The DREAM Program, Putnam Gardens, June-August 2013

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The Village Mentoring Organization

The Putnam Gardens DREAM Update Summer 2013 Summer Community Intern Sarah “Sarita” Khalifa crafted another summer filled with fun and adventure. Summer Putnam Gardens DREAM occurred Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from June 26th through August 14th. Summer Putnam Gardens DREAM began with after-school activities and the days were extended beginning on July 1st once school had ended for the summer.

Youth Participation:   

14 youth from Putnam Gardens participated in Summer Putnam Gardens DREAM. 14 participated on multiple occasions.

4 of the youth don’t participate in school-year DREAM and have been added to the waitlist to be enrolled in the fall.

Summer Activities: There was a blend of activities offered this summer. Some of these activities occurred in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston.

On-site activities:           

Field Games in the courtyard Movie night “Dirt” making and board games After 4th of July Block Party Soccer Basketball Pizza making Arts and crafts in the Community Room Zumba DREAM Olympics Ice cream making

41 Dearborn St., Roxbury, MA 02119 | (617) 699-8408 | boston@dreamprogram.org

 Picture frame making Off-site activities and trips:       

Harborfest at City Hall Plaza Swimming at the Cambridge Pool The New England Aquarium Trip to Somerville to learn about “Sugarbugs” and dental hygiene and outdoor games in the park following the educational activity Museum of Science Beach day at Carson Beach DREAM goes to the movies due to a cancelled Harbor Island trip

Bigger events or trips: 

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Trip to Sky Zone (indoor trampoline park) Earlier in the summer, the youth were surveyed to find out which trip they were most excited about undertaking. Sky Zone received the most votes. In the second to last week of DREAM, several youth with two of the Summer Community Interns learned how to spin, flip, and jump at the park.

Combined trip with Somerville to explore the Freedom Trail- In an effort to explore some of downtown and learn more about Boston’s history, Sarah and the Putnam Gardens youth met with Molly and the Somerville Housing Authority youth to learn and explore together. It was great day for colonial games, touring historic buildings, and a chance to enjoy the gorgeous weather.

Georges Island- This summer Putnam Gardens had several opportunities to visit Georges Island, learn about the historic Fort Warren, enjoy some beach time and a free boat ride. The tickets were generously donated by Boston’s Best Cruises and Boston Harbor Islands.

End of Summer DREAM Party- During the final week of summer DREAM, an end of summer party was held at Putnam Gardens. Following the party, the youth went to the Hatch Shell to listen to the Boston Symphony Orchestra on the Esplanade. It was a great evening filled with wonderful music and final hoorah in celebration of the delightful preceding summer.

Additional Summer Opportunities 

Roseway Sailing Trip- In a new collaborative partnership with The Roseway, Putnam Gardens and Somerville Housing Authority youth participated in an early evening sail out to the outer Boston Harbor Islands. The youth learned about the parts of the boat, marine life, navigation charts, and local Boston history. The favorite activity for most of the youth was the chance to climb up the mast of the boat.

Community Collaboration: 

Cambridge Work Force: Naika Clergeau worked with the Cambridge and Somerville programs and provided additional support to Molly and Sarah. It was a great learning experience for her and she also provided linguistic assistance for the Haitian Creole speaking families.

DREAM Office: 

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Distribution of city of Cambridge summer guides: Prior to the start of Summer Putnam Gardens DREAM, each family received a copy of the annual Summer Guides that the city of Cambridge offers. Additionally, families had the option of receiving a City of Boston Summer Guide as many of the activities overlap and are open to all residents.

Registration of new families: Throughout the summer new youth were added into the program. At the end of the summer, those families were asked if they were interested in the waiting list for the school year DREAM program.

Staff transitions: There will be two new staff members Asha Carter and Katie Purcell who will continue the work of previous Americorps member Zahra Ohldin.

Asha Carter is the new Highland Street Corps Ambassador of Mentoring and Katie Purcell is the new Massachusetts Promise Fellow. They will also be expanding on new projects such as increasing mentor diversity, supporting a new Local Program, and developing a Teen curriculum.

Summer Appeals: Summer Appeal letters were sent out in order to continue funding the wonderful summer activities that are offered each year. The letter has been redesigned and featured youth from the Orchard and Putnam Gardens communities.

Keep DREAMing!

Zahra Ohldin Program Empowerment Director/Mass Promise Fellow/Americorps The DREAM Program 41 Dearborn Street Roxbury, MA 02119 zahra@dreamprogram.org