Scott/Ross Center for Community Service:
Undergraduate Guide of Community Service and
Service-Learning Opportunities
Fall 2012
Adult and Elderly Services:
- Mount Pleasant Home
College Access and Success:
- Sociedad Latina- Mission Possible*
- Steps to Success/ After Hours University*
Special Education:
- Carter Connections
- Special Olympics
- Starlight
Sports-Related
- Campus Community Connections
- GRLZradio.org
- Science Club for Girls*
(but not only for athletes):
- America Scores
-Boston Scholar Athlete Program
- Boston Inner City Youth Tennis Program
- InnerCity Weightlifting
English Language Learners:
Tutoring Programs:
Communications and Events:
- Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
- Educational Development Group
- YMCA International Learning Center
Homelessness:
- Horizons for Homeless Children*
- Women’s Lunch Place
Health Related:
- Martha Eliot School
Mentoring Programs:
- Afterschool @ Simmons*
- Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
- Boston Partners in Education
- Girls’ LEAP*
- Girl Scouts of Eastern MA
- Girls Preparing to Succees (GPS)*
- Hyde Square Taskforce
- Jumpstart*
- Partners for Youth with Disability*
- Steps to Success/Hyde Park Mentoring*
- Strong Women, Strong Girls*
- 826 Boston*
-America Learns*
- America Reads @ the Mendell*
- Education Sparks*
- Gateway @ O’Bryant High School*
- Sociedad Latina: Mission Enrichment Program*
-Tobin Community Center
- Tutors for All
Volunteer-Only Options:
- Alternative Spring Break/Simmons Builds
- Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
-Big Sister
- Community Servings
- Cradles to Crayons
- The Institute for Global Youth Development
* Federal Work Study Funds Available
More programs may be available than available on this list. You can schedule an appointment with Dez if you
have any questions. Also, visit our website: www.simmons.edu/communityservice!
The Scott/Ross Center for Community Service facilitates and promotes community service and servicelearning for Simmons College students, faculty and staff. By developing reciprocal partnerships, the Center
strives to serve the Greater Boston community and enrich and expand students’ educational and civic
engagement experiences.
The Scott/Ross Center sponsors many opportunities for students, faculty and staff to engage with the
community including: service-learning, alternative spring breaks, one-time service opportunities, community
celebrations, and it provides resources for the entire Simmons community.
The Scott/Ross Center also assists students in finding community-based work study positions. Some of the
partners listed in this guide offer both service-learning and work study opportunities. For more general
information on community work study, feel free to stop by the Center or call 617-521-2700.
The Scott/Ross Center staff is pleased to offer these opportunities and invites you to participate in as many
ways as possible!
Questions? Ideas? Contact the office or a specific staff member:
Office: MCB E103
Phone: 617-521-2700 Fax: 617-521-3070
src@simmons.edu
www.simmons.edu/communityservice
Scott/Ross Center Staff:
Steve London
Director, and Professor of Sociology
617-521-2590, london@simmons.edu
Carolyn Grimes
Program Director, Graduate Community Engagement & Service-Learning
617-521-2235, grimesc@simmons.edu
Desirae Simmons
Associate Director, Undergraduate Service-Learning
617-521-2477, simmons@simmons.edu
Daren Graves
Scott/Ross Center Faculty Fellow
617-521-2159, daren.graves@simmons.edu
Dara Starkman
Jumpstart Site Manager
617-521-2229, dara.starkman@simmons.edu
Service-Learning at the Scott/Ross Center
Service-learning is a teaching method that combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses
on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Service-learning programs involve students in organized
community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic
responsibility, and commitment to the community (from Campus Compact National Center for Community Colleges).
Through the Scott/Ross Center, over 450 students learn and grow in service-learning placements each year.
The Center places students from many different fields of study in a variety of opportunities within our
community partners. Students connect their experiences in the community to the classroom through guided
reflection with journals, readings, discussions, and presentations. The Center offers support to students and
faculty throughout their service-learning experience.
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Service-Learning:
 Involves you in the community surrounding Simmons College
 Increases connection to coursework through “real-life” application
 Is an opportunity to meet new people and grow your network
 Immerges you in a cultural experience where you can interact with diverse community members
 Provides opportunities to be socially responsible and an active citizen
What is Reflection?
Reflection allows you to connect what you are experiencing in your service learning placement to what you are
learning in the classroom. Reflection can be done through journals, readings, papers, discussions and/or
presentations. Your instructor will explain the methods you will use in your service-learning course.
Commitment Required:
When you choose your community partner, you are making a semester-long commitment. If you sign up with
a partner that has a different minimum commitment than your instructor (more hours, year-long, etc), you
must adhere to the agency’s rules. Although requirements vary from course to course, students are often
expected to complete a minimum of 20 hours of service over the course of the semester (approximately 2
hours a week for 10 weeks) and to complete additional reflection assignments and activities.
Interested in Learning More About Service-Learning?
Please contact Desirae Simmons to learn more about service-learning opportunities, to become a leader in
service-learning through the Student Service-Learning Assistant program, and to share your stories about your
service-learning experiences.
Safety and Transportation
You should make safety a priority during your service-learning, community work study, and volunteer
experiences. If your placement calls for you to travel to an unfamiliar area during the late afternoon/evening,
you are responsible for finding a travel partner. It is important for all students to plan ahead. In the unusual
circumstance that your partner cannot accompany you (because of sickness, for example), you may contact the
Center at 617-521-2700 to obtain a cab voucher if necessary. Cab vouchers should not be used as a substitute
for finding a regular travel partner. Always use good judgment, and if you feel it is necessary, you can call
Simmons College Public Safety at 617-521-1111 and inform the dispatcher of your situation.
If you aren’t sure where your placement is located, or you haven’t been before, please take the time to ask for
thorough directions and review them ahead of time. You need to be aware of your surroundings, to use good
judgment, and to take responsibility for your own personal safety.
Transportation TIPS:
Use the Trip Planner feature on www.mbta.com to find the best train and bus routes to a site OR
Google Maps is a great way to plan and is sometimes more accurate.
The website www.mapquest.com, while commonly used for driving, can be helpful for walkers as
well.
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Name of Community Organization: Mount Pleasant Home
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Lynn Muller
Title: Director of Activities and Volunteer Programs
Email: muller@mountpleasanthome.org Phone: 617-522-7600 x 19
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization and Overview of Goals:
To provide housing and service options for elders, with emphasis on serving a diverse population and giving
priority to those with limited financial resources and inadequate support systems.
To promote the physical, emotional, social and spiritual health of Mount Pleasant Home residents in a warm,
caring environment that encourages independence and enables residents to “age in place” as long as possible.
Over the past several years we have had a growing number of student/elder friendships that have formed
through service-learning with management classes and physical therapy students as well as with graduate
students and Simmons staff.
Community Identified Assets: Mount Pleasant Home is small and has a warm welcoming atmosphere.
There are wonderful opportunities to get to know residents on an individual basis. The staff is dedicated,
sensitive and caring, helping both the residents and each other.
Community Identified Needs: There are never enough caring hands and hearts in a setting like this. Each
and every resident has a “story” and needs a friend. This connection through Simmons has been extraordinary
and seeing the smiles and responses from our residents is the best reward.
Potential Projects:
1. Mount Pleasant Home’s activities program is varied and that adds to the interest level of our residents.
There is flexibility, and rather than proposing a project, we have found that it is mutually positive to
learn more about the students’ interests and then create a plan that can become an enjoyable activity
for all involved. That way, the student is eager to return and feels a sense of contributing. Sometimes
this strategy has worked very well for small groups of students, too.
2. Some activities on our calendar are in regular time slots. Occasionally, if the student’s time coincides,
she might want to take on that scheduled activity. For example, running the “Boutique” that we have
in the building can be fun and can allow for some creativity.
3. Generally, I would like to work with the students to create the project (activity) so it is something they
are happy to do.
4. I think six students would be the ideal number for this first term.
Requirements:
Simmons students are bright and we will train or orient them for specific tasks. The time commitment depends
on the class requirements. Most student visits are about 1 to 1 ½ hours. Communication can’t be emphasized
enough. If there are any necessary changes in scheduled visits, it is important to let us know. Remember, your
visit could be the highlight of a resident’s day.
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Name of Community Organization: Sociedad Latina - Mission Possible
Main Contact Information: 1530 Tremont St, Roxbury 617-442-4299
Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Katie Magyar
Title: Mission Possible! Program Coordinator
Email: Email: katie@sociedadlatina.org
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization and Overview of Goals:
Sociedad Latina works in partnership with Latino youth to cultivate the next generation of leaders. With the
support of families and the broader community, Sociedad Latina fulfills its critical mission by providing a broad
array of programs that promote community leadership, civic engagement, meaningful employment, educational
attainment, cultural identity and pride and the continuation of traditions. During the school year, we work with
young people from grade 5 to age 21 and their families.
Sociedad Latina works to 1) build youth skills 2) educate and enrich the lives of youth and their families and 3)
foster youth and adult leadership and action. We subscribe to a positive youth development philosophy. The
youth who attend our programs are stewards of our organization; their leadership and insight inform all of our
programs and events.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
Sociedad Latina works with Simmons College with a focus on College Access – both developing curriculum
and running programs.
Community Identified Assets: Youth Leadership, passion, commitment, strong relationships with
community organizations and institutions, relationships with elected officials and BPS
Community Identified Needs: Space, information and communication of opportunities, continued
participation and sharing of talent from volunteers, strong education and employment opportunities, role
models
Potential Projects:
The Mission Possible Program provides support and resources for youth as they cultivate the drive, knowledge,
and skills to achieve their goals in education and life. This program works with youth in a dynamic way to
build leadership especially around education. The objective is for all young people in the program to have
positive goals for life after high school and understand the paths to reach and succeed in those goals, especially
higher education. When young people develop their knowledge, motivation, and skills of self-advocacy, they
will create and take advantage of opportunities.
Students are needed to lead and contribute to curriculum for Wednesday workshops. Content includes
academic success, college access, and specific test preparation with a focus on leadership throughout. These
involve different groupings of young people depending on the content – all youth will be in on workshops
around academic success while only Juniors and Seniors will be involved in SAT preparation. The content area
a volunteer focuses on is based on the intersection of interest and program need. The same volunteers will also
participate at least one other day a week as a mentor and tutor to youth working through individual projects.
If Wednesday is not open for students, they are welcome to participate as a mentor and tutor at least 2 days a
week outside of the Wednesday workshops.
Requirements:
The Mission Possible Program meets Monday- Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm. Workshop schedule/days are
to be determined. Additional time will be required for preparation of workshops.
Positive attitude, Interest in working with high school aged youth, Creative thinking in adding activities to and
presenting curriculum, Able to effectively communicate with staff, Interest in being a role model, and
Applicant must complete the pre-service volunteer training program and fill out all necessary paperwork.
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Name of Community Organization: Steps to Success
Main Contact Information: Katie Michelsen (207-446-8876)
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Amber Gadde
Title: Elementary and Middle School Coordinator/Student Advisor
Email: Amber_Gadde@brookline.k12.ma.us
Phone: 617-879-4638
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization: To provide enrichment opportunities for students by incorporating programs such
as academic enrichment and mentoring, work connections for youth, early college awareness and readiness, and
family support services.
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you do,
population served, work site, etc.?
As an overall goal, we want to help students gain the skills they need to succeed in school and in the world
around them both today and in the future. We strive to build a strong relationship with the students through
enrichment programs and homework help so that they can feel comfortable asking questions and pursuing a
college education. At the Lawrence school and the Pierce school, we facilitate a small classroom environment,
less than 20 students, which give us a better opportunity to develop those strong relationships.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
The students interact with not only student tutors from Simmons College but also with liaison groups and
faculty. We often have visits to Simmons in order give them a glimpse of what it is like to be at college. During
these visits they are inquisitive and often have many questions for the groups that are helping to host the event.
Similarly, the students are prone to asking us many questions about our time at Simmons and our lives beyond
school walls. It is a very enriching experience for the tutors as well as for the students.
Potential Projects:
1. Students will work together as a team to tutor and mentor students at either Lawrence or Pierce during
AfterHours U. During this time Simmons tutors will provide homework help and will also help plan and run
activities for the middle school students. During field trips tutors will also help plan and supervise the trips.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
A strong commitment to the weekly program of at least 3 and a half hours is required. The program runs from
2:30pm-5:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
We would like Simmons students to have experience with working with children of any age. We would also like
students to have a strong sense of commitment and determination. Our program is not only devoted to the
unity and equality of the children but also to the tutors. We would like the students to be team players and
enjoy working together to generate new, creative ideas. We want all students to feel comfortable with their
leaders, and be able to communicate with them. Communication and respect are key aspects when working
within a group.
We would also like for students to be dependable, trustworthy, and appropriate, as they will be entering an
educational environment. As a group, we depend on each other’s presence from week to week.
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Name of Community Organization: Campus Community Connections
Main Contact Information:
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Title: Jamie Bridges Walzer
Email: jwalzer@campuscommunityconnections.org
Phone: 617-244-1179
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone --> Either whatever is convenient
We have an Advisory Board and Board of Directors who would love to interact with you as well.
Mission of Organization: Strengthening the community service sector with college student talent
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you
do, population served, work site, etc.?
About the Organization
Campus Community Connections (CCC) is a network of college students and nearby
professionals supporting good causes. Our mission is to strengthen the community service sector
with college student talent.
How do we accomplish this mission?
We focus on supporting high quality community service opportunities for college
students that include extra-curricular volunteering, service learning (volunteering linked
with academics), and paid jobs for a good cause such as through work-study.
We aim to build capacity by working with already established offices/clubs and by
helping to build student leadership.
We strive to make it easier for organizations to reach local college students who wish to
make a difference by forming partnership clusters in a regional hub, and by providing
technical support.
Our vision is for students from several campuses in the same regional area to reflect and serve
their communities together.
Upcoming Pilot Program
During the pilot program for academic year 2011-2012, we are offering three services:
Multi-campus peer-led reflection groups – students will be able to both reflect together
about their individual experiences as well as come up with innovative ideas for the field.
Leadership meetings – student and staff leadership at schools in the same community will
be able to convene.
Website services – to help connect everyone together.
The main outcome we are aiming for is that college students have ample opportunity to live out
their values and collaborate in helping their community. In short, we help boost the culture of
service on college campuses.
After a successful pilot program with one Boston hub, our longer term direction is to grow into a
larger network of many hubs.
Current Relationship with Simmons College: Simmons works with Ashley, the Volunteer Manager at
Cradles to Crayons. Ashley is on our Board of Directors. Ashley helped make the introduction between Jamie
and Dez.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: Colleges have students who want to engage with the community. Students want to feel fulfilled,
practice or grow a skill, and prepare for work post-graduation. Nonprofits and other similar organizations have
plenty of opportunities. Students also like networking with each other by cause across campus, and thinking of
new ideas for the field. Many adults in the community would love to hear these innovative ideas.
Needs: Community partners would love help meeting their missions. They sometimes find it hard to navigate
colleges in order to reach a wide enough student audience to find the right fit for volunteering or internships.
There is a possibility of providing new kinds of technical tools to help students and college offices in a regional
hub with prospective opportunities while allowing for service sites to spread the word to an entire hub of
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interested local college students and staff. CCC is seeking to understand better what colleges and community
organizations would like to see out of a nonprofit like CCC.
