds in the towns of Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Mission Hill, the South End and East Boston.

13 Boston Natural Areas Network

Organization: Boston Natural Areas Network

Mission: The BNAN Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) was developed at the urging of Boston residents interested in protecting urban green space. Through the YCC, residents wanted to provide underserved youth with summer employment that would increase self-esteem, pride in their community, improve their job skills and raise their future aspirations.

of 39



Program name (if applicable): 2014 Youth Conservation Corps


Summary of request: For the 20th summer of YCC operations, BNAN will recruit, train, and employ approximately 60 teens. The participants (ages 15 – 18) will come from diverse backgrounds and represent the ethnic diversity of the city. Six teams work teams will be formed. For 21 weeks from May through November, the YCC teens will carry out meaningful open space infrastructure projects, participate in an urban environmental education program, engage in stewardship for Boston’s natural and green spaces and now grow fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to local food pantries. The YCC is an ongoing integral part of BNAN’s commitment to stewardship and provides new activities and program components each year with the goal of opening new horizons for Boston youth.

Comments (optional): Received $3,000 in 2008 and 2007 from OWFC. Foundation support is 53%, government grants 21%, 5% individuals, zero from United Way.

14 Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras

Mission: The mission of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras(BYSO) is to encourage musical excellence in a professional and supportive environment by providing the highest-quality orchestra training and performance opportunities to qualified musicians, grades K-12, while making its programs accessible to underserved communities through financial assistanceand outreach.

Organization budget: $2,465,706 Number served: Click here to en

Program name (if applicable): Intensive Community Program


Summary of request: The Intensive Community Program provides exceptional music training and performance opportunities to underrepresented youth from the Greater Boston area which directly aligns with the Foundation's interest of supporting "organizations working with disadvantaged Greater Boston youth to improve job skills, increase self-esteem and heighten personal aspirations."

of 39


Comments (optional): “The program serves 70-80 students each year, grades K-12. The ICP training model has been remarkably successful in achieving our original intended goal to prepare students for the competitive auditions into BYSO orchestras, while providing a deep and meaningful experience for each child. What has become evident is the far-reaching impact that this program has. Because of its intensity, this is likely the most powerful and focused experience in these student’s lives— it is nearly impossible for it not to affect other areas such as their academic success. The nature of the program instills focus, dependability, and a sincere understanding that their success will only be achieved through hard work. Since its inception, ICP has served more than 150 students, with 100% of ICP graduates going on to a four-year college.” I find this remarkable.

15 Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

Mission: provide constructive out-of-school activities for children ages 6-18

Organization budget: $20.2m Number served: 15,000

Program name (if applicable): [general operating support]

Program budget (if applicable): Click here to enter text. Number served: Click here to enter text.

Summary of request: With 300 employees and over 1,500 volunteers, BGCB operates in 11 facilities in Boston and Chelsea, sponsors a summer camp on Long Island and places licensed social workers in five selected Boston police districts. It has 8,000 Club members. Sixty-nine percent of the kids served are non-Caucasian. Recently the Club acquired the former Mattapan Library and spent $2.5m remodeling it into a teen activities center that will serve 250 youth. The new facility will open this fall. Activities include homework help, tutoring, mentoring, career counseling, community service projects and the usual sports, fitness and recreational programs. Its YouthConnect program works with the Boston Police Department to mitigate the severity of the punishment juvenile offenders receive in the courts.


16 Boys & Girls Clubs of Brockton

Mission: To provide comprehensive quality programs for youth in a safe and fun environment, encouraging youth to become productive, responsible and caring citizens.

Organization budget: $902,000 Number served: n/a

of 39


Program name (if applicable): Keystone Club


Summary of request: Requests $5,000 for Keystone Club, where kids ages 14 to 18 focus on academic success, career preparation and community service. Brockton is one on the most disadvantaged communities in MA, with a high poverty level and crime rate.

Comments (optional): Since 2012 Boys & Girls Clubs of Brockton has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester to achieve stability. Dorchester stepped in to provide support for operations, staffing, fundraising, board development. A new CEO, program director and development director have been hired. Although Brockton is a city that needs support to address its serious issues of poverty, crime and substandard schools, this proposal is high on fluff and aspiration, but low on substance. Perhaps a site visit would change my assessment.

17 Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester

Mission: To inspire and enable all young people, from diverse circumstances, to realize their full potential by providing opportunities for personal growth to become contributing, caring and responsible members of the community.

Organization budget: $3,983,179 Number served: 4,000+

Program name (if applicable): Career Prep Program


Summary of request: $5,000 to support the Career Prep Program, which places over 100 teens in employment positions each summer, and approximately 30 teens in jobs during the school year.

Comments (optional): In 2013, the B&GC of Dorchester received 2,500 for support of their program. This year, they’re asking for double. Though the organization budget is just under four million dollars, the program budget itself is only $53,664. Providing the B&GC with the $5k will allow for a contribution which is more than just a “drop in the bucket”. I don’t feel that $5k is unreasonable.

18 Cambridge Community Center

of 39


Mission: Our mission is to promote community cooperation and unity and empower youth, individuals, and families. We do this by offering social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities.

Organization budget: $925492 Number served: 160

Program name (if applicable): Out of School Time Program


Summary of request: Priority funding areas of grant maker (indicate how your request fits within the grant maker’s strategic interest[s]): Cambridge Community Center works with underserved youth to improve job skills, increase self-esteem, and heighten personal aspirations.


19 Cambridge Community Television

Mission: the voice and vision of all Cambridge residents, businesses and organizations. CCTV provides tools and training to foster free speech and creative expression, and empowers producers and viewers to engage in local issues through media that is informative, engaging and as diverse as the community it serves.

Organization budget: $1.203M Number served: Community

Program name (if applicable): Youth Media Program


Summary of request: The Summer Media Institute (SMI) continues to be the cornerstone, introducing teens to basic media production and career skills; in the School Year Production Program (SYPP) teens deepen and utilize these skills to bring attention to explore people, places and issues affecting their community.

