dreamprogram.org The DREAM Program @DREAMprogram
The Village Mentoring Organization
The Somerville Housing Authority DREAM Update 2nd Quarter Report 2014-2015 Fiscal Year – July The SHA Program finished Summer DREAM on 7/28, with five youth attending the summer culminating bowling trip on 7/31. Summer activities centered mainly around the Dilboy pool at the request of youth and families. DREAM Programming: Summer DREAM: 07/01: Given the hot weather, the interns brought thirteen youth to Dilboy Pool. In the evening, the interns brought five teen girls out for teen night. The group traveled to Harvard Square for pizza. 07/07: As suggested by youth, the interns and a group of eight youth spent the afternoon at the Dilboy pool. 07/10: Fifteen youth from Clarendon Hill accompanied DREAM staff for a day at the New England Aquarium. Youth had the opportunity to touch stingrays, watch the sea lion show, and learn about marine life. 07/14: The group played field games in Dilboy Park and then cooled off in the pool. 07/18: Four Somerville mentees joined DREAM youth from other Boston Programs for a trip to Duxbury. The group visited Sarah and Jeff, friends and supporters of DREAM, for an afternoon of swimming and basketball. 07/21: The day’s activity consisted of time at the pool as well as games and slushies in the park in Clarendon Hill. 07/25: Four youth from Clarendon Hill visited the New England Aquarium with youth from DREAM’s other communities. These youth were unable to attend the first trip due to other commitments. 07/28: The interns hosted an end-of-summer celebration full of soccer, card games, and snacks. 07/31: Five youth from Claredon Hill went bowling with youth from other DREAM communities at South Boston Candlepin. The afternoon was filled with laughter and pizza and marked the final activity of DREAM summer for all communities. Summer Trip Recaps
The Roseway: DREAM sent youth in grades 4th through 8th aboard the Roseway schooner from July 14th through July 18th. Over ten youth from SHA participated in at least one full day activity, with many attending multiple days. While aboard the boat, the group met other DREAM mentees and worked as a team to learn about community, communication, trust, and self worth. Throughout the week our youth learned skills including how to raise the 2,000 pound sails, steer the ship, chart the boats route, and tie different types of knots. Boston College Trip: Boston DREAM hosted its first ever college week for DREAM youth in grades 6th through 12th the week of July 21st through July 24th. Youth toured
dreamprogram.org The DREAM Program @DREAMprogram
The Village Mentoring Organization
Emmanuel College, Roxbury Community College, Boston University, and Suffolk University. During the visits, youth learned about the college application process, student life, and academics. Five youth from Somerville as well as additional youth from Roxbury and Cambridge attended the tours.
DREAM Office: Program Director Hiring: Jason Desrosier ended his time with DREAM at the end of July. We are currently accepting applications for the Program Director position. Interviews are planned to be held in August and we are excited to bring on an outstanding new member in the coming months. Program Empowerment Director Transitions: My Americorps term with DREAM comes to a close on August 4th. DREAM is currently in the process of filling my position, and should have a new PED onboard by the Fall. Summer Appeals: DREAM is amidst its Summer Appeal. Letters were sent out in order to continue funding the wonderful summer activities that are offered each year.
Keep DREAMing! Katie Purcell Program Empowerment Director Mass Promise Fellow/AmeriCorps Member Katie@dreamprogram.org