Potential Projects:
1. Write a description of a project you propose and the ways in which it relates to the goals of your
organization. Include a detailed description of the work a student could do with your organization.
Include the number of student you are able to accommodate.
Thorough Needs Assessment, Program Refinement, and Marketing Plan:
The Situation:
CCC has talked 1-1 with college students and staff to define a Multi-Campus Peer-Led Reflection Groups
program. You can learn more about it on our website. http://campuscommunityconnections.org -- We're
hopeful, but this is our first pilot program and we're not sure how many students will sign up. We've also
crafted two surveys: one for college students and another one for service sites (such as nonprofits, schools,
etc).
What we would like from you:
1) Do we have the right questions on our needs assessment surveys? Do you have any suggested changes for a
proper needs assessment?
2) Can you go around to nearby colleges and interview students with the survey you finalize? Can you also
interview college service office staff and service site professionals?
3) Based on the information gleaned, can you recommend any modifications to our Reflection Groups
program or propose a new program?
4) Can you make recommendations on how to maximize the number of people who sign up for a program like
this?
5) How would you suggest that we evaluate the success of our program?
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
For the above: we'd love good communication skills both oral and writing, qualitative and quantitative skills
for interpreting results, strategic thinking, and interest in service.
We are open and would love a regular committed volunteer. We can work with whoever is interested based on
how many hours they have available and what their strengths/interests are to come up with a fulfilling
project. As a bonus, we're looking for a college student or staff member to join our Board of
Directors or Advisory Board. (Information attached in a separate document.)
Another GREAT possibility is for one or several students to team-teach an apprenticeship to Middle Schoolers
with Citizen Schools where college students facilitate kids completing a project for CCC. Info attached on
that as well. Thanks!
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Name of Community Organization: GRLZradio.org
Main Contact Information: 90 Cushing Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02125
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Bernadette Reid
Title: Director
Email: breid@smwcc.org
Phone: 617-436-8600 ext. 319
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization:
GRLZradio.org Broadcast and Production Program is a program of the St. Mary’s Center for Women and
Children. The program provides a safe, enriching environment for teenage girls to develop skills in leadership,
media literacy, and violence prevention through the development of broadcast skills and partnership with staff
in production of a web-based radio program and community outreach and media literacy education. Girls’
voices are heard and respected and negative stereotypes are deconstructed
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you
do, population served, work site, etc.?
GRLZ radio.org offers a range of services to teenage girls such peer leadership training, technical skills
building, team building, educational, enrichment and support services for youth participating in the program.
In a setting that enables them to learn radio technology and build their communication skills, GRLZradio.org
participants bring to their listeners the message of possibility rather than despair, respect rather than abuse.
GRLZradio.org is for teenage girls between the ages of 12 and 18. Girls are representative of the ethnic,
linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity of the neighborhoods in which they live, representing primarily
Caribberean American, African American, Cape Verdean and Latina cultures. Program participants live in
neighborhoods with some of the greatest crime and gang activity in Boston. Identified by the Boston Police
Department as “hot spots” because of the high levels of violent crime, three of the city’s 12 hot spots are
located in the GRLZradio.org targeted service area.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
GRLZradio.org has recently established a relationship with Simmons College through the Center for
Leadership and Change where the participants were able to experience a tour of the campus as well as the radio
station.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: GRLZradio.org is currently operating under the auspices of St. Mary’s Center for Women and
Children. There are two full time staff and program director who oversees the daily operation and
programming. Funding for the program is strictly through the support of philanthropic dollars.
Needs: The need for additional technical support to maintain our equipment and assist with upgrades.
GRLZradio.org would benefit from additional funding sources to support the growth and development of the
youth employment component as well as the operational needs.
Potential Projects:
GRLZradio.org would like to have a group of about 5 students who are Communications/Business Mgmt
majors and are learning marketing and promotions. GRLZradio.org is an internet radio station operated by
teen girls from Boston primarily between the ages of 14-18. Since we are completely funded by philanthropic
dollars, we are looking to increase our revenue streams by marketing our station to corporations and business
that are looking for advertising opportunities to the adolescent/young adult population. While we have a wide
range of listeners, our target audience, as well as participants, are pre-teens/adolescents/young adults. We
would like to obtain corporate sponsorship and advertising. Thus, we would like to develop a marketing
strategy that includes sponsorship and promotions packages and educate our teens on how to promote their
programming and positive media messages.
The students would conduct research to identify various corporate businesses (i.e. Stop and Shop/Best
Buy/Target) that could become potential corporate sponsors for the program and assist GRLZ in developing
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either a marketing strategy that includes sponsorship and promotions packages. The students would work with
the staff and teens to develop a proposal for promotional campaigns, marketing strategies, and a plan for
implementation and execution. A proposed budget for the materials needed for the promotion and marketing
activities should be included in the proposal. Once this is complete, the students will present their proposed
findings to the Program Director and other members of the Senior Management team at the agency.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
Students who are in their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year majoring in Communications or Business who are interested in
marketing and promotions would be preferable. An estimated 2-3 hours/week would be necessary to ensure
the students are able to meet w/program staff and teens as well as conduct the research needed for the
proposal.
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Name of Community Organization: Science Club for Girls
Main Contact Information: Connie Chow
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Connie Chow
Title: Executive Director
Email: cchow@scienceclubforgirls.org
Phone: 617-391-0361 ext 101
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email
Mission of Organization:
Our mission is to increase the self-confidence and literacy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM) of K-12th grade girls belonging to groups that are underrepresented in these fields, through free
programs that include hands-on learning, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
Girls work with mentor-scientists who model and foster leadership, affirm college as an expectation, and
promote careers in science and technology as goals and options.
Organization Overview:
Science Club for Girls helps girls imagine themselves as present and future scientists and engineering, problemsolvers and agents of change. We engage girls in K-7th grades in hands-on science clubs where they work with
college, graduate and professional women in science and engineering. 7-12th graders co-teach the clubs, and
participate in career exploration and life skills workshops. We also have a Rocket Team and a Media Team.
Girls are primarily from black and Hispanic backgrounds, and the majority are low income.
Programs take place at schools and community centers.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
Individual students from Simmons volunteer as mentors in our Science Clubs. We’ve also had interns work
with our Teen Program in the past.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: Teen girls are excellent role models for the younger girls. Our volunteer mentor-scientists provide
expertise and passion in their subjects. Schools and community centers provide space and connection to the
community.
Needs: Engaging and challenging after school activities. Mentors and role models. Lack of knowledge amongst
many parents about careers in science and technology, and about college preparation for these majors.
Potential Projects:
We would like to create posts or newsletters and even short social media messages that highlight what our girls
are doing, what they say in clubs and what they write in their journals. We also imagine short 2-page newsletters
that has brief explanations of scientific concepts and simple extension activities that can be shared with parents.
These updates not only help keep the volunteer and parent community informed, but also funders as well. We
are looking at creating “Sponsor a club” opportunities and students will help us define and test what are good
avenues to keep donors engaged and informed.
We can have up to 5 students working on this project.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
Students should also be good observers and listeners so as to capture girls’ excitement through images and
words. Students participating in this project should have access to a digital camera and be facile with Facebook
and Twitter. Experience with Wordpress and other desktop publishing formats are a plus. Students should be
available at least one afternoon a week, from ~3-5 and be on-site at one of our programs. (See
scienceclubforgirls.org/sites.php for details). During other times, students can work at our office at 136
Magazine Street in Cambridge, or remotely to upload and edit photos, and create blog posts and the parent
newsletter (no more than one every two weeks). We also have Flip cameras and welcome creative students who
wish to make short videos about program happenings.
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Name of Community Organization: Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
Main Contact Information:
Potential Community Co‐Educator/Supervisor: Mofei Xu
Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Email: mofei.xu@bcnc.net
Phone: 617‐635‐5129 x 1030
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization:
The mission of BCNC is to ensure that the children, youth, and families that we serve have the resources and
support to achieve greater economic success and social well‐being.
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you do,
population served, work site, etc.?
For over 40 years, BCNC has served as a vital link for the Asian immigrant and Asian American community of
Greater Boston. BCNC strives to provide the support and resources needed for participants to integrate into
American society, while preserving the community's rich culture. Most of those served are immigrant Chinese,
with low family incomes and limited English ability.
The Adult Education program has several components such as ESOL classes, Basic Computer Literacy Classes,
Conversation Classes, Pronunciation Classes, Educational Counseling and Volunteer Tutor Program. We have
six basic ESOL classes from Tuesday to Thursday and two writing and computer literacy classes on Mondays.
Most of our students’ age range from 20s to 70s. In 2005, BCNC created a permanent home at 38 Ash Street,
a five‐story community center and the first certified green building in Chinatown.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets:
Many local agencies like BCNC that provide low cost or free services to low income families
Needs:
Access to education and career advancement
Potential Projects:
1. The Volunteer Tutor Program is a year round opportunity whereby an English speaker meets with 1‐2
students once a week to have daily conversation, practice & review classroom materials, writing, speaking on
topics such as American culture, idioms, holidays, etc.. BCNC’s goal is to serve the community of immigrants,
and Adult Education continues to do that by providing free tutoring and classes to students who, otherwise,
would not be able to learn English.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
No experience necessary; we provide 12 hours of training prior to matching. Volunteers must commit to 6
months, 2 hours per week.
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Name of Community Organization: Educational Development Group
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Frances Laroche
Title: Program Director
Email: frances@edginc.org Phone: 617-357-5717
Communication Preference: Phone
Mission of Organization and Overview of Goals:
The Educational Development Group's mission is to prepare new immigrant families with the language and
cultural skills they need to access educational and employment opportunities that will give them the tools for
economic self sufficiency and the ability to participate in the fabric of their communities.
In September 2006, in its quest to improve the rate of English acquisition among new immigrants and EDG
launched a unique pilot program called Accelerated English Plus (AEP). This program targets new immigrants
who have not yet acquired their first job. Students come to school full time. For 8 hours a day and 36 hours a
week their job is to learn English. The program is designed to combat the factors that contribute to slow
English acquisition: inadequate hours of instruction (most ESOL programs provide only 6 to 12 hours a week),
students’ physical fatigue during classes which are held after a long day’s work, and students’ lack of studying
time due to the demands of work and family. In addition to English instruction, this program strives to
facilitate the integration of these new Bostonians into the life of their new city by providing counseling, job
placement assistance, TOEFL preparation, educational referrals, and assistance with college and financial aid
applications. Our offices and classrooms are located at 434 Massachusetts Avenue, intersecting Columbus
Avenue.
Community Identified Assets:
The current immigrants EDG serves are excited about starting new lives in Boston. They are enthusiastic about
learning English and assimilating into their community. This makes them ideal students to work with because
their eagerness to discover makes it easy to spend time teaching them what they need to learn.
Community Identified Needs:
These new immigrants while ready to learn, need the information that will help them succeed in a format that is
accessible for them to use. They also need people that will help them develop their English language skills and
expand their cultural awareness.
Potential Projects:
We are proposing a two-part project for interested students. The first part will be a booklet that will help
explain to new immigrants that come to EDG all the major steps that must be taken to legally and comfortably
reside in the United States. For example, one explanation will be, how to open a bank account with steps
written in accessible English. This booklet will be a product of some research on the Simmons’ student’s part
as well as interaction with past EDG students to find out what type of information would have been helpful to
them when they first arrived. Input from current students can be used as a focus group to gauge how
successful this booklet will be.
The second part of this project has to with volunteer hours. Our EDG students are always looking to practice
their new English skills and ask questions that may not have been answered in class. Therefore the Simmons’
students will need to set up a schedule with EDG of time each week they can come in to mentor EDG
students.
Requirements:
The schedule for this position is very flexible. Shifts are available during normal business hours, after 5:00 pm
on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and from 9-5 on Saturdays. We would like volunteers to be able to
commit to 2-6 hours of tutoring per week for at least 3 months. Students working with EDG will need to be
patient, reliable, punctual, engaging, and energetic. This position also requires organizational talent and the
ability to solve problems creatively. Being able to speak English fluently is required, and an understanding of
French or Spanish would be helpful but is not at all a requirement.
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Name of Community Organization: YMCA International Learning Center
Main Contact Information: Rachel Rung
Title: Volunteer Coordinator/Teacher/Counselor
Email: rrung@ymcaboston.org Phone: 617-927-8078
Communication Preference: Email or Phone – Both is fine
Mission of Organization:
The YMCA of Greater Boston is dedicated to improving the health of mind, body and spirit of individuals and
families in our communities. We welcome men and women, boys and girls of all incomes, faiths and cultures.
Organization Overview:
A learner-centered, goal oriented English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program; the YMCA
International Learning Center (ILC) has been offering English language and literacy courses since l975.
Conveniently located by public transportation and handicap accessible, International welcomes people from
around the world. Adults, age 16 – 70, from more than 30 countries, with different educations, incomes,
religions and cultures learn English in small, friendly classes. International offers a variety of English programs.
Classes are offered during the day and in the evenings to meet the needs of every schedule. Intensive classes
are geared toward achieving competent communication in English. Friday International Pot Luck lunches
provide fun opportunities for cultural sharing and socializing.
Fifteen experienced, credentialed teachers work from a curriculum that features life skills and cultural
information as well as topics for conversation, reading and writing. In class, students are challenged to learn
from each other through pair-work, by working on group projects and through lively discussions.
Current Relationship with Simmons College: For many years, the ILC and Simmons College have
partnered on a variety of projects. Most recently, the ILC’s Intermediate and Advanced English classes
participated in a cultural sharing project with Dan Connell’s Journalism class. This multi-event project
culminated in a series of one-on-one meetings between the ILC and Simmons students.
Potential Projects:
The ILC is thrilled to be celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. We are very interested in creating a
book/binder to capture the success stories of our students from the past 35 years. This inspiring and creative
project, will involve the outreach to past and current students, the gathering of our student’s personal journeys,
the editing of the writing pieces, and the designing and format of the book/binder. We are interested in
working with 3-5 students.
Requirements:
The 3-5 Simmons students would work for approximately 2-4 hours/week on the development, design and
production the 35th anniversary book/binder. The ILC staff would assist in the process.
14
Name of Community Organization: Horizons for Homeless Children
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Hattie Moore
Title: Volunteer Recruitment & Training Manager, Playspace Programs, Greater Boston Region
Email: hmoore@horizonsforhomelesschildren.org Phone: (617) 445-1480
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization and Overview of Goals:
The mission of Horizons for Homeless Children is to improve the lives of homeless children and their families.
We provide homeless children in Massachusetts with the nurturing, stimulation and opportunities for early
education and play that all children need to learn and grow in healthy ways. To improve the lives of the
children we serve over the long term, we connect their parents with the tools they need to achieve social and
economic self-sufficiency. We provide leadership in advocating for homeless children and their families
through leveraging and sharing our expertise with others and advocating with policy makers and the public.
Horizons for Homeless Children improves the lives of homeless children by providing early care and education
in our Community Children's Centers, creating Playspaces (recreational spaces) in shelters throughout
Massachusetts and recruiting thousands of volunteers to help us in our efforts. Horizons for Homeless
Children is a leader in advocating for homeless children and their families. At the local, state and federal levels,
we promote and support policies that will benefit homeless children and families. We also share our knowledge
and expertise with other service providers.
Community Identified Assets:
In addition to the direct service that we do through the Playspace Program and the Community Children’s
Centers, Horizons for Homeless Children has developed an expertise in providing programs and services for
homeless children and families that is shared with other organizations. Horizons for Homeless Children can
train volunteers, create play environments in shelters, assist in the development of preschool curriculum, and
provide workshops on topics such as the special needs of homeless children and the impact of homelessness
on children and families.