Comments (optional): Est. 1988. Staff: 8. Volunteers: 25. Job skills training housed in Teen Work and Learning Ct. Stipend ? Requests $5K.

20 Cambridge Family & Children's Services

Mission: To identify and implement ways to strengthen family and individual self-sufficiency and promote conditions that provide all children and youth with stable homes and positive community environments.

of 39


Organization budget: $5,642,331 Number served: 1,116 (408 children) in 2013

Program name: Residential Program

Program budget $1,621,954 Number served: 41 children in 2013

Summary of request: For the past 20 years CFCS has provided homes and programs for disadvantaged youths ages 16-22 who have not been reunified with their families or adopted. Teens Learning Choices is a group home dedicated to young ladies. The 8 person home is staffed 24/7 and located in Malden. This home served 19 ladies last year and provided an array of programs and services. Youths are referred to the home by DCF offices throughout the state. Putnam Place is a group home located in Dorchester which offers similar services to 19 young men each year. Approximately 800 youths will age out of state care this year alone and 25% will likely be homeless. CFCS plans to grow their Pathways Advisor Program which will offers 1 on 1 tutoring to these resident youths. CFCS is requesting 8,000 to expand the residential programs. We made small grants in 2000 & 2001.

Comment: This charity has been around since 1873 and funded largely by the state (4.3M ). I am not sure they need our $.

21 Catholic Charities North

Mission: Catholic Charities is building a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people. ( ed. a modest goal)

Brief Description of Organization: Catholic Charities North (CCN), an anti-poverty organization, provides essential services to disadvantaged residents of Greater Boston's North Shore. Programs range from Basic Needs Assistance, like homelessness prevention, to Education and Training Services challenging youth to embrace education as means to economically stable futures. Other programs help families create stable, nurturing environments for children. CCN is part of the Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc., the largest human services provider in Eastern Massachusetts.

Budget: 2.5 mil Number Served: 18,000 (ed. !!)

Program name (if applicable): Education and Training Services

Program budget (if applicable): $620,000 Number served: 150 (in Lynn)

of 39


Summary of request: Education and Training Services affords each of these challenged yet resilient youth a second chance at education, breaking through barriers with flexible interventions to build students’ economic stability, personal self-esteem, and permanent ability to thrive. By utilizing one-on-one tutoring, case management, and responsive classroom teachers who confer ample attention to each student, Education and Training Services consistently offers an array of targeted resources to help youth achieve individualized learning and developmental benchmarks. Classes provide a mixed service delivery system in an environment that is at all times supportive and respectful of students' potential trauma histories, meeting youth where they are and cultivating their assets to guide each student to a healthier, more promising future.

22 Coaching For Change

Mission: Through Coaching4Change, students assume leadership roles and build and apply skills that enable them to succeed in the workplace, the classroom, and their community. This, along with exposure to opportunities and pathways to success, inspires and motivates them to greater academic achievement and future economic self-sufficiency. Organization budget: $416,600 Number served: N/A Program name (if applicable): N/A Program budget (if applicable): 1,450,000 Number served: N/A Summary of request: Request $5,000. We gave $5,000 last year. Comments (optional): This program uses coaching as a tool for young kids to gain self esteem and awareness. Kids are given a chance to lead as they manage sports activities in the Brockton area. Each high school student is paired with a mentor. This program is especially needed in an area where economic decline and crime are increasingly concerning.

23 Community Educational Center

Mission: The Community Education Center is a community-based education agency serving Refugees, Immigrants, and American High School dropouts from all over Greater Boston.These are areas where the immigrant population has quadrupled during the past five years. It has long operated in East Boston (since 1972). Overall, the Center empowers High School Dropouts and Immigrants with the tools to become productive, self-sufficient citizens and to achieve the American Dream.

Organization budget: $268,700 Number served: 4,000

of 39


Program name (if applicable): Advancement for Newcomer Youth


Summary of request: Advancement for Newcomer Youth helps newcomer youths succeed in school; grow in social supports, cultural awareness, and self-esteem. This enables them to achieve college and career goals. The program can make the difference between opportunity and achievement vs. frustration, crime, and drugs. The center will serve over 400 at-risk, immigrant teens through classes, camps, and counseling. The Center has one of the largest GED preparation programs in the state in English and in Spanish. Many of the students are teenagers who have had a difficult life with drugs, teen pregnancy, alcohol, etc. and they are trying to improve their lives.

Comments (optional): Oldie and a goodie. Funded by OWFC for years. No government or United Way support. Foundation and corporate gifts make up 90% of revenue.

24 Community Rowing

Mission: Their mission statement is “Rowing for all” and their overarching goal is to deliver rowing to groups who can benefit from the profound social and health outcomes of their unique sport.

Organization budget: $3,524,674 Number served: doesn’t say

Program name (if applicable): LAUNCH

Program budget (if applicable): $928,400 Number served: 10 kids and 2 grad students

Summary of request: What they provide for the youth in their programs, some of whom are evidently physically handicapped is provide a way for them to row safely while learning about constructing the boats themselves. The program gives the the skills to craft and launch the boats, as well as to be a part of a team and have the employment opportunity at the program. They believe that they are providing these youth with the motivation to finish high school and go on to complete college. They are requesting $5,000 for the project which will serve 10 kids on an environmentally friendly process where they learn how to construct the boats, and then test their ideas and present them at the end of the summer.

Comments (optional): As of February 6th, a majority of the eople/companies/organizations they plan to have donate to and fund their

of 39


program they still had not applied for. They had no one as of then set to actually donate any money, just that the amounts were “pending” like ours, which would therefore mean that they had simply applied, or that they had the “intent to apply” for the funding.

