The DREAM Program, Inc. 41 Dearborn St. Roxbury, MA 02119 (617) 699-8408 www.dreamprogram.org
March 13th, 2012
The Putnam Gardens DREAM Update February 2012 DREAM Programming: During the start of the Spring Semester the Putnam Gardens DREAM Program has been struggling with consistency from both the mentor and mentee sides. We are working with the mentors to refocus their weekly programming to happen more consistently on Friday afternoons to make scheduling easier and to ensure that there continues to be a group aspect to DREAM. Additionally, we are working with the mentors to check in with the mentees who are currently in the program but have been attending inconsistently so far this semester, and their families. We will be working with these youth to decide if they can commit to attending DREAM each week, or if they are no longer able to commit to attending programming. We are excited to work with youth from Putnam Gardens who are excited about DREAM and committed to participating regularly whether they are our current mentees or new ones. All youth are always welcome to rejoin DREAM if they choose to leave, and to join us for summer programming. 2/11(2 mentors, 2 mentees) Ice skating at Harvard’s Allston rink: due to mentor illness programming this week was small, but the pairs that went enjoyed themselves and one mentee skated for the first time! 2/17 (6 mentors, 6 mentees) Group programming: The group was expecting rain but instead spent a gorgeous day playing outdoor games on Harvard’s campus. 2/24 (5 mentors, 5 mentees) One-on-One Programming: Pairs enjoyed movies, and took a trip to Burdick’s in Harvard square for some amazing hot cocoa. Community Collaboration: Shamrock Dreams: Through Mass Mentor and the Boston Celtics, DREAM received a pair of courtside seats for a pair from Putnam Gardens to attend Mass Mentoring night at the Celtics. The mentee even got to participate in a high five tunnel during warm-ups, and had his name announced during pre-game festivities! Be Safe Training: Sandy Mervack, DREAM’s Development Director and Chad attended the first of a two part training put on by Be Safe and sponsored by the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship on February 10th. The training focused on helping participants check in with their personal beliefs and compare those to their organization’s policies and procedures, to ensure that they are creating a safe and supportive environment within their programs. Sandy and Chad also learned about resources available to both youth and youth workers which can be used to support and enhance our program. DREAM Office:
Cambridge Housing Authority Check-In: On February 7th, Chad and I met with Steve Swanger and John Lindamood to update them on DREAM’s progress and to start discussing summer opportunities. DREAM Office: Regional Director: We are excited to announce that we are currently seeking a Regional Director for the Boston DREAM office. The job description can be found at www.dreamprogram.org. If you know of anyone who would be interested and qualified please pass this along. Summer Community Interns: Hiring for our Summer Community Interns has started and the job description can be found on our website as well. Keep DREAMing! Jessica Stein Program Empowerment Director Massachusetts Promise Fellow/AmeriCorps