January 2024 Newsletter

In the News

Freedom House awarded $60,000 grant from the Wellington Management Foundation

Freedom House was awarded a $60,000 grant by the Wellington Management Foundation in support of its Preparing Urban Students for Success in Higher Education (PUSH) program, in line with the Foundation's dedication to community organizations that support youth in under-resourced communities.

Freedom House awarded $50,000 grant from the Cabot Family Charitable Trust

Freedom House was awarded a $50,000 grant by the Cabot Family Charitable Trust in support of its Preparing Urban Students for Success in Higher Education (PUSH) program, in line with the Trust's commitment to community organizations that focus on ensuring the healthy growth and development of infants and young children, as a foundation for their future success.

Freedom House awarded $15,000 grant from the Liberty Mutual Foundation

Freedom House was awarded a $15,000 grant by the Liberty Mutual Foundation in line with the Foundation's aim to advance security and build resiliency for people and communities in vulnerable situations. This grant will support training/skills development to prepare our youth for current and future green jobs.

Freedom House awarded $20,000 grant from Boston After School and Beyond

Freedom House was awarded a $20,000 grant by Boston After School and Beyond in support of its PUSH Leadership Institute (FHLI) during the 2023/24 school year in line with BASB's mission to mobilize a diverse and data-driven network of programs to ensure that all Boston youth have access to engaging, skills-focused after-school and summer programs.

Freedom House awarded?$140,400 grant from the City of Boston

Freedom House was awarded a $140,400 grant from the City of Boston and the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity (YEO)?SuccessLink Youth Employment program. The grant will support the PUSH Leadership Institute (FHLI) during the 2023/24 school year.

Freedom House awarded $55,750 grant from New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund?(NCF)

Freedom House was awarded a $55,750 grant in support of its role as co-designer and trusted hub in their NCF x MGB maternal health equity work.

Scholar Soundbite

Freedom House has taught me team building and social skills. I’m connected because I overall liked and enjoyed the program.

What's Happening at the House?

Junior Coaches are back in the office!

14 Junior Coaches have successfully completed their employment training and orientation to begin their leadership work with PUSH Leadership Institute (FHLI). This is our second school year employing the Junior coach model in-person. Our Junior Coach cohort comprises our PUSH College and PUSH-to-Start students. Junior coaches are an essential element to the Freedom House Team. They amplify the impact of our programs with their ability to lead and relate to the scholar's experiences as youths.?

Freedom House Scholars are back in the House!

FHLI hosted an orientation with Scholars and Junior Coaches. Scholars will engage in workshops this school year to develop leadership, networking, and team-building skills and programming around financial literacy, personal and professional development, social and emotional wellness, and career exploration. The institute kicks off for the spring semester on January 9th.

Freedom House Scholars participate in a NBA Foundation - MIT Solveathon event

In December, 5 Freedom House Scholars engaged in a Solveathon event hosted by The NBA Foundation and MIT. During the Solveathon students had the opportunity to solve some of the NBA’s biggest business challenges. Freedom Huse scholars, Alex Mella, said of the event “I enjoyed doing critical analysis with the MIT students. One thing I learned from this event is the importance of branching out and networking."?Read More .

CEO Corner

Reflecting on Achievements and Charting a Purposeful Path Forward

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

- Harriet Tubman

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Happy New Year, and Welcome to 2024! Traditionally a new year is a time when we reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. Some people set ambitious resolutions on their vision boards. They tried and failed to achieve their goals from the previous year.?A new year for most may mean new beginnings.?So, what about 2024??Last year, I challenged us to focus on our achievements as we closed out 2023, in spite of our obstacles.?We believe that our community has an opportunity in 2024 to carry forth the momentum of 2023 on a path of progress paved by persistence and resilience.?2024 will be an important year for our growth and expansion, for refining our Vision 2025, and for co-creating our Vision 2030.?

Earning the confidence of our scholars, families, stakeholders, and funders means we are entrusted with increasing our visibility, accessibility, and resources, which allows us greater capacity to address the most pressing issues impacting our youth.

We evaluated approaches that continue to work and developed strategies where the gaps in our services persist by piloting PUSH-to-Start (Gap Year program) and expanding our mental wellness team of providers and services.