25 Cristo Rey

Mission: To use a work-study model for educating low-income, inner-city high school students.

Organization budget: $3.8m Number served: 400 (ideally); 350 in fact



Summary of request: To learn basic skills of the workplace and to defray a major portion of tuition costs, students work five days a month at entry-level jobs at local organizations. Companies pay the school directly for the labor they receive. Four students staff one position on a rotating basis. One hundred twenty-five companies now participate in the program, health care and financial services having the biggest footprints. About 60 percent of the school’s operating budget is now funded by work-study revenues. Last year 347 students attended the school. The make-up of the student body reflects its inner city focus: 58% Latino, 18% African American, 9% Cape Verdian, 7% Hatian, 3% Caucasian and 5% other. While 17 percent of its students were non-Catholics, CRB makes no bones about its being a Catholic high school. The school has a good record of placing its graduates, those that make it to their senior year at CRB, into college. (The wash-out rate for 9th graders is high---about 40 percent.)

Originally located in North Cambridge Catholic High School, the school moved to Dorchester in 2010, a more central location for its students and participating sponsors.

Comments (optional): CRB’s proposal is a model of directness. I recommend it to all Committee Members. Its frank discussion of the problems of educating poor, high school-age, inner city kids, while not surprising, is eye-opening. It details the major challenges CRB faces: increasing the retention rate of 9th graders; parameters it must achieve for financial sustainability---400 enrolled students and work-study revenues supporting 75 percent of operating expenses; and retaining experienced teachers, who currently are paid only 70 percent of what a Boston Public School receive.

of 39


26 Discover Roxbury

Mission: To promote civic engagement and economic development through tours and events that highlight Roxbury’s historic, cultural and culinary resources.

Organization budget: $214,350 Number served: n/a

Program name (if applicable): Bridging Roxbury

Program budget (if applicable): $16,000 Number served: n/a

Summary of request: In 1998 a Lexington mom troubled by her community’s’ biased views of METCO students’ Boston communities organized tours to bring suburban families to Roxbury’s churches, parks, restaurants and cultural events. Since then, Discover Roxbury has expanded its year-round programming to engage Boston residents of all ages in local events and tours by foot, bicycle and trolley. These activities foster awareness of a rich history, changing demographics, cultural diversity and community needs and provide a forum for civic pride, advocacy and activism.

Discover Roxbury requests $5,000 for its Bridging Roxbury program, an experiential program for Boston elementary and middle school students. Through tours and classroom activities students explore Roxbury’s 384-year history and use it as a springboard for learning about immigration, socialization, discrimination and community activism.

Comments (optional): This program deserves a site visit. Derek Lumpkins, the Executive Director, is very highly regarded in the Boston civic and cultural communities. LZF is a funder and has offered a challenge grant.

27 Doc Wayne Youth Services

Mission: To fuse sport and therapy to heal and strengthen youth.

Organization budget: $306,839 Number served: 400+ “At risk youth”

Program name (if applicable): *Unspecified*

Program budget (if applicable): *Unspecified* Number served: *Unspecified*

of 39


Summary of request: $5,000 for a “short-term” injection of general operating support until newly opened earned revenue streams can bridge the gap.

Comments (optional): The program looks to provide an alternative form of mental health counseling through their “Chalk Talk” sessions/methodology. During these “Chalk Talk” sessions, a clinician guides youth through a variety of exercises and physical activities through sport and teaches a series of sport-adapted DBT skills. As a vehicle which is appealing to youth, “Chalk Talk” has less the feel of traditional therapy and more that of athletic practice as concepts such as DBT’s “Mindfullness” become Doc Wayne’s do the good® skill of “Showing up”.

Though I’m a HUGE advocate for anything that relates to improving mental health, especially for “at risk” youth, like this program serves, I’m not necessarily sold and I feel a little hesitant about the organization and their “Chalk Talk”. At the bottom of the Project and Organization Budget Summary, the following was added:

“At the halfway point of our fiscal year, we have raised 50% of our goal. Additionally, we now have a revenue structure in place for our third party billable Chalk Talk group therapy as well as program fees for participation in our Therapeutic Sports Program. We do have some emergency funds in place but the hope is not to have to use this up. This request supports staffing costs for TSP, site rental fees and sports equipment purchase. ”

Perhaps they’re on the right path, but I still don’t feel all warm and fuzzy.

28 Dorchester Youth Collaborative

Mission: The mission of the Dorchester Youth Collaborative is to engage high-risk young people in relationships and projects that promote their development and achievement, as well as the health and safety of the community.

Organization budget: $723840 Number served: 2,000

Program name (if applicable): Safe Haven Teen Center

Program budget (if applicable): $77,063 Number served: 2,000

Summary of request: DYC operates a Safe Haven Teen Center in the Fields Corner area of Dorchester, where staff and volunteers provide crisis intervention, counseling, mentoring, sports, arts, tutoring, and leadership development programs, along with meals, healthy snacks, transportation, and assistance with other basic needs.

of 39



29 East End House

Mission: to promote the well-being, academic achievement, and successful transition to adulthood of children and youth from under-resourced families in Cambridge and surrounding communities. As part of the approach, East End House provides support services to a diverse population, from infants to seniors, to strengthen family and community.

Organization budget: $2.6M. Number served: 4000

Program name (if applicable): Social-Emotional Health Intervention Project (SHIP)


Summary of request: Case managing at-risk teens with after-school help of 4 social workers, SHIP utilizes a Clover Leaf Model based on research by Dr. Noane emphasizing active engagement, assertiveness, belonging, and reflection. This is an intervention program that teaches “social-emotional skills” to staff (4), teachers (30), administrators and parents (30) associated with the Putnam Avenue Middle School , student body of 200 and affecting 75 targeted students.

Comments (optional): Est 1875. Staff: 47. Volunteers: 550. Professional development, assessment, prevention and intervention. 3 year project. OWFF: $2.5K- 2013. Requests: $10K.