Community Identified Needs:
We are in need of individuals to volunteer as Playspace Activity Leaders with children living in homeless
shelters. Volunteers are trained to lead activities, games, and projects with small groups of children.
Additionally, volunteers are needed to help with one-time clean up and maintenance projects at shelters and are
also needed to post and hand out flyers in the community.
Potential Projects:
As a Playspace Activities Leader (PAL), volunteers have a wonderful opportunity to make a lasting difference
in the lives of young homeless children. Opportunities for play are so critical to young children, and PALs help
ensure that children who are homeless have a chance to learn and grow through play. A volunteer's steady
commitment of 2 hours each week for six months helps provide a sense of stability to children and families
whose lives can be unstable. Volunteers would attend an orientation from 9:30am-4:30pm on Saturday,
October 3 and would begin working with shelters in late October. As such, volunteers would attend two onetime service projects beforehand. In late September or early October, volunteers would assist with community
outreach and volunteer recruitment by tabling at a visibility event and posting flyers around the community. In
mid October, volunteers would visit one of our homeless shelters to help out by cleaning their playspace. This
includes general cleaning, organizing the playspace, and disinfecting the playspace. The dates of these two
events will depend on the schedule of interested volunteers. The ideal number of students would be five, but
up to ten students would be accommodated in this program.
Requirements:
We look for individuals with an interest in preschool and school age children, patience, dependability, and
sensitivity to homeless issues. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must be able to commit two hours
per week for at least six months. A six-hour training is required prior to placement. Additionally, volunteers
must be able to attend two one-time service projects before being placed in the shelters.
15
Name of Community Organization: Women’s Lunch Place
Main Contact Information: www.womenslunchplace.org
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Suzeanne Lelogeais
Title: Volunteer Coordinator
Email: suze@womenslunchplace.org
Phone: 617-267-1722 x37
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email
Mission of Organization:
The Women’s Lunch Place provides a safe, comfortable daytime shelter, nutritious food, and services for
women who are homeless and poor. We treat women with dignity and respect, and foster a community
committed to meeting each woman’s needs.
Core Values:
1. We believe no individual should have to be hungry or homeless.
2. We believe all human beings should be treated with dignity and respect.
3. We meet each woman where she is, and we base and adjust our service according to her needs.
4. We offer our services in a gracious, comfortable and safe environment, offering both physical and emotional
sustenance.
5. We create a community of understanding and acceptance among guests, staff, volunteers, and board
members.
Organization Overview:
For 27 years the Women’s Lunch place has worked to serve the needs of homeless and poor women in the
Boston area. Located at 67 Newbury Street, the Women’s Lunch Place is open daily, Monday through Saturday
from 7am to 2pm. We serve breakfast and lunch each day to 150 women (and their children). In addition to
providing two meals, the Women’s Lunch Place connects guests to an array of resources, including a nap room,
shower and laundry facilities, on-site healthcare, a Resource Center, and Advocates who are available to help
guests with various issues from housing, to education, employment, etc.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
The Women’s Lunch Place has hosted numerous volunteers from Simmons College and has been associated
with various classes through the Scott/Ross Center to serve as a community partner model. This relationship
has led to new and innovative programming. Additionally, Simmons nominated the Women’s Lunch Place as a
Massachusetts Campus Compact community partner to receive an AmeriCorps*VISTA member.
Potential Projects:
Staffing in the kitchen continues to be one of our organization’s greatest needs. This is an important gap to fill
because the meals program is at the core of what the Women’s Lunch Place does. Kitchen Volunteers prepare
and serve breakfast and lunch to our guests each day. During breakfast hours, volunteers ensure that the buffet
area is fully stocked and orderly. Throughout the day, volunteers manage the beverage and bread counter, in
addition to preparing lunch. Although breakfast is continental, lunch is served restaurant-style, so volunteers
will also have the opportunity to serve guests at their tables. This allows volunteers to interact, connect, and
form relationships with guests. Volunteers also help clean the kitchen at the end of the day and often unpack
and sort various deliveries. We can accommodate any number of students who are committed to working in
the kitchen. Depending upon a student’s availability and interest (and our need) we can work with them to
develop a project they wish to pursue outside of the kitchen. For example, in the past, students have
developed and led weekly classes for guests (such as knitting or sewing).
List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
There are no prerequisites to working in the kitchen. However, we ask that students attend an orientation
session so that we can review the goals and policies Women’s Lunch Place, give a brief tour of our facilities,
and answer any questions. As with typical kitchen volunteers, we ask that students be willing to commit to
volunteering at least 8 hours per month. If students have other interests and are willing to make larger time
commitments, it might be possible to arrange other types of work, on a case-by-case basis.
16
Name of Community Organization: Project Protection at the Martha Eliot Health Center
Main Contact Information: Erin Sawicki
Title: Program Coordinator
Email: erin.sawicki@childrens.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-919-7214
Communication Preference: Phone
Mission of Organization:
Project Protection at Martha Eliot Health Center provides free, confidential, and culturally competent HIV and
STI (sexually transmitted infections) testing. Project Protection aims to expand quality services and support
offered to HIV infected, affected, and at-risk community members.
Organization Overview:
One goal of Project Protection is to increase access to HIV and STI testing for community members in
Jamaica Plain and surrounding neighborhoods. We provide testing at the Martha Eliot Health Center, as well
as at various outreach sites throughout Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and Dorchester. We aim to reach those most
at risk for HIV and STIs, including injecting drug users, men who have sex with men, and adolescents who are
out of care. We also serve a culturally diverse community.
Another goal is to increase visibility of Project Protection in the community as a reliable source of HIV and
STI resources. We do this through providing outreach sessions throughout the year, promoting social media,
and hosting special events to recognize World AIDS Day and National HIV Counseling and Testing Day.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets:
- Large network of health-related resources to refer clients who are in need
- Culturally diverse population as well as diverse staff at Martha Eliot Health Center
Needs:
- Additional outreach workers to provide information about services to the community
Potential Projects
The service learner will be responsible for participating in targeted outreach at specific community sites.
During outreach, he/she will engage with individuals to provide information on Project Protection services,
encourage at-risk individuals to get tested at specified sites. Outreach is done in teams of at least 2 people.
The service learner will be encouraged to be creative with new opportunities for outreach. He/she will be
responsible for disseminating outreach cards and harm reduction materials at specific community sites.
Position Responsibilities:
 Engage with at-risk community members during outreach events to provide information about
Project Protection and educate clients about how to reduce risk for HIV and STDs
 Disseminate cards, brochures, safe sex kits and condoms to locations where at-risk community
members gather (schools, youth organizations, parks, community centers)
 Participate in outreach and educational events such as World AIDS Day and National HIV Testing
Day
Skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student:
Background in biology or other health-related field would be helpful
Spanish language skills would be an asset
Training will be coordinated by the program coordinator
Time commitment would be 4 hours per week at a minimum
17
Name of Community Organization: After School @ Simmons
Main Contact Information: Kaitlyn DiPaolo; kaitlyn.dipaolo@simmons.edu
Mission of Organization and Overview of Goals:
We work right here on the Simmons campus simply providing a safe place for the girls to come and hang out.
We do crafts, activities, and games. The girls we get are late elementary school-early middle school aged who
attend the after school programs provided by the Orchard Gardens Community Center.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
We are a Scott Ross Program that has worked with the Orchard Gardens Community Center for 2 years now.
Potential Projects:
We are simply looking to have a relaxed, yet fun and vibrant atmosphere for these girls to come and engage in
after a long day of school. We do lots of crafts, games, and riddles and try to incorporate an education or
informative aspect to these activities. All students involved in the program will be expected to be comfortable
and enthusiastic about spending one on one time with the girls from the Orchard Gardens Community Center.
Also, students involved will need to help plan daily activities and lessons to do with the girls. We are interested
in Students that are willing to dedicate themselves to these girls and the activities for two hours, twice a week,
with enthusiasm. Our program currently can accommodate up to 13 students, either volunteer or work-study.
Requirements:
We request that you be able to make it to both sessions, both Tuesday and Thursday, but it is not mandatory.
The sessions are from 4-6 pm on the Simmons Academic Campus. No previous experience is required, but a
positive attitude is appreciated and welcomed. A good work ethic and timeliness is also a must!
18
Name of Community Organization: Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
Main Contact Information: Sophia Kim
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Sophia Kim, Giles Li
Title: Youth Program Director/ Arts and Enrichment Coordinator
Email: sophia.kim@bcnc.net/ giles.li@bcnc.net
Phone: 617-635-5129
Mission of Organization:
The mission of BCNC is to ensure that the children, youth, and families we serve have the resources and
supports to achieve greater economic success and social well-being.
Organization Overview:
The Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, Inc. (BCNC) is a community-based agency located in the heart
of Boston’s Chinatown. BCNC is proud to be the largest multi-service agency serving Asian Americans in all
of New England. It is a state certified minority provider with an operating budget of $4.1 million. For more
than 40 years, BCNC has been the vital link energizing the Asian-immigrant and Asian-American community
of Greater Boston. It is the one source that meets the needs of this community by providing essential services
that ease integration into American society, while preserving their rich culture. BCNC provides award-winning
programs in childcare, youth service, adult education, and family services. We are located at two sites in
Chinatown: 38 Ash Street and 885 Washington Street, both a block away from Tufts Medical Center t-stop.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: strong cultural connections; strong interpersonal networks; values of education, family, and collective
efforts; wide range of resources such as BCNC to serve the community
Needs: more access to mainstream resources; English language skills; more support from caring adults in youth
and children’s lives; increased knowledge and awareness of civic issues
Potential Projects:
We have a number of ways that students can get involved at BCNC:
 Homework help tutor: This is a program for students who need help with their homework or in
specific subjects (3:30 – 4:45pm). The goal is for the students to improve their grades and also
develop more academic confidence overall.
o Tutor’s role: to tutor student(s) in specific subjects and help with homework. This may be
done in one on one or small group setting. You may be working with a small group of
youth or a larger group of children in a classroom setting.
o Time commitment: different age groups on different days (sign up for the days/ age groups
that you are interested in). We ask for minimum commitment of once a week from 3:30 –
4:45pm. And we ask that you commit to the same day each week for the year. End of
September to beginning of June
 Mondays through Thursdays: kindergarten to 5th grade children are in tutoring
 Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6th through 10th grade youth in tutoring
 Enrichment activity assistant: After tutoring (see above), children and youth participate in an hour of
enrichment activities which are led by paid staff or volunteers. Additional volunteers are needed to
assist lead instructors during class sessions; activities can include fine arts, music, recreation, martial
arts, cooking, chess, theater, and dance.
o Assistant’s role: to work with the activity leader to lead a club/ activity for three months at a
time which will engage youth in constructive activities. Assistants may be recruited to lead
enrichment activities as paid consultants in subsequent program years.
o Time commitment: We ask for minimum commitment of once a week from 4:30 – 6pm.
And we ask that you commit to the same day each week for the year.
 Girls or boys program mentor: We have two gender-specific programs. The girls’ program is for
middle and high school girls to learn more about issues like nutrition and health, puberty, sex and
sexism, and relationships. The older girls learn to be mentors for the younger girls.
19
Mentor’s role: to support the high school girls in their development as young women leaders
in a one on one or small group setting.
o Time commitment: once a week on Wednesdays (3:30 – 5:30pm) plus bimonthly check ins
with all mentors. October to June.
The boys’ program is for middle school boys to learn more about being boys and participate in
activities that build their communication skills and knowledge.
o Mentor’s role: to support the middle school girls in their development as young men in a
group setting.
o Time commitment: once a week on Wednesdays (time TBA). October to June.
ESL conversation mentor: This is a program for Chinese English language learners to practice
speaking English with a native English speaker. The goal is for the youth to develop their confidence
and also be more exposed to American society.
o Mentor’s role: to talk with the mentee in a one on one setting and also expose them to the
outside world through outings and activities outside the Youth Center.
o Time commitment: once a week for 1 – 1.5 hours. Schedule is determined on the pair’s
availability. October to June.
o

List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
We mainly ask that students are enthusiastic working with youth, maybe have some prior experience working
with youth, are creative and energetic, and willing to try new things.
We ask all volunteers to fill out a volunteer application, go through a CORI/ SORI background check, and be
interviewed to determine fit for the program.
20
Name of Community Organization: Boston Partners in Education
Main Contact Information: Carolina Davila, Special Events & Communications Coordinator,
cdavila@bostonpartners.org, 617-451-6145
Mission of Organization:
Boston Partners in Education enhances the academic achievement and nurtures the personal growth of
Boston's public school students by providing them with focused, individualized, in-school volunteer support.
Organization Overview: Boston Partners in Education has tutored and mentored K-12 students in the
Boston Public Schools for over 45 years. Our trained volunteers, who serve as academic mentors, help students
gain the skills, self-confidence, and the motivation they need to succeed in school and in life.
We are working to close the achievement gap. Students with academic mentors improve their scores on
Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) exams, develop a love for reading and math, and,
most importantly, stay in school and graduate!
The students we work with come from neighborhoods all over the city of Boston, and the demographics of the
students we serve mirror those of BPS. The student body is 42% Hispanic, 35% Black, 13% White, 8% Asian,
and 2% multi-racial. Approximately 74% of these students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals, the
common indicator of poverty in schools. Three-quarters of our volunteers support students in grades one
through five, while the rest work with students at the middle and high school level.
Boston Partners focuses on reaching students who might otherwise "fall through the cracks" - those children
who are struggling academically and personally, and can succeed with the encouragement and guidance of a
caring adult academic mentor. Because our volunteers devote an average of one hour per week to meeting with
students, they are able to provide consistency and stability to the mentoring relationship, which research
demonstrates is a key factor in student success. Volunteers work in a classroom under the direction of the
teacher and provide students with extra one-on-one attention so that they won’t fall behind in their
coursework.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
Boston Partners in Education has partnered with the Scott/Ross Center for several years to bring in-school
volunteering and mentoring opportunities to the students of Simmons College.
Potential Projects:
Boston Partners in Education volunteers serve as academic mentors to teacher-assigned students, either oneon-one or in small groups during the school day.
They work with students in reading, writing and math, helping them to improve their grades and to achieve
their goals on standardized tests such as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).
In addition to helping students build academic proficiency and test-taking skills, mentors help students to
improve their social and study skills, verbal/speaking skills, self-confidence and ability to work with other
students.
We are looking for volunteers to work with Boston Public Schools students in the neighborhoods surrounding
Simmons College for one hour a week for the duration of the academic year.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
Required:

Online application: http://tinyurl.com/bpevolapp

Brief interview

Pass CORI/SORI background check

2.5 hour subject and mentoring training

Time commitment: Minimum 1 hour per week for the duration of the academic year
21
Name of Community Organization: Girls’ LEAP Self-Defense
Main Contact Information: Shauna Deleon (Ashley.deleon@simmons.edu) and LaShawn Holloway
(lashawn.holloway@simmons.edu)
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Nina Sennott
Title:
Mentor Programs Coordinator
Email: Nina@girlsleap.org
Phone: 617-909-3024
Communication Preference: Either phone or email is fine.
