May 2024 Newsletter
In the News
Freedom House awarded $145,000 grant from Boston After School and Beyond
Freedom House was awarded a $145,000 grant from Boston After School and Beyond through the 5th Quarter of Learning program. The grant will support our Summer Learning Institute program, a 7-week post-secondary preparation program for high school scholars that provides youth employment, mental health services and professional networking.
Scholar Soundbite
"Freedom House helped me develop a plan for my future and open a door for opportunities that I would never have found on my own."
What's Happening at the House?
Spring Office Hours
On April 8, Freedom House staff hosted office hours. The session featured an update on our 2023 Impact Report , student stories, and opportunities to engage with Freedom House's work. Watch the Recording .
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Freedom House staff and PUSH Leadership Institute Scholars will participate in a series of informative workshops and engaging networking events centered on “Disrupting the Cultural Narrative of Myths and Stigma in Mental Health for Black and Brown Youth.” Keep an eye out for our social media posts!
Applications are open for the 2024 Summer Learning Institute
Freedom House has received over 120 applications thus far for our 2024 Summer Learning Institute. We will be conducting interviews for potential new scholars in May and June. To join our waiting list, please have youth complete our application .?Please support us in advocating for youth jobs in the City of Boston! Every youth deserves to participate in a summer employment opportunity.?
Freedom House scholar facilitates professionalism workshop
Caleb Cole, Freedom House Junior Coach and Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology student, facilitated a professionalism workshop for our PUSH Leadership Institute scholars. He discussed the importance of professional dress, being organized, and workplace safety. Caleb is planning to facilitate a follow-up workshop soon. We are excited?to see our Junior Coaches practicing the skills they have developed while at Freedom House!
End-of-Year Celebration
Freedom House's End-of-Year Celebration will be held on May 30th?at 5:00 PM. During this time, we will celebrate our high school and college graduates and our PUSH Leadership Institute scholars.?
It's Graduation Season!
Freedom House will be celebrating the graduations of scholars at our partner high schools and colleges:
A special congratulations to Freedom House scholar and colleague Iverson!
Our College Post-Secondary Specialist, Iverson Mella, will graduate from Suffolk University with a BS in Psychology on May 19th. Congrats Iverson!
CEO Corner
Welcoming May: A Gateway to Celebration and Support
Welcome to the month of May, often called the gateway to summer, brimming with warmth and promise of newness. As we journey through the unpredictable currents of our time, I am filled with awe at the progress and momentum building within our organization. Each passing day ignites within us a blend of anticipation, anxiety, eagerness, and joy for the exciting road that lies ahead.
This year marks a truly significant milestone in our organizational history - we proudly celebrate 75 years of dedicated service to our community. It is a profound honor to lead alongside an exceptional board and team, whose dedication and commitment have been instrumental in shaping our journey thus far. We see a world where many are navigating challenges, it’s important to find solace in unity and shared experiences.
As we embark on this month, let us extend a hand of support and solidarity to one another, knowing that together, we are stronger.?In times of uncertainty, it is crucial to remember that we are not alone.?
May holds special significance as Mental Health Awareness Month, prompting us to focus intentionally on supporting the well-being of our youth. Our aim is to empower young minds and their families by connecting them with vital resources. I invite you to mark your calendars for Thursday, May 21st, as we convene for our Freedom Talks Speaker Series and Roundtable discussion on "Disrupting the Cultural Narrative of Myths and Stigma in Mental Health for Black and Brown Youth," featuring insights from esteemed Mental Health Professionals.
Additionally, let us take a moment to honor and celebrate the nurturing presence of mothers in our lives. Happy Mother’s Day to all those who carry the noble title of "mother." Their love, resilience, and unwavering support are the cornerstone of our lives, embodying the profound words of Maya Angelou: "We need joy as we need air. We need love as we need water. We need each other as we need the earth we share."
As we immerse ourselves in the joys and challenges of this month, remember that you are an integral part of our community, a beacon of light and joy amidst the May bloom.
Community Corner
Community Corner features stories and important updates from leaders across the Freedom House community.
MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS
领英推荐
Gisel Ure?a
Entrepreneur
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Introduce yourself to our community!
I finally have taken ownership of my name.
When I arrived in America, I remember wishing I had a different name for a while, or at least began to unconsciously persuade myself to pronounce my name the new way… YUH-ray-na… to accept it and own it. This is more than just a name. I became a ghost to my own self. It is as if the little girl that was just running up and down with her cousins, climbing trees, eating mangos and helping her abuela run errands en el mercadito, in a split second went to sleep within me. Literally. At the same time another little girl was getting woken up, but she was a stranger and seemed to not know who she even was. She was disoriented and did a lot of things trying to be. She in fact did not know she was still asleep.
Wait who am I what is my name what is happening why everything anything
how is this real is it me stop don’t think can’t think
It was not a dream.
Do you get it?
Fast forward to a decade-plus later both girls have woken up. They are getting to know each other and making peace with what was in order to be and become. They were both me, they are still me, and I am relieved that it is known there is no need to wish to be anything else that is not she. She was, she is and will always be Gisel Ure?a.
I have finally taken ownership of my name.
gee-sell OO-rEH-nyaa
What are you most passionate about?
Simple… serving.
How did you get connected to Freedom House?
When I was a high school student at Snowden International.
Why were you interested in being a board member?
Two reasons: Representation and Responsibility.
What do you envision for the future of Freedom House?
Expansion and innovation in every area.
What would you tell a potential board member?
Remember the why(s). Why does Freedom House exist? Why are you
there? And every other single why that will keep you anchored and present.
Fun Fact Question: What is your favorite place in the world?
My bed!
Mark Your Calendar
October 10, 2024: 22nd Annual Champions of Freedom (Save the Date )
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! If you would like to participate in the Artifact Project, sign up here .