30 Epiphany School

Mission: Epiphany School is an independent middle school that is tuition free and provides the schooling to economically disadvantaged Bostonian youth. They admit children of all faiths, cultures and ethnicities. They develop individualized curriculum to work closely with families to never give up on a child.

Organization budget: $2,887,938 Number served: 87 students (240+ grads)

Program name (if applicable): Epiphany School: Full-Service Programming

Program budget (if applicable): $2,887,938 Number served: 87 students (240+ grads)

of 39


Summary of request: They’re requesting $5,000 as general operating expenses. The school is open 6 days a week for over 12 hours a week and 11 months of the year. Not only do they fund the students at the middle school, but they provide advice and counseling to graduates, as well as help to cover costs for the graduates in high school and beyond. They provide 3 meals a day to each of the students, give them access to health care etc.

Comments (optional): They seem like an excellent program, clearly going above and beyond to provide the absolute bet for these kids, giving them any and every opportunity to be successful when their circumstances otherwise would have prevented this. We funded them in 2012 and 2011. I would love to visit, they have my vote.

31 EV

Mission: To encourage and prepare low-income Boston students to attend college through mentoring and tutoring by local college and graduate students and operating a summer leadership camp.

Organization budget$330,291 Number served: Click here to enter text.

Program name (if applicable): EV Afterschool


Summary of request: EV requests $5,000 to support its afterschool tutoring and mentoring program. College students from Harvard, Tufts and B are paired with Dorchester and Roxbury students in grades 4 through 12 for multiple years of tutoring and mentoring. Just recently EV has started to partner with Boston developments to operate EV Afterschool, which facilitates attendance and reduces operating costs.

Comments (optional): Although this organization has Catholic roots, its programs are non-denominational. Its original program, a VT summer camp, is not part of this request. Ninety-seven percent of EV students move on to the next grade, and one hundred percent of EV high school seniors go on to college. Given the small budget, high success rate and growing list of funders, EV deserves a visit this year.

32 Family & Children's Service of Greater Lynn

Mission: Family & Children's Service of Greater Lynn has been helping families thrive since 1885. Our mission is to strengthen the life skills of families, children and individuals of all ages. This is accomplished through a

of 39


range of preventive programs offered directly or in collaboration with other organizations in our community. Organization budget: $1,776,164 Number served: 4,000 Program name (if applicable): The Right Moves Girls' Asset-Building Groups Program budget (if applicable): $66,450 Number served: 49 Summary of request: Request $5,000. We gave $2,500 last year. Comments (optional): The Right Moves is a program built into the Lynn elementary schools to help drive self-esteem and self-empowerment at a critical time in young girls’ lives. Aimed at 5th graders, this program hits right when peer pressure and bullying are strong but a young girls’ emotional strength may not be. An increasingly needed program I believe we should stand behind.

33 Friends of the Children Boston

Mission: Friends of the Children-Boston creates generational change by engaging children from high-risk communities in 12 years of transformative mentoring relationships.

Organization budget: $1,181,185 Number served: 132

Program name (if applicable): N/A


Summary of request: Every element of Friends-Boston’s program is designed to provide Achievers with the skills and support they need to graduate from high school and succeed in college. Throughout the year Achievers receive 20 hours of monthly support from their “Friends.” Each Achiever is matched with a full-time Friend who is a staff member at Friends-Boston and highly trained in social work, education, or youth development. Achievers stay with their full-time Friend from year to year for long-term support. Full-time Friends specialize in working with a specific age group, either 1st-4th grade, 5-7th grade, or 8th-10th grade.

Comments (optional): Has received prior funding from OWFC.

34 Girl Scouts of Greater Boston

Mission: to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place, Girl Scouts provides girls with the opportunity to

of 39


discover their world and leadership skills, connect with and build an understanding for others, and take action to make a difference In their world.

Budget: $12 Mil

Number served: 40,000 (according to them 11% of girls in their area.)

Program name (if applicable): FaB Factor

Program budget (if applicable): $8 Mil

Number served: 2,500 (The request focuses on the 750 in the Boston Area)

Summary of request: The out-of-school time program provides girls from 14 pre-determined target communities with the opportunity to build self-esteem, leadership development skills, and self-sufficiency abilities through educational and social developmental opportunities. Programming for the FaB Factor is provided from October to August and is divided into two programmatic sessions- academic year (October to June) and summer (July and August). During each session GSEM has committed to run 100 programs. Typically, each site meets once per week for a maximum of two hours in low-income apartment complexes, youth centers, and public/private schools. The FaB Factor staff members, called FaB Facilitators, utilize the teaching styles of learning by doing, cooperative learning, and girl-led learning within four series: health and wellness; finance and business; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); and leadership development.

Comments (optional): Hard to deny the mission, but equally hard to measure success. Suffers from the size issue.

35 Girls’ LEAP

Mission: to partner with other organizations to provide self-defense and empowerment training for girls

Organization budget: $337K Number served: 1,000

Program name (if applicable): School-Year Teen Mentor Program

Program budget (if applicable): $71K Number served: 11-16 directly, 1,000 through outreach

Summary of request: GL offers a 20-hour program teaching physical safety and “socio-emotional, reflelctive skills” (i.e., learning to say “no”) to girls age 8-18 in workshops and outreach events. Its School-Year Teen Mentor Program plans to enroll six to nine girls aged 14-18 this year, to be added to

of 39


at least five returning mentors. These girls will receive training and a stipend to to act as assistants/mentors in its outreach programs. In addition to its full-time paid staff of five and these teen mentors, 75 college-aged volunteers assist in its programs.


36 Higher Education Resource Center

Mission: To enable at-risk Latino, and other disadvantaged youth, to gain access to a higher education, break the cycle of poverty, and become leaders in the community.