Mission of Organization:
The mission of Girls’ LEAP is to empower girls and young women to value and champion their own safety
and well-being. Girls’ LEAP does this by providing self-defense programs throughout the Greater Boston area
to girls, that consist of both physical self-defense skills and socio-emotional reflection skills around conflict deescalation, setting boundaries and healthy relationships.
Organization Overview:
Girls’ LEAP provides safety and self-defense programming for girls in Greater Boston. The three things that
make us stand out are our reflective curriculum, all-female teaching teams, and program that take place in girls’
own neighborhoods. Girls’ LEAP creates a safe space for girls to learn and grow with each other, and teaches
them that their voices should be heard and valued.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
Girls’ LEAP has a partnership with the Scott/Ross Center for Community Service for volunteer, work-study,
and service-learning students who are interested in working as assistant instructors in Girls’ LEAP programs
around the city.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets:
Girls’ LEAP offers college-aged women an opportunity to learn about the communities of Boston and to get
to know the girls who live there and the challenges they face. Through assisting in self-defense programs and
attending weekly meetings Teaching Women learn the power and strength of their own body and voice, as well
as leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the need for violence prevention programs for girls in
Boston. Additionally, this year college volunteers will be creating and executing awareness campaigns oncampus to help raise awareness of violence against girls and women in their own communities.
Needs:
Girls’ LEAP is in need of Teaching Women (college-aged assistant teachers), to assist in self-defense programs
coaching girls 1:1 in physical self-defense skills and leading small group discussions on topics such as boundarysetting, conflict resolution, advocates, healthy relationships, and much more.
Potential Projects:
Girls’ LEAP provides safety and self-defense programming for girl aged 8-18 in Greater Boston. Teaching
Women (college-aged assistant teachers), serve as assistants to adult teachers and lead small group activities.
Teaching Women must complete at least 14 hours of training prior to assisting in Girls’ LEAP programs and
make a firm commitment to teach one day per week for the whole semester. Most programs occur in the 27pm time slot during the week. In addition to programs Teaching Women participate in on-campus awareness
campaigns to raise awareness of the issues of violence against girls and women in their own community. A
majority of students participate as Federal Work-Study students. On-going training and support is provided by
on-campus Student Coordinators. Girls’ LEAP is currently looking for 5-7 new Teaching Women from
Simmons College.
22
List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
New Teaching Women must fill out a Teaching Woman Application and schedule an interview with Shauna
Deleon and/or LaShawn Holloway, Student Coordinators. Strong applicants will be invited to participate in a
training covering skills learned in Girls’ LEAP programs and teaching techniques. In order to be considered for
the Teaching Woman Program, you must be able to attend the following training dates below. Please note that
invitation to attend training is not guarantee of a position; rather it is the next step in the application process.
Friday, September 14th 6:00-8:00pm
September 15th, 11:00am-5:00pm
September 16th 11:00am-6:00pm
Location: Girls’ LEAP Office
197 A Centre St
Dorchester, MA 02124
Teaching Women are expected to commit to assisting in at least one program per semester (off-campus) and to
be involved for a full year. They are also expected to attend weekly meetings led by the Student Coordinators
and three Girls’ LEAP Staff Meetings over the course of the year (off-campus).
No prior knowledge of self-defense is necessary and students who are interested in working with girls,
empowerment, and leadership should apply!
23
Name of Community Organization: Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
Main Contact Information: Allison Knight
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Title: Community Specialist
Email: aknight@girlscoutseasternmass.org
Phone: 857.453.5346
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization:
Girl Scouts Mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a
better place.
Organization Overview:
Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts serves more than 45,000 girls ages 5-17 and 17,000 adult volunteers in
the 178 communities we serve in Eastern Massachusetts. In Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, there are a
variety of programs, Troops and Groups being run throughout the school year.
Potential Projects:
College volunteers do anything you can think of: volunteer at council sponsored events, serve as troop leaders
in their community, volunteer as trainers within their council, plan and facilitate events for girls of all age levels,
put together council events for Girl Scouts, recruit college students to volunteer with Girl Scouts, and much
more. GSEM can accommodate any number of volunteers.
Some opportunities that students may participate in:
EVENTS: Have high energy but limited availability? Choose your favorite topics, and help girls unleash their
potential. During half- to three-day events, you'll interact with girls, excite their passions, and help them
become their best selves.
SERIES: Have a particular skill or talent? Looking for a chance to work with girls without a long-term
commitment? Then come share your passion with a focused group of girls who can't wait to learn your skill or
pursue your area of interest.
TROOPS: Want to participate in exciting activities, throughout the school year, with a small group of girls?
You'll share so much as the girls in your troop earn awards and badges, go on field trips, and learn from
community leaders and experts on issues important to your community.
INTERN: Gain experience in a field that you are passionate about. Internship opportunities may include:
membership, fundraising, community programming, and many more.
List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
• Be a positive role model to girls
• Become a registered member of Girl Scouts
• Undergo criminal background check
• Access to email, the internet, and transportation (public or private)
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Name of Community Organization: Girls Preparing to Succeed (GPS)
Main Contact Information: Andree Sime
Email: andree.sime@simmons.edu
Mission of Organization and Overview of Goals:
GPS is a Simmons student initiative to provide support, both socially and academically to high school girls.
Through guest speakers, intimate discussions, field trips and tutoring, GPS provides a chosen group of high
school girls with college mentors who they can use as a resource.
This year, GPS will collaborate with Smart from the Start where it will serve a group of 10-12 young women.
The mentors construct a curriculum for the students with focus topics or events for each meeting. We meet
once a week with the girls, and once a week for a mentors meeting.
Community Identified Assets: A close-knit group, networking opportunities
Community Identified Needs: 3-5 committed mentors
Potential Projects:
This year, we would like the students to visit the state house and meet with a state Senator or the Governor.
This will be a complete field trip, with lunch included, and press involvement. For this trip, a student worker
could be in charge of making the necessary calls and arrangements for the press to be present, getting places to
donate lunch, and contacting our already established contacts at the State House to make the field trip possible.
GPS is able to accommodate 3-5 student workers.
Requirements:
The time commitment for GPS is 3 hours/week. Two hours with the students, and one hour in a mentors
meeting. Attendance is very important, since there are a limited amount of meetings with the student.
25
Name of Community Organization: Hyde Square Task Force
Main Contact Information: 617-524-8303, www.hydesquare.org
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Joél Mora
Title: Manager of College and Careers Success
Email: joel@hydesquare.org
Phone: 617-524-8303 ext 313
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email (preferred) or Phone
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Laura Ogburn
Title: Ambassador of Mentoring for Paths to College and Careers Program (PCCP)
Email: laurao@hydesquare.org
Phone: 617-524-8303 ext 318
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email (preferred) or Phone
Mission of Organization: Our mission is to develop the skills of youth and their families so that they are
empowered to enhance their own lives and build a strong, safe, and vibrant urban community.
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you do, population served, work
site, etc.? Founded in the 1980’s to address youth violence in Jamaica Plain and Roxbury, the Hyde Square Task
Force has grown into one of the most dynamic community-based organizations in Boston as our mission has
evolved to focus not on the deficits of youth, but on developing their unrealized potential. Our unique Youth
Community Development model puts teens to work for approximately 10 hours each week in teams that focus
on literacy, health, organizing, culture, and dance. Each team receives specialized training and all participate in
community-building and youth development activities. As they gain confidence and mastery, teens share their
skills with hundreds of other youth and advocate for change in the community. We also have a music
clubhouse, where youth can take lessons in piano, guitar, drums, vocals, or audio production. HSTF serves
over 1000 youth yearly. These at-risk youth are primarily African American and Latino/a, low-income high
school students.
Current Relationship with Simmons College: Last year we had 4 volunteers in our mentoring program and
in the past we hosted another student as an intern in the Paths to College Program.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: Our biggest assets are our youth. Our Youth Community Development model is designed around the
idea that youth are assets in building community and making positive social change.
Needs:
Potential Projects:
1. Write a description of a project you propose and the ways in which it relates to the goals of your
organization. Include a detailed description of the work a student could do with your organization. Include
the number of student you are able to accommodate.
Music Clubhouse
2 volunteers
Duties: Perform administrative tasks, supervise youth in clubhouse, supporting teachers. Should be
outgoing, comfortable with urban youth, have background in music and/or musical ability, and preferably
able to play guitar or drums or piano.
Schedule: 2pm-8pm twice a week. Hours can be flexible.
College Exploration Mentoring Program
Multiple volunteers
 Duties: Spend one Saturday per month (Oct-April) from 10am-6pm. Volunteers will be paired with a
mentee from HSTF from grades 9-11. Volunteer mentors will attend workshops and participate in
discussions focused on skill building, successfully completing high school and how to choose and
apply to colleges. Mentors should have experience with youth and be familiar with the college
application process. Must be committed to times listed for the program. Preferred mentors should be
current college students.
26
College Bound Mentoring Program
Multiple volunteers
 Duties: Spend 2 hours per week (either Tues, Wedn, or Thurs evening) paired with a senior in high
school and work with him or her through the college selection and application process. Mentors
should have experience with youth, be patient and understanding to youth needs, and be committed
to working with their mentee for the entire year on a weekly basis. Preferred mentors should be
current college students in their junior, senior, or grad years.
Kennedy After School Program
Volunteers are needed to assist with the Kennedy After School Program. Volunteers work directly
with children in grades 1-5 and help with homework, games and other daily activities at the Kennedy
School in Jamaica Plain from approx. 3:00-5:30pm Monday through Thursdays. Days and hours are
flexible.
27
Name of Community Organization: Jumpstart
Main Contact Information: (617) 521-2229
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Dara Starkman
Title: Site Manager
Email: dara.starkman@simmons.edu
Phone: (617) 521-2229
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization:
Jumpstart’s mission is to work toward the day every child in America enters school prepared to succeed.
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you do,
population served, work site, etc.?
Jumpstart engages college students in one-to-one service with preschool age children, working toward the day
every child in America enters school prepared to succeed. Jumpstart’s goal as an early childhood education
program is to enhance children’s development of language, literacy, social, and initiative skills by capitalizing on
positive Corps member-child interactions and Corps member-family interactions. Corps members work on a
team of 6-8 college students to implement a supplementary early childhood curriculum that includes such
elements as reading in small groups (1 Corps member to 3 children), singing songs, playing word games, and
engaging in projects and explorations tied to a larger theme. Comprehensive training and coaching throughout
a Corps member’s term of service increases Corps members’ ability to work effectively with children and
supports the development of leadership skills. Jumpstart at Simmons College partners with three preschools in
Jamaica Plain.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
Jumpstart has a long partnership with Simmons College. Jumpstart is currently one of many service
organizations located within the Scott/Ross Center for Community Service.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: Jamaica Plain is a lively and diverse neighborhood with many families. The preschools Jumpstart
partners with are staffed by caring individuals who are dedicated to their students.
Needs: Many of the children and families that Jumpstart serves deal with challenges associated with poverty.
Research indicates that children from low-income families enter kindergarten knowing approximately 5,000
words, compared to the 20,000 words that are known by children from more affluent families.
Potential Projects:
1. Write a description of a project you propose and the ways in which it relates to the goals of your
organization. Include a detailed description of the work a student could do with your organization. Include
the number of student you are able to accommodate.
1) Get involved with Jumpstart as a Corps member! Participate in Jumpstart session twice a week. Implement a
supplementary early childhood curriculum that includes such elements as reading in small groups, singing
songs, playing word games, and engaging in projects and explorations tied to a larger theme. Additionally,
engage in Classroom Assistance Time for 3-5 hours each week, during which you will become part of the
everyday classroom environment assisting the preschool teachers in projects, and small group activities. Work
on a team of 6-8 college students and gain leadership skills. Jumpstart at Simmons College can accommodate
45 Corps members each year.
28
2) Get involved with Jumpstart as a Volunteer. Those that do not have the time to commit to Jumpstart as a
Corps member have the option to volunteer with Jumpstart on an ongoing basis over the course of the
semester. Students volunteer in a preschool classroom, supporting the preschool’s programming and lowering
the adult-to-student ratio in a classroom for part of the day. Tasks may include leading a small group activity,
assisting the teacher with a class project, or reading to groups of students. Jumpstart can accommodate a
varying number of volunteers.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
Jumpstart requires that Corps members demonstrate dedication to early childhood education, commitment to
service, professionalism, and teamwork. Additionally, Corps members must possess time management and
organizational skills to complete their term of service. No prior experience working with children is required.
To participate in the program, Corps members must have 2-6PM free on Mondays/Wednesdays,
Tuesdays/Thursdays, or Wednesdays/Fridays. Corps members must have an additional 3-5 hours in their
schedule during which they can visit the preschool independently. Corps members, then, must be able to
commit a total of 12-14 hours per week to Jumpstart.
29
Name of Community Organization: Partners for Youth with Disability
Main Contact Information: 95 Berkeley Street, Suite 109, Boston, MA, 02126; 617-556-4075; www.pyd.org
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Jennifer Ridder
Title: Young Entrepreneurs Project, Director
Email: jridder@pyd.org Phone: 617-556-4075 x25
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization and Overview of Goals:
Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) is committed to empowering young people to reach their full
potential through one-on-one and group mentoring programs. Through these varied role model relationships,
young people and their families learn that growing up with a disability need not inhibit self-esteem nor limit
career and personal options. Since its founding in 1983, PYD has been a pioneer in the development and
delivery of a unique mentoring service and has established innovative and effective programs serving youth
with physical, sensory, and learning disabilities ages 6-22 in the Greater Boston Area.
It is the vision of Partners for Youth with Disabilities, Inc. (PYD) to be the leading organization in
Massachusetts and on a national level that promotes mentoring programs for youth and young adults with
disabilities. This will be achieved through development of model one-to-one and group mentoring services that
improve the lives of young people in areas such as self-esteem, independent living, recreation, health,
leadership, education, and career development.
Organizational Achievements:
 Over the past 20 years, PYD has served thousands of youth with disabilities and their families. As the first
mentoring program designed specifically for youth with disabilities, PYD broke new ground and provided
youth in Massachusetts with positive role models and ways to connect with their peers. As a way to share
its knowledge and expertise, PYD recently published, “Aspire, Achieve, Empower: Best Practices for
Mentoring Youth with Disabilities.”
PYD Program Description and Population Served:
 Mentor Match is an award-winning program that carefully pairs adults and youth with similar disabilities in
a unique role model relationship.
 Making Healthy Connections is a peer support group designed to bring together adolescents with
disabilities, ages 11-19, who share important concerns about health-related issues.
 Young Entrepreneurs Project (YEP), in collaboration with the Boston Public Schools, teaches youth with
disabilities to plan for their future by offering courses that teach career, business and wellness courses to
youth.
 Access to Theatre Program aims to increase self-esteem, creative thinking and leadership abilities of youth
with disabilities through participation in theatre arts programs and activities with non-disabled peers.
 Mentoring Through Peer Leadership provides opportunities for young adults with disabilities, ages 16-22,
to develop leadership and job readiness skills through involvement in after-school community service.
 Partners Online is an e-mentoring program funded in part through the U.S. Department of Commerce
that enables youth and adults with disabilities to participate in a mentoring relationship through technology
Community Identified Assets:
Students are resilient & eager to learn. Through negotiating health & disability issues, students are well-versed
in coming up with non-traditional solutions to meet everyday challenges. Students are in a supportive learning
environment – the Dearborn Middle School & Dearborn Boys & Girls Club staff work to support each student
in their individual strengths & challenges.