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2024 also marks our 75th Anniversary!!?It is an exciting moment in Freedom House’s history as our annual fundraiser, Champions of Freedom, will be the primary gathering of collective celebrations of this milestone, and we hope to use the momentous occasion of this anniversary to generate enthusiasm and investment in the future of Freedom House. I am delighted to have you join us in celebrating this spectacular event in October.

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With all the work we are preparing for in 2024, it would not be possible without our team of dedicated professionals and the resources, making it all a reality in fulfilling our mission. I have high expectations for the upcoming year.?We look forward to sharing our progress and impact with you.?Stay tuned!

May this New Year bring you happiness, peace, light, and many blessings!

Community Corner

Community Corner features stories and important updates from leaders across the Freedom House community.

MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Dr. Andrew Sobers

Vice President and Branch Manager (Boston), CMG Home Loans

I am originally from Barbados but am grateful to call Boston home, where I have connected with some great individuals and organizations over the years. Recognizing that we are a collection of our lived experiences. I am driven by the values instilled by my family, particularly my parents' strong work ethic and commitment to service and hence I approach life with a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. My dad was very strict, and I saw his work ethic daily as a professional boxer, husband, and father, but even in that capacity, he still found time to spend with us as kids and was very present. My mom was more laid back but the rock of the family; she set a goal and went after it unwaveringly and stuck to it through completion. My two brothers, sister and I grew up very close and to this day remain the same closeness as we had growing up. I can’t remember us ever having a disagreement as kids or adults and we always supported each other.?My parents were givers to families and the community at large, and it didn’t matter about the status of the person because, to them, it was the act of service that was important.

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That same passion for helping others and giving back is something that drives me daily, and I am always looking for ways to assist. I am deeply passionate about the mortgage industry and dedicated to helping families achieve homeownership. Beyond my professional roles, I actively engage with my community, and it extends to my role as a national trainer for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), where I conduct workshops across the country for nonprofit organizations. I've been recognized for my achievements in the banking industry, receiving accolades such as Mass Housing top minority lender of the year, Top Mass housing producer statewide and the Bankers and Tradesmen Community Banking Hero award.

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I share my knowledge by lecturing at universities, serving as an adjunct professor at the graduate level in areas related to Corporate Strategy and Strategies for Growth. My educational background includes a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Transformational Leadership, from Walden University, a MBA from the University of Surrey, an MSF from Cambridge College, and a professional qualification as an Associate Chartered Secretary from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.

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I've followed the work of Freedom House since when my friend and former CEO Katrina Shaw joined the organization She would always tell me of the great work and the impact Freedom House was having on the communities it was serving.?The opportunity came to be President of the Board and without hesitation, I agreed as I thought it would be an opportunity to work with the great staff, board, and community. I am honored to serve as the President of the board for Freedom House Inc. since my commitment to this organization aligns with my commitment to community involvement and educational equity. Freedom House, a beacon of change since 1949, has been instrumental in championing educational equity and economic opportunities for Black, Brown, and immigrant youth throughout our communities. My interest in being a board member stems from a deep sense of stewardship for the powerful legacy that Otto and Muriel Snowden started at Freedom House. The commitment of our board and staff to building economic, racial, and social equity through education, advocacy, and leadership development inspires me. Despite the challenges of these unprecedented times, Freedom House has emerged wiser and stronger, and I am excited about the organization's future.

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In envisioning the Future of Freedom House and looking ahead, I envision Freedom House continuing to be a beacon of change, implementing new strategic plans, and working towards systemic change. Our commitment to building an equitable world where youth can thrive and contribute to their communities remains unwavering. I invite you to engage with our board and staff, join us in implementing our strategic plans, and learn more about our commitment to systemic change featured in the 2022 annual impact report.

My Favorite Quote: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s quote, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy," because it speaks to the core values of resilience, character, and moral strength.

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Mark Your Calendar

February 2024: Opening the Archive - Freedom House at 75

October 2024: 22nd Annual Champions of Freedom

Join our Giving Societies

Your support is critical to our work providing holistic and youth development-centered programming and services that enable underrepresented students to overcome barriers to post-secondary success. Give Today .

75th Anniversary Artifact Project

In anticipation of Freedom House's 75th Anniversary in 2024, Freedom House has launched an ambitious initiative, The Artifact Project, aimed at gathering stories and reflections from individuals within our community whose lives have been shaped by Freedom House or who have substantially impacted our organization. All are welcome to participate! Watch the information session about the initiative . If you would like to participate in the Artifact Project, sign up here .