Organization budget: $ N/A Number served: 1,300 since 1999

Program name: Passport to College Program

Program budget: $844,487 Number served: 120 BPS juniors and seniors annually

Summary of request: HERC is requesting $5,000 to support the passport to college program. The funds will help expand this program to more Boston Public Schools and ultimately increase college enrollment for Latino and other at risk juniors and seniors. Since 2004 this program has seen 87% of its participants graduate from college. Only 16-18 % of Latino’s and Blacks graduating from Boston Public Schools actually graduate college. Obviously this passport program is effective and vital to the BPS system.

Comments: I think this fits our charter and is a program I would support. We gave a $5,000 grant in 2008. Not sure why we have not given since.

37 Housing Families

Mission: Housing Families works to end family homelessness. We provide safe, temporary shelter and quality affordable housing. We offer individualized supportive services to enrich children's lives, nurture the potential of each family member, and to help families maintain permanent housing.

Organization budget: $3.7M Number served: 145

of 39


Program name (if applicable): GREAT Youth and Families Program


Summary of request: Housing Families’ GREAT Youth and Families Program—where Growth, Resilience, Empowerment, Acceptance, and Trust are fostered every day—serves children, youth, and adults who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Children and youth receive tutoring, counseling, and age-based therapeutic arts services, as well as educational advocacy services. Parents participate in counseling services, therapy groups, and parenting classes to learn parenting skills and heal from their own trauma.

Comments (optional): Est: 1986. Staff: 39. Volunteers: 70. Serves 45 communities in MA. Funding will underwrite the salary expenses securing program’s capacity to help at least 145 children in FY 2015. OWFF: $3K-2005. Requests $5K.

38 Hull Lifesaving Museum

Mission: Based on the motto: "Skills, Courage, and Caring," the museum honors the region's lifesaving tradition and maritime culture through collections, exhibits, experiential andi nterpretive education, research, and service to others. The deeds, traditions, and ethic of the 19th century lifesavers are the foundation of the museum's exhibits, programs, and commitment to working to impact society, and individual lives, for the better.

Organization budget: $879800 Number served: 300

Program name (if applicable): Maritime Apprentice Program (MAP)


Summary of request: HLM is so much more than a museum, we are an essential part of the community that for over 30 years has provided not only crucial lessons from our maritime heritage, but also life-changing and sometimes life-saving experiences. As one of our region's leading cultural organizations and agents of social change, HLM draws people in and challenges them to draw the best from themselves by combining social service and experiential education with historic preservation and interpretation.


39 IBA

of 39


Mission: IBA - Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción empowers individuals through education, workforce development and arts programs and creates vibrant affordable housingcommunities.Organization budget: $455,406 Number served: 800

Program name (if applicable): IBA’s Cacique Youth Learning Center

Program budget (if applicable): $430,897 Number served: *Unspecified*

Summary of request: $10,000 for “Program Support”

Comments (optional): IBA seems to have an exceptional track record and received numerous awards and recognition for their well-rounded program(s). We supported them last year $10,000, so I don’t see why we wouldn’t this year.

40 Lawrence Community WorksMission: To create vibrant neighborhoods and empowered residents by facilitating conversations and action on community priorities, we engage partners and a network of youth and adult residents in opportunities to move themselves and the city of Lawrence forward.

Brief Description of Organization: Founded in 2004 MCYN provides youth centered programs to help prepare them for the future. The after school and summer programs includes Creative Arts, Academic Support, Leadership Training, and Mentoring.

Organization budget: $2,703,639 Number served: +-5,000

Program name: Movement City Youth Network

Program budget: $418,383 Number served: 120 Lawrence youth

Summary of request: LCW is requesting 10k for their MCYN program. The funds will be used to upgrade technology, art supplies, and additional equipment.

Comments: Lawrence is one the poorest and youngest cities in MA. I would like to do a site visit to better understand program. We sent a $5,000 grant in 2009.

of 39


41 Let's Get Ready

Mission: Let’s Get Ready provides low-income high school students with free SAT prep, admissions counseling and other needed support services in order to gain admission to and ultimately graduate from college.

Organization budget: $2,434,854 Number served:

Program name (if applicable): Greater Boston & MetroWest LGR Program

Program budget (if applicable): $133,994 Number served:

Summary of request: They are requesting $5,000. They don’t really provide information about how many people they are serving but the program itself seems good and well thought out. They have a lot of steps and plans.

Comments (optional):

42 MA Adoption Resource Exchange

Mission: MARE was founded in 1957 to find adoptive homes for youth in foster care who are traditionally harder to place with adoptive families, including sibling groups, children over the age of 6, and special needs youth. We do this by recruiting, educating, supporting and advocating for families throughout the adoption process while targeting recruitment efforts to find potential parents for specific waiting children. Organization budget: $1,030,971 Number served: 612 Program name (if applicable): n/a Program budget (if applicable): $1,030,971- total organization Number served: 612 Summary of request: Request $7,000. We gave $5,000 the last 2 years. Comments (optional): Mare is a wonderful foundation- I spoke last year with the director and was very impressed with their goals and dedication to helping broken families reunite and create new families for the kids without that possibility. Their mission aligns directly with ours in terms of developing self-esteem and potential at a critical age, with the family unit being the primary source of stability. Strongly recommend this one.

43 Marble Collection

of 39


Mission: The Marble Collection's [TMC] mission is to provide Massachusetts' students with literature and arts education and one-to-one e-Mentoring to advance their creative development.

Organization budget: $185,000 Number served: work with 175 schools and non-profits

Program name (if applicable): Expanding school and nonprofit partnerships in Boston

Program budget (if applicable): $6,602 Number served: ???