Community Identified Needs:
Students, especially the girls enrolled in Young Entrepreneur’s gender-specific programming, would greatly
benefit from positive role models that can help them grapple with issues of body image, career planning &
higher education.
30
Potential Projects:
The student service learners will be responsible for developing education material for existing learning
objectives within the current YEP wellness program. The student service-learners’ work will enable the YEP
team to gain a deeper understanding around educating teen girls about food, behavior and eating disorders.
The information contributed by the student service-learners’ will be presented to the girls at the Dearborn
Middle School in the Fall and incorporated into the core curriculum for youth wellness programming and
delivered by the YEP team various school in the Boston area in years to come.
YEP will deliver a wellness two classes per week to young girls in Boston schools. The wellness course
includes one yoga practice per week and an educational class about body awareness, healthy choices and
wellness. Student service learners will be required to create a course material on food, behavior and eating
disorders for 3rd-8th grade girls as well as high school girls.
The educational material should address the following objectives:
 What starts and stops eating behavior by examining taste, nutrition, metabolism, the brain, food
experiences, and societal factors that control feeding behavior.
 Understanding anorexia, bulimia, and extreme obesity, the risk factors, prevention and assistance.
 How to make healthy choices and develop healthy eating habits.
 The effects of media and popular culture on body image and consequent vulnerabilities to eating
disorders.
When developing the educational material, student service learners will need to consider the following:
 Establish a creative and interactive format for delivering the material to teens.
 Create a timeline for delivering the learning objectives.
 Outline material and setup required to present the material.
The student service-learners’ work will enable the YEP team to gain a deeper understanding around educating
teen girls about food, behavior and eating disorders. This material will be incorporated into the existing YEP
course material to provide school age girls with important information about healthy eating at a critical time in
their development
Requirements:
Partners for Youth with Disability will provide student service-learners with a two hour training and orientation
session. This training session will provide students with an overview of Partners for Youth with Disability, the
Young Entrepreneur Project, and the project requirements for the project. Students will have the opportunity
to attend the YEP wellness class at the Dearborn Middle School to preview the class, understand the YEP
educational delivery model and meet the students. Student service-learners will also have an opportunity to
delivery the project to students at the Dearborn middle school. Throughout the collaboration, student servicelearners will receive on-going support from the YEP team. At the end of the project, student service-learns
will participate in a review meeting and receive an evaluation on their performance. Kate Graham will be the
student service-learners’ supervisor.
High-level project timeline:
 Student service learners will participate in an on-site training and orientation in September.
 Student service learners will have the opportunity to attend YEP classes in Boston to understand
the target audience and gather information for the project.
 Student service learners will work on developing course material during the semester. YEP staff
and students will be available to consult with student service learners throughout the project.
 The project should be completed by late November.
 Student service learners will have the opportunity to be delivered the course material to both age
groups in the final weeks of the semester.
31
Name of Community Organization: Sociedad Latina
Main Contact Information: phone (617) 442 - 4299
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Name: Jimmy Wyman
Title: Coordinator of Mission Enrichment Program
Email: Jimmy@sociedadlatina.org
Phone: same
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Name: Catalina Tang
Title: Volunteer Coordinator Fellow
Email: catalina@sociedadlatina.org
Phone: same
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization:
Sociedad Latina works in partnership with Latino youth to cultivate the next generation of leaders. With the
support of families and the broader community, Sociedad Latina fulfills its critical mission by providing a broad
array of programs that promote community leadership, civic engagement, meaningful employment, educational
attainment, cultural identity and pride and the continuation of traditions.
Organization Overview:
Sociedad Latina works to 1) build youth skills 2) educate and enrich the lives of youth and their families and 3)
foster youth and adult leadership and action. We subscribe to a positive youth development philosophy. The
youth who attend our programs are stewards of our organization; their leadership and insight inform all of our
programs and events.
During the school year, we work with young people from grade 5 to age 21 and their families.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
Sociedad Latina works with Simmons College and the Scott Ross Center for Community Service with a focus
on College Access – both developing curriculum and running programs. Simmons College also hosted
Sociedad Latina’s Summer Seedlings Program on campus this year.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
The programs at Sociedad Latina work on a variety of topics. Each program has a set of assets and needs that
the young people and community have identified and are working in the context of. Some of these include:
Assets:
-full time program coordinator
-volunteer coordinator fellow to support all College Coaches
-organization/program orientation and training
-connection to Mission Hill community
-opportunity to work with youth and develop close mentoring relationships
Needs:
- positive role models to encourage and support youth in their academic achievement
-committed volunteers who are invested in the program
Potential Projects:
The Mission Enrichment Program is an after-school program for middle school students that provides
academic support and innovative and interactive programs that build cognitive skills and good study habits. A
collaborative effort between Sociedad Latina, the Maurice J. Tobin School, the Mission Grammar School and
the Mission Hill School, the Mission Enrichment Program (MEP) offers a blend of academic numeracy
32
support, homework time management skill, arts and health enrichment clubs and community awareness
activities.
Volunteer Title:
College Coach
Service Learning & Work Study Duties/Responsibilities:
 Greet students at dismissal from school in designated area
 Supervise students in the park and during recreation times
 Be present with students as they go to local food shops during designated times
 Initiate transitions during transition periods
 Sign-in in building log book
 Have students participate in sign in procedure
 Take student attendance and contact families of absent children
 Aid in office and administrative work
 Support in daily maintenance tasks i.e cleaning up the room, put away materials
 Provide guidance with homework, academic, and enrichment activities
 Encourage a positive, safe learning environment
 Enforce program rules and assist in achieving program goals
 Complete daily assessments for participants
 Provide weekly reports on attendance, behavior, and academic achievement
 Communicate challenges, concerns, and recognition to program coordinator
 Support in any additional tasks as needed
 Assemble and distribute program materials
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
Time required:
 At least 2 days per week, preferably M/W or T/Th if only working 2 days 2:30-6:00pm (Minimum of 3
hours per day)
 2nd & 4th Fridays- 3:00- 7:00 (Field Trips)
Field trip hours are an estimate. The day will begin at 3:00 but the time we get back is subject to change.
Applicant must complete the pre-service volunteer training program and fill out all necessary paperwork
Length of time commitment:
Program runs Sept 14th- May 28th At least 1 semester
Qualifications:
 Must be at least 18 years old of age.
 Must demonstrate an interest in working with middle/high school students
 Must demonstrate qualities essential for successful mentorship (good listening, supportive demeanor,
sense of humor, ability to serve as role model)
 Must demonstrate knowledge in designated high school subject area(s)
 Must satisfactorily pass CORI/SORI investigation
 Applicant must complete all necessary paperwork
 Attend orientation and 2-3 additional trainings throughout the semester
33
Name of Community Organization: Step to Success Hyde Park Mentoring
Main Contact Information: Scott Ross Center
Co-director: Sarah Harrelson
Email: sarah.harrelson@simmons.edu
Phone: 339-235-6117
Mission of Organization: To provide a positive experience and build one-one relationships with 7th and 8th
grade girls from the community center.
This upcoming fall semester, the Scott/Ross Center will be partnering with the Hyde Park Community Center
to provide a mentoring program for middle school girls. Simmons students will work closely with the youth by
assisting with homework help, providing guidance, and sharing their Simmons College experience. As a result,
the girls will gain a better understanding of college education. The events during the session are based upon the
mentee’s interest and aspirations. This a great opportunity for the mentee’s to build a one-on-one relationship
with their Simmons student mentor. The mentors may act as positive role models in a fun, casual setting.
This program will run on Wednesday’s from 3:30-6:30pm on the Simmons academic campus.
Qualifications
-previous tutoring/mentoring experience, not required
-2 hours of mentoring a week/ 30 minutes before and after each session for prep-time and debrief
-positive attitude
Interested?
-Fill out a general application at the Scott Ross Center requesting the program
-or email sarah.harrelson@simmons.edu for an application
-Have an informal interview!
-Start Mentoring!
Questions?
Contact Sarah Harrelson at sarah.harrelson@simmons.edu or 339-235-6117.
34
Name of Community Organization: Strong Women, Strong Girls
Main Contact Information:
Hayley Collins
Chapter Director
781-724-9603
hayley.collins@simmons.edu
Jennie Holloway
Chapter Director
802-363-8046
jennie.holloway@simmons.edu
Mission of Organization:
The mission of Strong Women, Strong Girls is to build upon the lessons learned from strong women
throughout history to help girls and young women become strong women themselves. By building
communities of women committed to supporting positive social change, Strong Women, Strong Girls works to
create cycles of mutual empowerment for women and girls.
Organization Overview:
The overall goal of the organization is to create communities of women and girls that support positive social
change as well as mutual empowerment. To reach the organizational goals, Strong Women, Strong Girls has
developed a mentoring program where college women are paired with girls in local community schools and
centers to help build upon lessons learned from strong women in history. Through a mentoring relationship
and the skills learned from each week’s lessons, Strong Women, Strong Girls strongly believes that it will build
self-esteem and confidence within girls and young women. Generally, Strong Women, Strong Girls serves girls
in low-income areas of Boston and only works specifically with young girls in 3rd to 5th grade.
Potential Projects:
Currently, the Strong Women, Strong Girls chapter at Simmons College is about 15 mentors strong but we
plan to continue to grow as a chapter on campus. This fall, we will be adding a few more sites to our chapter
and hope to add up to 10 or more new mentors. At the moment, we are comfortable with accommodating up
to 25 to 30 mentors. As an organization and chapter, we hope to ensure the quality of programming and our
mentors.
Besides mentoring, there are several leadership opportunities a mentor will have as a part of the chapter. As a
part of our organizational structure, we have executive board members that manage the chapter’s finances,
newsletters, events and programming. These positions are open to application every new academic year and
help build leadership qualities within the mentors. A mentor does not need to become a member of the
executive board to take on a leadership role in the chapter. We have many other opportunities for a mentor to
take charge of. Such as setting up bake sale events and other fundraising events as well as planning field trips.
We always encourage mentors to take more responsibility in the organization and become strong chapter
leaders.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
A mentor from the Simmons College chapter of Strong Women, Strong Girls will have the opportunity to
build relationships with fellow college women as well as 3rd to 5th grade girls in the surrounding Boston
communities such as Roxbury and Dorchester. Each week, a group of mentors will head out to one of our 8
sites to mentor a group of young girls to build upon lessons learned from strong women throughout history to
help girls and young women become strong women themselves. The mentors will read biographies of
35
influential women and learn their skill while participating in an activity that all of the girls will practice the new
skill! Mentors will receive extensive training to help them build strong relationships with the girls as well as
other skills that will help the mentors in all aspects of their lives. Executive Board members are given the
opportunity to have their own mentor through the Strong Leaders Program program which pairs SWSG
mentors with professional women to work on their own skills such as resume writing, networking, interviewing
or even time management. Strong Women, Strong Girls is an amazing opportunity to get involved in both the
Simmons community as well as other communities in Boston. We are committed to creating positive social
change as well as creating cycles of mutual empowerment of girls and women.
Responsibilities








Benefits









One school year commitment
Attend both Fall and Spring trainings (Fall Training: 9/15 Spring Training: TBA)
Attend and participate in mentoring each week (90 minutes)
Attend the Mentor Meeting each Sunday at 7pm
Attend and help with the field trip(s)
Help the chapter grow throughout the year by attending and helping at chapter events.
Be a good role model to the girls and other mentors
Be a team player
Build leadership skills
Build friendships
Build great relationships with young girls
Build skills that you can take with you in any job
Opportunity to receive a mentor through the Strong Leaders program
Great training
Support from other mentors and chapter leadership
Attend the SWSG events such as Jump Into Spring
Great Networking Opportunities
36
Name of Community Organization: Carter Connections
Main Contact Information:
Jordan Peterson
jordan.peterson@simmons.edu
(512) 363.9031
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Marianne Kopaczynski
Title: Carter School Principal
Email: carter@boston.k12.ms.us
Phone: (617) 635.9832
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization:
Carter Connections strives to provide students at the Carter School, a school for children with severe
intellectual and physical disabilities, with strong, beneficial relationships with Simmons College undergraduate
mentors.
Organization Overview: Carter Connections is a program that gives Simmons students the opportunity to
create strong bonds with a student with severe intellectual and/or physical disabilities in a variety of capacities.
Chiefly, Carter Connections is a mentorship program that places Simmons students with a Carter School
student in a mentor/mentee relationship. Simmons students work with their mentee on site at the Carter
Development Center (The Carter School), on a weekly basis to work together on activities specific to Carter
student needs. In addition, the Carter Connections program offers an opportunity to get involved as a Friday
Swim buddy, accompanying Carter students to a therapeutic pool on Friday mornings, allowing more Carter
students to benefit from swim therapy.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
Carter Connections is a new partnership with the Carter School, a Boston Public School for children with
severe physical and intellectual disabilities.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets:
The Carter School has a strong community basis that consists of professionals (teachers, occupational and
physical therapists, doctors, etc) to support students.
Needs:
The Carter School’s students could benefit from relationships that function on a more peer level, like
mentorships.
The Carter School could use outside community involvement during special events, such as the school
Thanksgiving Dinner.
Potential Projects:
1. Mentorship:
The mentorship project of Carter Connections is an integral component of why Carter Connections is such an
important organization. The mentorship program will require Simmons students to meet 1-2 times weekly, with
his or her Carter mentee to work together on activities that are appropriate given the Carter student’s needs
and abilities. Carter Connections mentees are expected to meet with their mentee according to the schedule
they establish with the Carter school, and attend weekly mentor meetings with Jordan Peterson, the student
director of the Carter Connections program.
Friday Swim Buddies:
Friday Swim Buddies is a component of the Carter Connections program which requires a less regular
commitment and allows Simmons students to get involved when they can on Friday mornings to join Carter
students on a trip to a therapeutic hospital pool, where they will get in the water with Carter students and
enable them to reap the benefits of swim therapy.
37
Carter Connections can accommodate 5-6 Simmons students as regular mentors.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
Simmons students are not required to have any experience, but are expected to attend an
orientation at the Carter School with Carter staff before they begin mentoring. They will also be required to
meet weekly with all mentors to discuss their experience as a mentor and bring up any concerns they have
about their time with their mentee that week. Simmons students will be required to fill out a brief reflection
about the activities they worked on with their mentee after each meeting. Students are expected to be patient,
accepting, and willing to learn from their Carter mentee and collaborate with Carter teachers to create a
positive, productive experience for mentees. Simmons students are expected to attend special Carter School
events when possible.
38
Name of Community Organization: Special Olympics MA North Section
Main Contact Information: Sean Canty, 978-750-1051
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Title: North Section Dir
Email: sean.canty@specialolympicsma.org
Phone: 978-750-1051
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization:
The mission of Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) is to provide year-round sports training and athletic
competition in a variety of well-coached Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities by
providing them with continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, prepare for entry into school and
community programs, express courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and
friendship with their families, other Special Olympic Athletes, and the community.
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you do,
population served, work site, etc. Special Olympics contributes to the physical, social, and psychological
development of people with mental challenges. Through successful experiences in sports, our athletes gain
confidence and build positive self-images, which go with them into their homes, classrooms, jobs, and
communities.
Current Relationship with Simmons College: Have been involved with Simmons / Community Service for
approx 8 to 9 years
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: Volunteers, attached are some of the project we will be trying to accomplish to have the day a success:
program, Opening Ceremonies, logistics etc.