Summary of request: The Marble Collection: Massachusetts High School Magazine of the Arts is the only statewide, biannual print and digital magazine of the arts for and by Massachusetts teens, showcasing their art, literature, music, and video works. First published in spring 2009, the magazine’s participants have exploded from 24 Massachusetts secondary schools to 175. This unique program develops and celebrates the artistic endeavors of Massachusetts students, including those with limited access to arts education programming. All published works are juror-selected to ensure artistic excellence. Through this selective process, TMC strives to publish the most diverse and celebrated collection of work. In September 2014, TMC will engage in an outreach campaign to forge 6 new nonprofit and 18 new school partnerships within Boston. Executive Director: The ED will spend approximately 110 hours implementing this project, at her normal hourly rate of $32. Developing list of schools and educator contacts and nonprofit partner contacts: 12 hours; Developing direct mail appeal (letter and postcard): 5 hours; Sending follow-up email and calling to schedule in-person meeting: 12 hours; In-person meetings with partners: 72 hours; Developing and packaging TMC Action Kits: 9 hours; Total: 110 hours at $32 = $3520; Printing & Postage: Direct mail letters: 24 x .15 = $3.6; Direct mail postcards & Action Kit postcards: $264.98 for 2000 postcards; Classroom bundle of 25 magazines: 600 magazines @ $4 = $2,400; Flyers: 96flyers @ .15 = $14.40; Total: $2,682.98. POSTAGE: Direct mail letters: 24 letters @ .46 = $11.04; Direct mail postcard: 24 @ .33 = $7.92; Classroom bundle of 25 magazines, flyers, and postcards: 24 USPS boxes @ 12.35 = $296.4; Total: $315.36;Travel & Transportation: The ED will travel to each partnership site one-two times. Lakeville-Boston~40 miles x 24 times @ $3.5 per gallon = $84.

Comments (optional): Foundations and corporate grants represent 33% of budget, with 48% in the form of in-kind support. Looks like they want $6,600 to pay the Executive Director to expand the program.

of 39


44 Merrimack Valley YMCA

Mission: The Merrimack Valley YMCA is dedicated to putting valued principles into practice through programs, membership opportunities, and community services that strengthen spirit, mind, and body for all. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Brief Description of Organization: For more than a century, the Merrimack Valley YMCA has responded to the needs of adults, youth and families throughout the Merrimack Valley region. Our diverse programs include: character building and leadership development for youth and teens; childcare (before, during and after school); health and wellness programs; recreational sports; day and residential youth camping; academic support; experiences in music and the arts; as well as housing and supportive services for homeless men.

budget: $ $13 mill

Program Name: Outdoor Education at Camp Otter

Program Budget: $25,000 Number Served: 400

Description: Through the newly developed Outdoor Education program, we will utilize Camp Otter’s wide variety of program areas and natural eco systems to provide youth with a week-long outdoor learning experience that directly supports the Lawrence Public School Turnaround Plan. The Outdoor Education program consists of four parts: Environmental Education, The Science and Math of Camp (Orienteering/Maps), Team Building, and Healthy Living.

The Merrimack Valley YMCA is currently partnering with the Lawrence Public School (LPS) district to provide educational services to students while the school district is under receivership of the state. The City of Lawrence today faces significant challenges, such as having one of the highest childhood obesity rates in the nation and a low-performing school system. During the 2010-2011 school year, three quarters of the schools in the Lawrence Public School system experienced achievement declines in that year, and achievement levels placed Lawrence in the bottom 1% of the Commonwealth districts in terms of math, ELA proficiency, and graduation rate. Further, within Lawrence Public Schools, 86.9% of students within the district are low-income, as compared to 35.2% of students within the state; and 81.5% are free lunch eligible, as compared to 30.4 % of the state. (Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Public School Districts profile.) To support the Lawrence Public School Turnaround efforts, we are

of 39


currently providing LPS students with unique learning opportunities such as Outdoor Education at Camp Otter.

Comments: I have always viewed Lawrence as outside our scope, but I respect the fact that mine is probably a minority view. Lawrence is certainly a mess. Can someone our size be of much help?

45 Nashoba Learning Center

Mission: to provide individualized education, training and intervention services to persons with autism

Organization budget: $9m Number served: 90

Program name (if applicable): Recreation and Field Trip Activities

Program budget (if applicable): $9,692 Number served: <90

Summary of request: With a staff of 136 full-time and 14 part-time, NLG provides one-on-one instruction to young people, ages 3 to 21, seriously inpaired with autism. Tuition is paid by towns and cities whose school systems cannot provide the required services. The request seeks funds to pay for weekly trips to a skating rink in Bedford during the winter, a swimming pool in Woburn during the warmer months and places like the New England Aquarium, an apple orchard (to pick fruit) and the Butterfly Place. These field trips improve muscular strength and coordination of the kids and allow them to practice social skills in non-school group settings. Municipal funding does not cover these activities.


46 Our Sisters' School

Mission: To educate and inspire middle-school girls from New Bedford to reach their full potential in a safe, supportive and challenging environment.

Organization budget: $920,766 Number served: 65

Program name (if applicable): Student Tuition Support

Program budget (if applicable): $14,000 Number served: 1 (36% of annual tuition cost for one student)

Summary of request: Our Sisters’ School (OSS) requests $10,000 to cover about 71% of the annual tuition for a student. OSS offers an 11-hour school day for a diverse low-income student body (70% Cape Verdean, African

of 39


American and Hispanic) of girls in grades 5 through 8. Local partnerships provide experiential learning opportunities, and family-inclusive community service is an integral curriculum component. After six years of operation, there is now a lengthy enrollment waiting list. Although students often enter with skills one or two years below grade level, they test at well-above grade level by the time that they graduate. Many graduates have gone on to attend rigorous independent schools.

Comments (optional): OWFCF made grants of $8,000 and $6,000 in 2010 and 2011 respectively. OSS was unable to provide requested financial information for 2012 and 2013 application deadlines. Now that it can, OSS should be restored to our grant list.

47 Playworks

Mission: The mission of Playworks is to improve the health and well-being of children and enhancetheir education by increasing opportunities for safe meaningful play.


Program name (if applicable): Playworks Junior Coach Leadership Academy



Comments (optional): Playworks is reported to be the only organization working nationally to leverage recess as a transformational tool for educators and children. The their 18 years of practice and research, they have developed an inexpensive and replicable model that accelerates learning, increases physical activity, teaches time conflict resolution, greatly reduces or eliminates bullying, and returns instruction time to teachers. Their Junior Coach Leadership Academy works with students to provide leadership skills. I’m intrigued and feel it’s at least worth a look. Providing youth with any opportunity to gain leadership training/experience is invaluable.

48 Roca

Mission: To help move disengaged and disenfranchised young people out ofviolence and poverty. Combining intensive case management and relationship building,Roca helps young people re-engage in society through stage-based educational,employment, and life skills programming.

of 39


Organization budget: $9,459,393 Number served: *Unspecified*

Program name (if applicable): Workforce Development Program for Young Mothers



Comments (optional): Roca provides stage-based workforce development, education, life skills programing, and intensive case management to support at-risk to high-risk young mothers in building strong families, while moving towards self-sufficiency. The age range for this program is 12-24. Perhaps it’s just me, but I feel that supporting this program is something that should seriously be considered. With mothers this young, a program like this allows for an intervention at a critical time. Not only does it benefit the young mothers, but it also benefits their children. It’s basically a win-win. Anyone can be a mother, but it takes something extra to become a mom.

49 Sociedad Latina

Mission: To work in partnership with youth and families to create the next generation of Latino leaders who are confident, competent, successful and proud of their Latino heritage.

Organization budget: $2M Number served: 105 (youths)

Program name (if applicable): Health Careers for Youths

Program budget (if applicable): $3.86K Number served: 20

Summary of request: Intern placement with Longwood medical area institutions (5 hospitals) to foster placement, preparation, experience and career guidance..

Comments (optional): Est: 1968. Staff: 24. Volunteers: 174. Pathways to Successs delivery model that strategically engages youth over the long-term (ages 11-21), builds lasting partnerships with families and draws support from a wide network of cross-sector partners. Pathways delivers education, workforce development, civic engagement and arts & culture. OWFF: $5K- 2014. Requests $10K.

50 South St Youth Center

of 39


Mission: To provide an engaging, safe and educational out-of-school place for children and teens who reside at the South Street Development in Jamaica Plain

Organization budget: $261,828 Number served: approximately 130, ages 6 to 19

Program name (if applicable): n/a

Program budget (if applicable): n/a Number served: n/a

Summary of request: South Street Development is a Jamaica Plain family housing community under the auspices of Boston Housing Authority. It has 131 units and 441 residents, 30% under the age of 18. The population is primarily Latino and African-American, and the annual median family income is $8,376. Adjacent neighborhoods are among the most affluent in Boston.

Community-supported and professionally run, South St Youth Center has evolved from a drop-in center to escape gang activity to offering a variety of programs for kids from age 6 to 19: homework assistance, visual and performing arts, social skills coaching, job readiness and leadership development.

Comments (optional): South St deserves a site visit. Its proposal is impressively well written. It has collected performance data for several years, and it appears to have a positive impact on kids who become involved in elementary and middle school while operating on a shoestring budget.

51 Southwest Boston CDC

Mission: To develop and preserve affordable housing for low and moderate-income people; prevent displacement of neighborhood residents; and strengthen the commercial base of the neighborhoods. We work to create vibrant and stable communities, through programs and activities that bring long-time residents and newcomers of all ages and diverse backgrounds together. Organization budget: $293,719 Number served: N/A Program name (if applicable): Hyde Park Green Team Youth Jobs Program Program budget (if applicable): $116,290 Number served: 27 per year Summary of request: Request $8,000

of 39


Comments (optional): This seems like a solid organization helping to create job readiness and social skills while simultaneously cleaning up and “greening” the Hyde Park neighborhood. The program helps to build responsibility and understanding in a workplace as well as finer skills such as resume building and personal finance. While working side by side with Boston Parks and Recreation Department, the kids undertake projects such as trail building and tree planting. A couple of the recent grads have gone on to study Botany and Landscape Architecture and enrolled in the Rose Kennedy Greenway apprenticeship program. I think this foundation is a lovely marriage of teaching job skills and improving the aesthetics and health of the environment. Thumbs up.

52 Straight Ahead Ministries

Mission: SAM is a nondenominational, national non profit that is moved by faith and our calling to use solid, evidence-based practices to uplift troubled youth. (We do not impose religion on participants.)

Organization budget: $1,990,600 Number served: ???

Program name (if applicable): Lynn Youth Re-entry Project - Straight2Work


Summary of request: LYRP provides an intense counter-offensive to criminal and gang involvement. At its heart is a set of mentoring relationships for youth with strong, understanding, and patient adult staff and volunteers. These adults go the extra mile to reach, advocate for, and find resources for the youth. They don’t quit on the youth, even when the youth quits on himself or herself. This is complemented by a positive peer environment fostered by LYRP, including former gang members hired as peer leaders and assistant street-workers. Built around this relationship core is an extensive set of program activities. A drop-in center, GED school, street-work, and recreational activities enable us to find and engage high-risk youth. We provide training, classes, and experiences that build skills that participants need to enhance self-esteem, acquire tools for educational and career success, and envision and achieve a positive future. These activities, plus peer leader training, paid work, and community service projects build leadership skills and civic engagement. Meanwhile, LYRP and its partners help each youth and family to engage and progress in school and/or employment and to access benefits, resources, opportunities, health care, and support services.

Comments (optional): received $5,000 in 2013 from OWFC, receives small amount from United Way

of 39


53 STRIVE

Mission: STRIVE’s mission is to help chronically unemployed older teens and adults realize their potential to find and keep jobs that promise sustainable livelihoods and personal growth. We accomplish this by changing attitudes, building skills, working with employers, and creating powerful partnerships.