Needs: Looking for a student or students to be Event Directors for an Aquatics assessment round in
Somerville, (event fact sheet attached). 3rd year event has been offered. Some recourses already in place.
Potential Projects:
Write a description of a project you propose and the ways in which it relates to the goals of your organization.
Include a detailed description of the work a student could do with your organization. Include the number of
student you are able to accommodate.
*
Coordinate Aquatics Assessment Round
*
Work with SOMA Liaison
*
Work with pool management
*
Recruit students to be volunteers, (25) all volunteers do not have to be from Simmons
*
Coordinate pre-planning meetings, (2)
*
Coordinate a volunteer orientation, (1)
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
*
Management skill, some
*
Willingness to work
*
Will train volunteers any specific skills needed
39
Name of Community Organization: Starlight Children’s Foundation
Main Contact Information: Jonelle Prill-Tate
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Title: Community Development Officer
Email: Jonelle.prilltate@starlight.org
Phone: 617-241-9911
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization: Starlight Children’s Foundation® New England is dedicated to helping seriously ill
children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family
activities. www.starlight.org/newengland
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you do,
population served, work site, etc.? Starlight understands what families go through when a child is sick, and how
important it is to find relief from constant worry and isolation. Our programs have been proven to distract
children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families with
others facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone.
Unlike any other charity, Starlight offers a comprehensive menu of outpatient, hospital-based and Web
offerings that enable us to provide ongoing support for children and families — from diagnosis through the
entire course of medical treatment.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: Interested in starting Friends to Family program, where students will host an event for a group of local
families fighting serious illnesses. They will fundraise for the event, plan, organize and volunteer at the event,
allowing the group to see the full cycle of caring for such a special population.
Needs: Volunteers who are committed to the cause and three month opportunity.
Potential Projects:
1. Write a description of a project you propose and the ways in which it relates to the goals of your
organization. Include a detailed description of the work a student could do with your organization. Include
the number of student you are able to accommodate. See attached
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the
student.
40
Name of Community Organization: America SCORES Boston
Main Contact Information: Mia Tsui
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Title: Elementary Athletic Coordinator
Email: jtsui@America SCORES.org
Phone: 617.472.6737 ext. 144
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization:
America SCORES inspires urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and
character to make a difference in the world.
Organization Overview:
America SCORES runs an afterschool program teaching soccer and creative writing in Boston Public Schools,
serving inner-city youth grades 3-5 and 6-8 in its elementary and middle school programs respectively.
SCORES seeks to impart the values of education and literacy, health and fitness, and personal development to
the students it serves, and has seen measurable improvement in students’ academic and personal capabilities.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: Simmons College can provide student volunteers that will serve as role models for the young students
in the America SCORES program and inspire them towards a college-bound future.
Needs: America SCORES needs motivated and invested individuals to provide the mentorship and care for
young students to flourish.
Potential Projects:
1. We are looking for 10-20 Simmons College volunteers who will help to promote health and fitness and to
foster a healthy and empowering competitive setting for young students on America SCORES game days.
These volunteers will help to facilitate a team environment and encourage good sportsmanship, while serving
in a referee capacity.
2. Volunteers must have a soccer background and solid knowledge of soccer rules; ideally they will have
coaching/referee experience as well. This position requires about a two-hour time commitment 1-2 days per
week (flexible based on students’ needs) for eight weeks in the fall and 11 weeks in the spring. If students are
interested in further involvement with America SCORES, there are opportunities for assistant coaching of
either soccer or creative writing that could extend their commitment to a greater number of days/week.
41
Name of Community Organization: Boston Scholar Athlete Program
Main Contact Information: 617-517-5290
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Shannon McLeod
Title: Recruiter and Program Manager
Email: smcleod@bostonscholarathletes.org
Phone: 617.517.5290
Mission of Organization:
The mission of the Boston Scholar Athlete Program (BSA) is to improve the academic excellence of students
in all Boston Public High Schools through athletics.
Organization Overview:
The goal is to foster student-athlete growth through mentoring, tutoring, coaching and conditioning. During
the 2009-10 school year, BSA provided support to the city’s high school student-athletes through tutoring,
improvement to equipment and facilities, and uniform upgrades while incorporating the role of academic coach
to provide academic advising. BSA piloted the creation of the Boston Scholar Athlete Center within the
schools offering year-round, individualized support to student-athletes in grades 9-12 using dedicated resource
rooms outfitted with supplies, computers, and staff.
Volunteer as a TUTOR/MENTOR!
BSA Zones (scholar-athlete learning centers) located within each of Boston’s 19
Public High Schools. Sponsored by Suffolk Construction’s John Fish
Time:
Monday – Friday anytime from 2 – 6 pm (exact shifts vary by schools)
What you will be doing:
Where:
-
Work with scholar-athletes on homework, improving study habits, and the college search and
application process
Conduct research relating to school and Zone demographics
Assess Zone practices and observe inner workings of urban education setting
Assist athletic coaches during practices, games, and events
Support Zone Facilitators in the form or improving Zone appearance, updating athletic schedules
and scores, etc.
Skills Needed:
-
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability and willingness to relate to and mentor urban youth
Basic computer skills
Contact:
Shannon McLeod
T: 617 517-5290
Email: smcleod@bostonscholarathletes.org
For questions about volunteering or interning, please contact:
Scott/Ross Center for Community Service
Simmons College
MCB E103
T: 617.521.2021
F: 617.521.3070
About the BSA Program:
Mission: Support academic achievement through athletics. The program is designed to foster
individual growth through mentoring, tutoring, coaching and conditioning.
42
Name of Community Organization: InnerCity Weightlifting
Main Contact Information: Jon Feinman, Executive Director and Founder; 413-335-3547
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Ken Lima
Title: Chief Operating Officer
Email: kenl@innercityweightlifting.org
Phone: 617-678-5462
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone - either
Mission of Organization:
InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW’s) mission is to reduce violence and promote professional, personal and academic
achievement among urban youth. We serve students on a direct path to gang involvement, former and active
gang members, and young victims of domestic abuse through the sport of Olympic Lifting. We empower
young people with the confidence to say “no” to violence and “yes” to opportunity.
Organization Overview:
ICW is a 2 year old, 501(c)3 that has a unique and comprehensive program that empowers the students to take
advantage of a full range of health and educational opportunities including:
• Physical fitness (Olympic Lifting), a safe alternative to street violence. By becoming physically fit through
weightlifting, motivation and self-esteem increase.
• Positive adult mentors (our coaches). The students become part of the ICW family which increases their trust,
motivation and self-esteem.
• Academic support (for high school graduation or GED). In addition to providing homework help, by
networking with the Boston Youth Service Network, several students have been able to pursue alternative
education paths.
• Job readiness skills. We will provide the resources to improve their college application skills, interview skills,
and general job skills.
• Employment. We provide a curriculum and funding to become certified personal trainers and
Olympic Lifting coaches. For students not interested in a career in personal training or coaching, we network
to find them the right professionals with whom to speak.
Our students range from 12 to 22 years of age, but are mostly concentrated between ages 14 and 18. All are
living in poverty, nearly all are minority, mainly undereducated, unemployed or underemployed, secondary
school dropouts; and include immigrants and the disabled. 90% are male, and all live in the neighborhoods in
Boston.
Today, resulting from students referring their friends and fellow gang members, the program has grown
exponentially. ICW now has several neighborhood locations within Boston, sustainable by partnering with
existing community centers and gyms; now provides services to more than 200 students; and is currently
preparing to add a dedicated headquarters/training facility.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
ICW has been fortunate to participate with Simmons:

PT 750 – Fall 2011 (also Fall 2010)

MCM 481 – Fall 2011
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: To provide and support its services to reduce youth violence, ICW is strongly supported by the
philanthropic and non-profit organizations with which it collaborates. ICW currently has 3 full time paid staff,
several part time paid coaches and nearly 40 volunteers supporting its efforts.
Needs: 1% of Boston’s youth (ages 16-24) drive over 50% of the city’s gun violence, and Boston’s juvenile
offenders have a recidivism rate close to 40% within their first year of release. There is no evidence that these
youth are adequately engaged to reduce the violence and their rate of recidivism. ICW was founded to meet
that need.
Potential Projects:
43
1. Write a description of a project you propose and the ways in which it relates to the goals of your
organization. Include a detailed description of the work a student could do with your organization. Include
the number of student you are able to accommodate.
This project would be a follow up from the recommendations of the MCM 481 student team presentation and
recommendations. The MCM 481 report identified several areas of need – all focused on effectively
communicating ICW’s mission and community impact:
 Revise/update the web site per the MCM 481 recommendations
 Provide social media improvements - update facebook, create twitter account
 Create press kit
 Create marketing material – overview, photos, social media – for recruiting staff, volunteers, donors
and corporate sponsors
 Create ICW’s annual report for 2011
There are multiple opportunities for various types of communication challenges. I welcome students’ review of
the MCM 481 report and preparation of a project proposal that might combine elements of the report that
most effectively meet the needs of their course. The number of students involved could be dependent on the
depth and breadth of the project proposed.
ICW hopes that through this project, the students will improve ICW’s external communications in ways that
would both encourage communities to be more accepting of ICW’s mission, and effectively communicate
ICW’s critical impact.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
The project might require a mix of skills and experience, including the following:
 Creativity – effectively presenting ICW’s mission and impact in a non-threatening framework
 Project management - plan, prioritize, and follow through, meeting deadlines
 Entrepreneurial - Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team
 Organizational – well organized, including attention to detail
 Technical - proficiency in word processing, social media/networking, and internet use
 Commitment to ICW’s mission and enthusiasm for communicating it effectively
The time commitment would also be flexible depending on the project developed, the time estimated to
complete it, and the number of students involved.
44
Name of Community Organization: 826 Boston
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Raquel Kaplan
Title: Outreach Coordinator
Email: raquel@826boston.org
Phone: 617-442-5400
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization:
826 Boston is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and
expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.
Our services are structured around the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one
attention and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. With this understanding in mind, we
provide drop-in tutoring, field trips, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language
learners, and assistance with student publications.
All of our free programs seek to strengthen each student's power to express ideas effectively, creatively,
confidently, and in his or her individual voice.
Organization Overview:
826 Boston offers free writing and tutoring programs to underserved Roxbury youth ages 6-18. Our writing
center is located in Roxbury’s Egleston Square, a location with great youth resources (over 30 Boston Public
Schools are located within 2 miles of our center) who are particularly undeserved, and face many economic and
educational challenges, clearly represented by the MCAS scores of the area. Over 70% of 826 Boston’s students
are born to speakers of languages other than English, bringing particular challenges to the development of
English language literacy and writing skills that 826 Boston seeks to further. Volunteers work directly with this
student population in a supported, safe, and friendly environment at our writing center or in area Boston Public
Schools that allows students to pursue high academic and creative goals, and allows volunteers to play a closely
engaged role in the development of these goals.
Potential Projects:
Student scholars will work as after school tutors 1-4 times a week in 826 Boston’s after-school and Saturday
tutoring program. After-school tutoring occurs Monday - Thursday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. and Saturday’s from
1:00-3:00 p.m. at our writing center Additionally, scholars will have the opportunity to develop and lead writing
workshops, serve as in-school writing tutors on publishing projects, and participate in storytelling and
bookmaking field trips as storytellers, illustrators, and publishing and production assistants.
Because 826 Boston has such a variety of opportunities we are able to accommodate varying numbers of
volunteers per session. After-school tutoring can accommodate 10 or more volunteers, in-school tutoring can
use up to 7 volunteers, field trips accommodate up to 5 volunteers.
The only requirement of our volunteers is that they attend an initial new volunteer orientation & training where
we collect volunteer applications and run CORI checks. There is no minimum time commitment required.
45
Name of Community Organization: America Learns
Main Contact Information: americalearns@simmons.edu
Community Educator/Supervisor: Emily K. Hanke
Title: Student Director
Email: hanke@simmons.edu
Phone: 413-847-1449
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization: The mission of America Learns is to provide elementary students with one-on-one
after-school tutoring. With this program students will be able to gain personal attention and focus on
improving learning skills in a safe environment.
Organization Overview: America Learns is an after-school tutoring program for K-2 students located at The
John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Jamaica Plain. Sessions run Monday-Thursday from 3:15-5:30. Every
day tutees are paired with a Simmons College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, or
Emmanuel College student. Tutors work on homework as well as math, literacy, science, and art skills. After
the one-on-one session, tutees and tutors also participate in various games and activities to reinforce skills
learned during school and tutoring sessions. The overall goal of America Learns is to provide students with
positive mentors and to enhance math, literacy, science, and art skills.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: America Learns provides the community with qualified tutors to help prepare K-2 students with the
necessary skills needed for the current world.
Needs: Between 12 and 15 qualified, patient, and enthusiastic tutors for each session.
Potential Projects:
1. Specific tutor work may include but is not be limited to the following: creating worksheets and activities to
reinforce skills, planning brief student-specific lesson plans, planning crafts, participating in reflection sessions,
and assisting the leadership team.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
Skills: Tutors must be patient, creative, punctual, and be able to work well in a team.
Experience: None required, but experience with children aged 5-8 preferred.
Time Commitment: Monday-Thursday 3:15-5:30 (including travel time 2:45-5:50) with a minimum of two
sessions per week.
Requirements: It is mandatory that tutors attend their tutoring sessions, prepare for their students, and actively
reflect of the progress of their student’s behavior, motivation, and skills.
46
Name of Community Organization: America Reads at the Mendell
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Sarah Kinnane/Amanda Hukanovic
Title: Student Co-Directors
Email: kinnane@simmons.edu/amanda.hukanovic@simmons.edu
Phone: 508-789-7525/508-904-0295
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization:
Our mission is to promote literacy at the Ellis Mendell Elementary School.
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you
do, population served, work site, etc.?
Tutors provide one-on-one literacy tutoring to students in first through second grade at the Ellis Mendell
Elementary School. Tutors use activities and games to make learning to read fun and engaging.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
America Reads at the Mendell is an established after school program through the Scott/Ross Center for
Community Service.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets:
Our approach is proven to be effective for the students, we are valued by the faculty at the Mendell, and the
program is rewarding for the tutors involved.
Needs:
We strive to expand the range of the program to work with students in need by reaching out to more people
willing to take on the responsibilities of tutoring. We are looking for at least five more tutors for the fall. We
also would like to provide students in need of more assistance with a specialized and individualized plan for
meeting their reading goals.
Potential Projects:
In order to promote literacy at the Mendell and growth of the program, I would like to have tutors help with
lesson plans once a week. The tutors can choose certain books to bring in, games to share, or activities to carry
out as part of the specific topic or lesson of the day. This project would bring a variety of tutoring approaches
to the program and involve the whole group of tutors over the course of the semester. Also receiving input
from tutors’ experiences at the Mendell can help with planning specialized activities for students in need of
more help.
List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
An America Reads tutor should love working with children and have the ability to be a positive role model.
The program runs from 2:50 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday (includes travel time), with
preference given to tutors who can work at least two days a week. Tutors must attend all scheduled tutoring
and training sessions, be on time, and actively participate in each day’s activities.
47
Name of Community Organization: Boston Teacher’s Union School, BTU.
Main Contact Information: Betsy Drinan
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Neha Ramineni
Title: S/RC Student Leader
Email: neha.ramineni@simmons.edu
Phone: 201-565-6454
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization:
The BTU School is a new pilot school in Boston. It has 146 students in K1, K 2, Grade, 1 & 2, and two sixth
grades. It also has a small primary transition class (PTC). The after school program fits with the mission of the
school, which it to provide a small setting and a progressive education.