Brief Description of Organization:STRIVE provides job readiness and job placement services to the chronically unemployed including ex-offenders. Through its 5-week intensive work readiness workshop, STRIVE has placed over 4,300 people in full time jobs since its inception.

Budget: $735,000

Number served: 2013 Enrolled Completed Placed 1 yr retention % 2 year retention % 283 178 96 68 59These stats are grim, but I think they reflect the reality that Strive is dealing with a very difficult problem/population.

Comments (optional): There are many reasons to support this organization. In my view the best one is that attending the initial session of one of these workshops is the best introduction our members can get on how difficult this problem is.

54 UMass Boston Urban Scholars

Mission: to provide a supplemental educational program to assist low-income, inner-city, academically talented youth in Boston’s non-exam public schools prepare for and achieve college admission.

Organization budget: $573K Number served: 120



Summary of request: With a paid staff of 5 and 7 volunteers and held on the campus of U. Mass. Boston, Urban Scholars provides year-round, out-of-school, advanced level classes and tutoring to talented middle and high school students, ages 11-19. The classes challenge the students beyond what their regular schools are able to offer. The aim is to build self-confidence and skills necessary for success in college. The target population is kids who have potential, but have not yet developed it to the point where

of 39


they can successfully compete for a spot in one of Boston’s exam schools. The program includes an intensive seven-week summer program, volunteer college students as tutors and individual counseling. The program consults administrators and teachers in various inner city Boston schools to identify students who would benefit from the Urban Scholars experience. Seventy-seven percent of Urban Scholars graduates either have graduated, or are presently attending, college.


55 UTEC

Mission: To ignite and nurture the ambition of our most disengagedyoung people to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success.

Brief Description of Organization: UTEC founded in 1999 is a teen center developed as a safe haven for Lowell youth without a high school credential and either gang involved, court involved or parenting (ages 16-24). Over the years they have expanded and improved the teen center’s programs and offerings. In late 2013 they piloted a furniture making program in a Lawrence which will help enroll more youth and teach them skills which should translate into future jobs for these kids.

Organization budget: $3,387,814 Number served: N/A

Program name: Preparing Proven-Risk Youth for Employment Opportunities in Furniture Making.

Program budget: $1,079,538 Number served: 120 youth

Summary of request: Requesting $5,000 for their furniture making pilot program.

Comments: The pilot furniture making program seems to make sense. It sounds similar to the Hull Life program which I know we have enjoyed supporting. I would be happy to visit this one as well. We supported UTEC the past 2 years with $5,000 grants.

56 Waypoint Adventure

Mission: Waypoint Adventure’s mission is to help youth and adults with disabilities discover their purpose, talents and strengths through the transforming power of adventure.

Organization budget: $247,575 Number served: 1,400

of 39


Program name (if applicable): N/A

Program budget (if applicable): N/A Number served: N/A

Summary of request: Request for $3500 of general operating funds that we will use to support our Open Enrollment programs for people with disabilities. Waypoint Adventure is a growing three year old organization. We work with a variety of partner organizations to provide the most creative supports available to include people with all types of disabilities in quality experiential, adventure-based programming. Waypoint uses supportive community and the challenge of adventure to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities and their communities. Our experienced staff, trained volunteers, creative supports and adaptive equipment enables Waypoint to make adventures including kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, snowshoeing, ropes courses and surfing accessible to individuals with physical, developmental, sensory and social disabilities.

Comments (optional): This is a true start up with the co-founders earning only $28K each. They are local, and get tremendous leverage to serve many with a small budget.

57 Wildflower Camp Foundation

Mission: Wildflower helps children who have lost a parent with the gift of camp and ongoing support. We provide camp scholarships, along with long-term support, to both the camper and their family. Our enduring commitment enables Wildflower to make a real and lasting impact on the at-risk kids we serve.

Organization budget: $124K Number served: 21

Program name (if applicable): Camp Scholarship


Summary of request: Wildflower is a grassroots (fledgling) organization that has increased the number of scholarships and level of support provided to grieving families every year since our founding in 2004 making a long-term financial commitment to a diverse population of at-risk children and families in the greater Boston area. Partners with camps and other organizations. Hopes to double the tuition assistance.

Comments (optional): Est 2004. Staff: 3. Volunteers: 27. Funding will pay 3 scholarships. Last year budget allowed $57K for same. Salaries and wages- $33K. OWFF: $1 K- 2012. Requests $8K.

of 39


58 YOFES

Mission: To strengthen families within immigrant communities, primarily the Haitiancommunity, that can raise healthy children, even in the face of poverty, social inequity, and cultural transition.

Brief Description of Organization: YOFES was established in 2003 and focused on helping disadvantaged Haitian youth. The program offers a place for Haitians to receive homework help, academic skill building, health education, sports, cultural awareness, community service, snacks etc. The 5 day program serves 120 Haitian youth (ages 11-21) and the summer program serves 220 youth. Haitians are Boston’s fastest growing immigrants (70-80k folks). We had a major Haitian influx after the 2010 earthquake and many of them have post-traumatic stress disorder. These kids face numerous challenges and will need after school programs like Youth Builders to have a chance in this world.

Organization budget: $731,796 Number served: N/A

Program name: Youth Builders After-School Program

Program budget: $295,891 Number served: 120-220 youth

Summary of request: They are requesting $5,000 to help fund the after school youth builders program located at the Church of Holy Spirit in Mattapan.

Comments: We supported this program in 2012-13 with $5,000 grants. No question this one has my vote again.

of 39

owfortefdn.orgowfortefdn.org/images/2014_grant_app_summaries_uplo… · Web viewBoston Landmarks...

Documents

Transcript of owfortefdn.orgowfortefdn.org/images/2014_grant_app_summaries_uplo… · Web viewBoston Landmarks...