BTU has a partnership with Simmons College (see below).
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
Professional development partnership with the BTU School. Signed Memorandum of Agreement with school
superintendent and president of Simmons. Undergraduate students and graduate students as well as faculty will
be/are working with the school in different ways.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: School site with a supervised after-school program that is targeted to student needs in English
Language Arts, and Math.
Needs: Specific academic needs to support the students’ academic growth, and social development.
Potential Projects:
1. Write a description of a project you propose and the ways in which it relates to the goals of your
organization. Include a detailed description of the work a student could do with your organization. Include
the number of student you are able to accommodate.
The work for students would be tutoring in the after school program. A Boston Public School (BPS) teacher
will be the coordinator and will enable communication between the tutors and the teachers and assist tutors.
There will be assistance in terms of transportation back to Simmons.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
Math, English, experience of working with young adolescents, and some knowledge of child and adolescent
development (not necessarily formal). Ability to be flexible, have fun, and work hard.
48
Name of Community Organization: Education Sparks –Mission Hill School
Main Contact Information:
Bianca Medina, bianca.medina@simmons.edu, 781-439-8550.
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization:
The mission of Education Sparks is to allow every student the opportunity to develop and mature academically,
mentally, socially, and physically in a safe, healthy, and culturally diverse after school setting.
Organization Overview:
Education Sparks is held Monday-Friday from 3:30-6:00 p.m. at the Mission Hill School in Jamaica Plain, MA.
Our program focuses on students in the third through fifth grade, by providing them with tutors to help assist
them with their homework. Once all their homework is completed, the kids partake in the daily themed activity.
Each day of the week is assigned a different subject such as: arts and crafts, history, science, community
enrichment, and literacy. Some days tutors will work one-on-one with students, while other days will focus
more on group work and activities.
Current Relationship with Simmons College:
Student Run Program, run through Scott/Ross Center
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets:
-
Great communication in past years between coordinators and facilitators
Strong relationships with students
Excellent academic progress seen in students
Excellent relationship between school faculty and Education Sparks team members
Needs:
- More enthusiastic tutors
- More ideas for enjoyable, yet educationally enriching activities to do with students
- More developed policies and procedures for disciplining students and organizing time
49
Name of Community Organization: Gateway at O'Bryant High School
Main Contact Information: Sandy Lor
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Sandy Lor
Title: Student Coordinator
Email: sandy.lor@simmons.edu
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization: Gateway's mission is to provide high school students with after school tutoring
assistance.
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you do,
population served, work site, etc.?
Gateway is a pilot program foundered in New York that focuses on educational assistance and enhancement of
resources for students in generally undeserved communities. The program requires students apply to receive
these services and from the pool 50 students are selected their freshman year of high school. The students take
core curricular classes together and after school the students are offered tutoring assistance from College
students. The 50 students remain in the Gateway cluster until they have graduated and each year a new cluster
of incoming freshman is selected. The program is located at the John D. O'Bryant High School of Math and
Science in Roxbury, Ma. The tutors attend the program Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays.
Current Relationship with Simmons College: Simmons is the mediator between the Gateway O'Bryant to the
LMA teachers, educational staff, and tutors that range within the Colleges of the Fenway. The Scott/Ross
Center acts as a circulation center for tutors that go to the O'Bryant.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: The program provides an opportunity for students to receive help from individuals ranging close to
their age. Gateway also acts as a mentoring resource for students who can ask questions about college and find
individuals they can relate/look up to. The program provides in-class tutoring for individuals interested in
becoming educators as well as one-on-one tutoring assistance.
Needs: Gateway needs more tutors during the week and on Saturday. The program has a very high retention
rate on the students part, but without greater tutorial retention it cannot excel to its full potential.
50
Name of Community Organization: Sociedad Latina Mission Enrichment Program
Main Contact Information: phone (617) 442 - 4299
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Jimmy
Title: Coordinator of Mission Enrichment Program
Email: Jimmy@sociedadlatina.org
Phone: same
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization and Overview of Organization:
See Sociedad projects under mentoring heading
Potential Projects:
The Mission Enrichment Program is an after-school program for middle school students that provides
academic support and innovative and interactive programs that build cognitive skills and good study habits. A
collaborative effort between Sociedad Latina, the Maurice J. Tobin School, the Mission Grammar School and
the Mission Hill School, the Mission Enrichment Program (MEP) offers a blend of academic numeracy
support, homework time management skill, arts and health enrichment clubs and community awareness
activities.
Volunteer Title:
College Team Leader
Service Learning & Work Study Duties/Responsibilities:
 Greet students at dismissal from school in designated area
 Supervise students in the park and during recreation times
 Be present with students as they go to local food shops during designated times
 Initiate transitions during transition periods
 Sign-in in building log book
 Have students participate in sign in procedure
 Take student attendance and contact families of absent children
 Aid in office and administrative work
 Support in daily maintenance tasks i.e cleaning up the room, put away materials
 Provide guidance with homework, academic, and enrichment activities
 Encourage a positive, safe learning environment
 Enforce program rules and assist in achieving program goals
 Complete daily assessments for participants
 Provide weekly reports on attendance, behavior, and academic achievement
 Communicate challenges, concerns, and recognition to program coordinator
 Support in any additional tasks as needed
 Assemble and distribute program materials
Requirements:
- At least 2 days per week, preferably M/W or T/THU if only working 2 days 2-6:30pm
(Minimum of 3 hours per day)
- 2nd & 4th Fridays- 3:00- 7:00 (Field Trips)
Field trip hours are an estimate. The day will begin at 3:00 but the time we get back is subject to change.
Applicant must complete the pre-service volunteer training program and fill out all necessary paperwork
Length of time commitment:
Program runs Sept 14th- May 28th At least 1 semester
Qualifications:
Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
Applicant has an interest in working with children
Applicant has had experience working with children
Applicant is able to identify needs and effectively communicate them to program participants or program staff
51
Name of Community Organization: Tobin Community Center
Main Contact Information: 1481 Tremont Street, Roxbury, 02120, T: 617-635-5216 F: 617-635-5288
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Bill Romond
Title: Program Supervisor
Email: william.romond@cityofboston.gov
Phone: 617-635-5216
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization:
Tobin/Mission Hill Community Center endeavors to be the social, educational, recreational and cultural center
of Mission Hill and surrounding neighborhoods by providing quality programming for our children, youth,
adults and families. We value investment in people, well-maintained facilities and collaborative efforts in
building common unity.
Organization Overview:
What are the overall goals of your organization/program - to provide low-cost programming for Mission Hill
residents of all ages
Type of work you do - educational and recreational programming for Mission Hill residents, ages 2.9 through
senior citizen, including:
• preschool, afterschool and teen programming,
• summer camp,
• computer lab,
• gym and recreational programming for all ages and
• a host site for special needs programs (Our Space, Our Place and Towards Independent Living and Learning);
Mission Safe, an at-risk teen program; City Roots, an alternative High School; and Countdown-To
Kindergarten, a city initiative for toddler/preschool-age children.
Population served - Black and Latino, low to moderate income, residents of Mission Hill and surrounding
neighborhoods Work site - 1481 Tremont Street, Roxbury (Mission Hill)
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets:
Well-educated student population motivated to volunteer in the community. A network of local service
organizations and schools committed to working together on behalf of neighborhood residents.
Needs:
Many of the children and youth who participate at the Tobin Community Center have factors that put them at
risk for academic under-achievement or failure: families where English is a second language and which may not
be spoken at home; low to moderate family income; and attendance at under-performing schools.
Potential Projects:
The project is to provide tutoring to children and youth, ages 6 - 19 in the afterschool, teen and Mission Safe
programs at the Tobin Community Center. This is in keeping with the agency’s mission to provide educational
services to low and moderate income residents of Mission Hill.
Volunteers will be matched with a student (all efforts to match preferences in age and gender will be made) to
provide tutoring in subject areas in need of improvement, as determined by program staff, parents and the
child’s school. A commitment of 1.5 hours, twice a week, for at least one full semester will be asked of the
volunteer. The volunteer will also be asked to fill out a weekly form as part of the documentation kept on file
for each child.
There is a potential for dozens of volunteers, depending on the needs of participants.
List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
• Desire to create a relationship with a student in need.
• Ability to assist elementary, middle or high school students with homework and/or specific subject areas.
• Committed to 1.5 hours (usually 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.), twice a week (days flexible but Tuesday and Thursday
preferred), for at least one full semester.
• All volunteers must undergo a CORI and SORI check (processed on-site) before participating
52
Name of Community Organization: TSNE dba Tutors for All
Main Contact Information: Mark Destler, mdestler@tutorsforall.org, 617-504-6021
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Courtney McSparron
Title: Program Manager
Email: cmcsparron@tutorsforall.org
Phone: 412-551-1493
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Mike Zinni
Title: Program Manager
Email: mzinni@tutorsforall.org
Phone: 508-269-1005
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Chris Baginski
Title: Program Manager, Director of Development
Email: cbaginski@tutorsforall.org
Phone: 774-273-0027
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Sara Rice
Title: Program Manager
Email: srice@tutorsforall.org
Phone: 617-792-3546
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Mark Destler
Title: Program Manager
Email: mdestler@tutorsforall.org
Phone: 617-504-6021
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone
Mission of Organization: Tutors for All bridges the achievement gap one student at a time. Through the
creation of partnerships between colleges, public schools, and community agencies, we offer underserved
urban adolescents the systematic individualized instruction they need in order to thrive.
For more information please see: Tutorsforall.org
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you do,
population served, work site, etc.?
In a city where only 40% of public school students enroll in college and only 10% of all students to enter the
public school system graduate from college, huge change is necessary. Tutors for All attacks this problem at its
heart: with the students.
Many students enter into their junior high and high school years without the basic skills in literacy and math
that are necessary to succeed. In order to ensure all students have the skills they require to succeed, Tutors for
All provides one-on-one personalized tutoring for students in their own schools. Tutorials are built to meet
the student at their skill level and progress at a pace that best serves the student. The one-on-one nature of the
tutorials also allows students to create personal relationships with their tutors.
Students in the Tutors for All programs have shown dramatically improved MCAS scores, significantly higher
grades in their high school classes, and renewed and deeper confidence in their academic abilities. Tutors for
All is committed to helping all Boston area youth excel in high school, graduate from college, and thrive in life.
We are currently hiring tutors for programs at Tobin Elementary School, Conservatory Lab Charter School,
Smith Leadership Academy (weekday and weekend program), Prospect Hill Academy, and Dever-McCormick
Elementary School.
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Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets:
Hard working, committed students
Forward thinking principals, vice principals, administrators
Discipline, detail oriented program managers
Involved parents
Needs:
-
Remedial skill building in math and literacy
Access to reliable tutoring support as often seen in private schools
Potential Projects:
We would like to hire Simmons students as tutors for our elementary, middle, and high school students.
Tutors for All believes that the most effective way to close the achievement gap is individualized instruction.
Our tutors are able to focus on what students don’t know rather than an overview of basic skills, because they
only need to instruct one student. Our tutors use assessments and relationship building to identify a student’s
weaknesses and strengthen them. This year tutors for all will be running 7 programs – more than ever before!
This means we will need more dedicated, thoughtful, driven tutors. Tutors for All will hire approximately 250
tutors this school year.
Each tutor who works with our program will receive training in lesson planning, student discipline, and
curriculum before meeting with their student. Tutors will then meet with the students once or twice a week
(depending on the program) and tutor their student in math or literacy. Tutors decide whether they would like
to focus on math or literacy tutoring during training. Tutors proctor a basic skill assessment within the first
two days of tutoring and from this assessment gauge their student’s needs. Tutors then continue to meet with
their student and working to improve these skills. Tutors for All curriculum is used during each tutorial
session. Students are reassessed often, so tutors can stay aware of their student’s progress.
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
Duties:
Create lesson plan for student in preparation for each tutorial session
Execute lesson plan in either basic math or literacy (please provide preference in correspondence)
Proctor student assessments and tailor tutorial to fit student’s growing skill knowledge
Use creativity to engage student in difficult lessons
Serve as an example of college success for your student
Grade your student daily on participation, effort, and respect
Work as a member of a team of tutors who reflect, plan, and problem solve together with the help of two
supervisors
Prepare progress reports for students
Periodic clerical work: filing curriculum, calling parents, etc
Hold students accountable for code of conduct
Attend mandatory training before start of tutorial program
Special requirements:
Passion for working with urban youth.
Adherence to strict professional standards as regards to conduct, dress, timeliness, etc.
Eagerness to reflect on and improve performance.
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Name of Community Organization: Simmons Builds
Main Contact Information: asb@simmons.edu
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Inquire in Scott/Ross
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email
Mission of Organization: To build a small community of Simmons folk to organize and travel within the
country to build homes with Habitat for Humanity.
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you do,
population served, work site, etc.?
ASB brings Simmons undergraduate students and faculty or staff together with a Habitat for Humanity affiliate
site. With Habitat, Simmons ASB participates in the building of a home while learning about Habitat, the
community they’ve entered, and eachother.
Current Relationship with Simmons College: We currently operate through the Scott Ross Center.
Potential Projects:
1. Write a description of a project you propose and the ways in which it relates to the goals of your
organization. Include a detailed description of the work a student could do with your organization. Include
the number of student you are able to accommodate.
ASB takes 15-20 members each year. The Habitat site we will go to is determined in October. Leading up to
spring break, the group will meet weekly to plan and execute fundraisers, fill out paperwork, reflect, and
prepare for the trip. During spring break, students will work on various supervised construction projects with
Habitat for Humanity, while meeting the home owners receiving the house. ASB members will make dinner
each night and continue to reflect and bond with each other. Every year, ASB comes back a close group with
connections that will last beyond each member’s Simmons career.
Requirements:
Students will need to be able to commit to weekly meetings, a one time deposit of 75$, achieve a fundraising
goal, traveling for all of spring break, and a great deal of enthusiasm! (No construction experience necessary!)
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Name of Community Organization: Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
Main Contact Information: Kara Hahn
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Title: Crew and Volunteer Coordinator
Email: kara.boston@avonwalk.org
Phone: (617) 722-4140
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization:
The Avon Walk series, which launched nationwide in 2003, offers participants a choice of walking a marathon
(26.2 miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over a weekend, and requires walkers to raise at least $1,800
for the breast cancer cause. The Avon Foundation for Women distributes funds raised to local, regional and
nation breast cancer organizations, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Comprehensive Cancer
Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Tufts University. The Avon
Foundation for Women has awarded more than $43.7 million to organizations and institutions in the New
England area.
Organization Overview:
The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is a national series of 39-mile weekend fundraising events launched in
2003 by the Avon Foundation. The Boston Avon Walk for Breast Cancer will be taking place May 19 and 20
of 2012 and would not be possible without many dedicated volunteers. Whether you join us one night a
week, occasionally for special projects and programs, or during the Event - your participation is vital to our
success.
The money we raise will provide women and men the breast cancer screening, support and treatment they need
regardless of their ability to pay. It will also help power leading-edge research teams across the country, fueling
their quest for a cure.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: Local based organization that provides support, resources and funding to beneficiaries that directly
impact the community.
Needs: Continued community development in terms of volunteer and event outreach as well as education and
awareness about the cause in general.
Potential Projects:
All of these aspects are relative to the time of year. In the fall we generally can accommodate smaller groups or
individuals for projects. These projects can vary greatly and range from needs such as data entry to research on
a variety of topics. In the spring we usually have a much greater need for volunteers. The projects can be a bit
more tasks oriented but could range from volunteer call nights to helping us prepare items for our anchor
events or for the Walk weekend. Depending on the project in the spring we have the flexibility in terms of the
number we can accommodate; however, smaller groups would still be preferred. I have included more details
in terms of specific opportunities below.
List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
Time commitments depend on the volunteer task; however, a majority of the volunteer shifts are one-off
opportunities. So the commitments typically look like a few hours per shift and when someone chooses a
volunteer shift they are only committing to that specific timeframe.
Detailed Opportunity Descriptions:
Volunteer Days and Nights
We have Volunteer Nights multiple evenings throughout the month, and we always need volunteers to come in
during the day to help out. We have many tasks we need help with preparing for the Event, such as mailings,
data entry, labeling, counting, and more. We also make calls to people who have requested information about
the Avon Walk to help answer their questions and invite them to join the Event. The projects depend on the
need of the office but are always fun!
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Poster Posse
Volunteers will create posters that will be placed along the entire 39.3 mile course. The only limitations are the
volunteers’ creativity! We simply ask that the posters include “Avon Walk for Breast Cancer” visibly. We’d be
happy to supply you with some ideas for posters. We don’t have the resources to provide the materials or to
pick up the signs so they would need to be sent or dropped our office. This is perfect for a group of youth
volunteers!
Great Start Party, Expo & More
We always need Volunteers to support our pre-season events such as our kick-off Great Start Party and our
local Avon Walk Expo. These events help participants prepare for the Walk Weekend and we need Volunteers
to help us set-up and staff the various activities. You don’t want to miss this!
P.O.P. Sprinkling & Spot Check
POP is an abbreviation for Point-of-Purchase stands. We can mail up to six stands and inserts to you. You
would then place them in your local coffee shops, libraries, laundromats, etc., which helps increase your
community’s awareness of our event and the disease. We also need help checking to make sure the stands that
have already been distributed are full and stocked! Help us continue to spread the word about the Avon Walk!
EVENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Event Eve Volunteers
Event Eve kicks off our Walk Weekend when all of our participants (Walkers and Crew) check-in on May 18,
2012. They can drop-off last minute donations, and they pick-up their wristbands and any other necessary
materials for their weekend. Volunteers help during this day-long activity, which is run completely by
volunteers.
Opening and Closing Ceremony Volunteers
Whether you help us set-up Opening Ceremony, and you see the Walkers off on their journey on Saturday,
May 19, or you welcome the participants back, and help break down the Closing Ceremony site on Sunday,
May 20, you will definitely be a part of what we work towards all year! Many different jobs are available for all
different skill levels.
Tent Angels
All of our participants camp out overnight at the Wellness Village (a park that we turn into an Avon Walk
campsite). We need volunteers, called tent angels, to help Walkers set-up their sleeping tents (that we provide)
on Saturday and to help break down the tents on Sunday. Tent Angeling is perfect for boy-scouts or girlsscouts troops.
Cheering Station Volunteers
All along our route we have Cheering Stations, which are designated points where the community and loved
ones of Walkers can congregate and cheer them on. Cheering Station volunteers provide an invaluable service
to Walkers by providing the motivation necessary to keep putting one foot in front of the other. We encourage
you to bring posters, balloons, noise makers and anything else you think would be fun!
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Name of Community Organization: Big Sister Association of Greater Boston
Main Contact Information: 617-236-8060 www.bigsister.org
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Sheena Collier
Title: Manager, Recruitment and Community Partnerships
Email: scollier@bigsister.org
Phone: 617.236.8057
Mission of Organization and Overview of Goals:
The Big Sister Association of Greater Boston helps girls realize their full potential by providing them with
positive mentoring relationships with women.
Our vision is to create a mentor-rich community in which every girl has access to the individual nurturing,
guidance and support she needs to become a confident, competent and caring adult. Using research-based best
practices, we hope to become a national model for gender-specific mentoring for girls which can be replicated
in single sex or co-ed mentoring programs.
Big Sister is an acknowledged leader in building professionally supported, dynamic relationships between girls
and adult women volunteers. Our work is as elementary as putting a friend in a girl’s life, and as essential as
putting hope into a girl’s future. We service girls ages 7-15 in 69 cities and towns throughout the Greater
Boston area.
Potential Projects:
Big Sister has two programs based in schools in the Simmons area that help to put our goal into action. The
first is an elementary school mentoring program called School Based Mentoring (SBM). Big Sisters in SBM are
matched one-on-one with a Little Sister for one academic year. Matches meet for about 45 minutes to an hour
once a week, providing a girl with some extra support, guidance, and attention. During these weekly visits to
the school, Big and Little Sisters can read together, play games, help with school work, or just talk about
whatever the Little Sister wants to talk about. Simmons students can mentor at the Josiah Quincy (off of the
Orange line) and we can accommodate up to 40 students.
Our second program is a group mentoring opportunity based in area middle schools, called TEAM. The
TEAM (Team Enhanced Approach to Mentoring) program brings together groups of 10-15 middle school girls
and 3-5 Big Sisters to create a safe space where girls can openly discuss the choices and challenges they face in
life. This safe space creates an atmosphere of intimacy and mutual respect where girls feel comfortable
expressing their ideas and opinions with adults and each other. Our belief is that by making thoughtful,
informed decisions, girls may be empowered to control the direction of their lives. TEAM groups meet once a
week during the school day for about ninety minutes from early November to May, engaging in discussions and
activities facilitated by professional social workers. Each TEAM site can accommodate up to 5 Simmons
students. The closest site would be the Orchard Gardens School in Roxbury.
Requirements:
Every woman brings a unique set of life experiences to a match. This is part of what makes our program so
rich. However, we do have certain requirements for each of our programs. Women ages eighteen and older
are eligible to participate in our SBM program. The commitment to SBM is for weekly visits of 45 minutes to
an hour for one academic year. Women ages eighteen and older are eligible to participate in TEAM. The
commitment to TEAM is for weekly meetings of ninety minutes from early November to the end of May.
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Name of Community Organization: Community Servings
Main Contact Information:
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Adam Seigal
Title: Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator
Email: aseigal@servings.org
Phone: 617-522-7777 ext. 228
Communication Preference: (Circle One) Email or Phone Both
Mission of Organization:
Community Servings is a not-for-profit food and nutrition program providing services throughout
Massachusetts to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses. We give our clients, their
dependent families, and caregivers appealing, nutritious meals, and send the message to those in greatest need
that someone cares. Our goals are to help our clients maintain their health and dignity and preserve the
integrity of their families through free, culturally appropriate, home-delivered meals, nutrition education, and
other community programs.
Organization Overview: What are the overall goals of your organization/program, type of work you do, population served, work
site, etc.?
Community Servings delivers 355,190 free, home-style meals to 1,300 people per year, who are too sick to cook
for themselves or their families. Currently caring for clients with 35 different life-threatening illnesses, our
service includes a customized, nutritionally-packed lunch, dinner, and snack for sick clients, their caregivers and
dependent children, 95% of whom live at or below the poverty level. Our geographic service area includes 215
square miles across eastern Massachusetts. As the only program of its kind in New England, we offer 25
different medically-appropriate menus each week, including a Children's Menu. Additionally, we offer nutrition
education and counseling programs, food service job-training programs, and meals for many social enterprise
programs.
Current Relationship with Simmons College: We have had several groups from Simmons College volunteer
in our kitchen, and have recently met with staff members from the S/RC to create further service learning
opportunities.
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets: kitchen skills, team building, non-profit management experience, food industry experience
Needs: volunteers
Potential Projects:
1. Write a description of a project you propose and the ways in which it relates to the goals of your
organization. Include a detailed description of the work a student could do with your organization.
Include the number of student you are able to accommodate.
We welcome individuals, students, corporations, community groups and others to help in our kitchen and
other areas.
Community Servings has a number of volunteer opportunities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Kitchen: prepare and package meals for 750 clients
Van: deliver meals with our van drivers throughout the Greater Boston area
Saturday Meal Delivery: deliver meals using your own car on Saturday mornings to clients in the Boston area
Administrative: help with day-to-day running of the office of our administrative office
Special Event: assist us during the various events held throughout the year such as Holiday Baskets and
fundraisers like LifeSavor
Service Learning & Internship Opportunities: students receive a more in-depth look at the operations of a
non-profit while helping Community Servings fulfill its mission
Benefits of the Community Servings volunteer program:
 Kitchen can accommodate groups of up to 15 people
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




Volunteers come from all walks of life
Interact with diverse populations
Learn the importance of responsibility and dependability
Help sick neighbors receive the meals they need
Team building opportunity for corporations and organizations
2. List of specific skills, experience, time commitment, and anything else required of the student.
- No prior kitchen or non-profit experience necessary
- Kitchen volunteers must attend an orientation, and afterwards can set up a schedule that is convenient for
them
- Van volunteers must be able to do a 9:00AM-3:00PM shift
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Name of Community Organization: Cradles to Crayons
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor:
Lindsay Jensen
Title: Manager of Volunteer Relations
Email: Lindsay@cradlestocrayons.org Phone: 617-71-8417 ext. 117
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization and Overview of Goals:
To provide, free of charge, low-income and homeless children from birth to pre-teen the basic essentials they
need to be safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued. We also set a foundation for lasting change through the
meaningful, tangible volunteer opportunities we provide to thousands of youth and adults each year.
Cradles to Crayons operates out of a Quincy based warehouse. We make it simple for children, families,
corporations to give their time, treasures and talent to benefit other children in their community.
By partnering with social service agencies for distribution, we have a direct channel to serve tens of thousands
of children in need each year with basic everyday essentials like clothing, books, shoes and school supplies.
With the help of nearly 8,000 volunteers last year, Cradles to Crayons was able to serve 40,000 children in need
in Massachusetts.
Potential Projects:
Cradles to Crayons is able to accommodate groups as large as 50, as well as individual volunteers at The Giving
Factory. A typical volunteer shift is spent inspecting donated goods for quality and condition. An afternoon
could be spent matching outfits, packaging books, counting puzzle pieces or shopping to fill an order placed
for a child we serve.
We are also looking for volunteers who would like to deepen their relationship with Cradles to Crayons with an
internship program. Interns will gain a better understanding of Cradles to Crayons’ partnership with volunteers
and social service agencies. This is an excellent opportunity to familiarize oneself with a multitude of Boston
based social service agencies as well as the greater Boston community.
Requirements:
Students can commit for as little as two hours once a year or choose to expand their time commitment with us.
We would ask that interns commit to a weekly volunteer shift.
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Name of Community Organization: The Institute for Global Youth Development Programs
Main Contact Information: 857-891-3785
Potential Community Co-Educator/Supervisor: Babanina James
Title: President and CEO
Email: bbaninina.james@igydp.org
Phone: 857-891-3785 office 617-516-8487
Communication Preference: Email
Mission of Organization:
The Institute for Global Youth Development Programs (IGYDP) was established as a 501 C3 non-profit
organization in 2003 for the joint purpose of creating health equity and increasing education, social and
economic opportunities for youth and young adults form disadvantaged communities. IGYDP’s mission is to
build youth and community leadership and provide opportunities for professional development, educational
enhancement, health promotion and prevention education, mentoring, spiritual wellness, business development
and long-term stability for youth, young adults and families.
Organization Overview:
IGYDP is a highly active, youth driven community based organization that addresses unmet needs of
adolescent youth, with a special focus on high risk and highly vulnerable youth in the greater Boston area.
IGYDP provided trained peer educators who teach a variety of health education and health prevention
workshops that lower risk taking behaviors associated with HIV/AIDS/STI infection, violence, teen
pregnancy, suicide and depression, nutrition health and wellness. We train our young people in the art of
critical thinking and encourage participants to engage in civic activities that will benefit underserved
communities.
BUILD THEM UP COALITION:
 Build Them Up Replication & Training Site Project- Provides year round evidence
based violence and HIV prevention to youth 8 through 21 years of age in schools, churches,
community centers, housing developments and community based agencies. Provide capacity
building assistance to partnering agency.
 Build Them Up Youth Catalyst Project- IGYP BTU Scholars engage in community
participatory research, implement community focus groups and review evidence based
interventions targeting youth in conjunction with Boston Partners in Mentoring Agency.
 Build Them Up Youth Speakers Bureau- IGYDP staff and program veterans conduct
workshops and speaking engagements, at conferences, receptions and other youth service
organizations focused on health prevention and health promotion.
 Build Them Up Community Partnerships and Coalition Meetings- IGYDP Staff and
volunteers implement Monthly BTU Coalition Meetings to address the emerging needs of
adolescents. In addition, staff actively participate in community organizing and attend
national, state, regional and local coalition meetings.
Current Relationship with Simmons College: IGYDP has been a partner with Simmons College Scott/Ross
Center for Community Service for the past three years. Jointly implementing the Build Her Up Summer Peer
Institute, Summer Youth Leadership Program for Young Women, and Monthly Coalition Meetings for Girls
during the academic school year
Community Identified Assets and Needs:
Assets:
 IGYDP has a Program Advisory Committee of experts with over 35 years of experience in the field
of youth development, business, public health, community leadership and service.
 IGYDP has over 70 community based organizations and businesses who partner with the agency.
 IGYDP has a youth workforce that is the heart beat of the organization.
 The President and CEO Babanina James is an expert in gender responsive programming, Capacity
Building and Technical Assistance, youth development and non-profit management.
Needs:
 Talented young adults and volunteers who are invested in improving health outcomes for youth.
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

Individuals who are able to volunteer 2 to 16 hours per month to work on a specific project being
implemented by the organization Core Community Response Volunteer Teams.
Students from diverse backgrounds and career interests including but not limited to public health,
social work, business, nursing, marketing and communication.
Potential Projects:
1. CORE COMMUNITY RESPONSE VOLUNTEERS – IGYDP internship program for high school
seniors, college and graduate school students interested in human service, public health, social work,
information technology, business administration and management fields. Students receive field placements
with partnering community based organization service sites and serve on community service projects that last
three (3) to nine (9) months.
a. Develop and implement a fundraiser to help IGYDP continue its programs and services and raise awareness
b. Assist the agency with program research and proposal development
c. Assist with curriculum development to eliminate health disparities
d. Assist with IGYDP Outreach program to set up and attend community workshops
e. Plan an Awareness forum or event at the campus focused on Young Women & Girls and any one of our
health disparities areas: Domestic Violence, HIV/AIDS Nutrition Health and Wellness, Substance abuse
and/or Social Justice. *An example would be World HIV/AIDS Day, December 1 st, 2012
f. Assist the agency with program evaluation, data collection, and data entry
g. Assist the agency by submitting conference abstracts focused on the health equity/health disparities in
women and girls.
2. Specific Skills, experience, time commitment, other requirements of the student:
We seek individuals who want to make a difference and have a minimum of 2-8 hours per month to work on
specific projects. Ideal candidates are available one day a week (preferred days Tuesday – Thursdays) from 4-7
pm but that is negotiable.
Skills: writing, mentoring, public speaking, planning, organizing, theater, poetry, teaching, training, research,
website design, marketing, social work, public relations and coordination.
All interested parties should send cover letter along with resume to Babanina.james@igydp.org
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