November 2024 Newsletter
In the News
Freedom House awarded a $25,000 grant from Yawkey Foundation?
Freedom House was awarded a $25,000 grant by the Yawkey Foundation in line with their commitment to carrying forward the philanthropic legacy of Tom and Jean Yawkey by profoundly impacting the lives of students and families. This grant will sustain vital programming and services to address the pressing needs of our students and community.
Freedom House awarded a $2,000 grant from M&T Charitable Foundation
Freedom House was awarded a $2,000 grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation as part of their commitment?to strengthen communities by providing support for a diverse range of civic, cultural, health and human service organizations through grants.
Freedom House receipent of Mass Humanities grant
Freedom House was awarded a grant by Mass Humanities as part of their Expand Massachusetts Stories (EMS) in initiative. The grants support vital storytelling projects that provide a more complete, more nuanced picture of life in the Commonwealth.?This funding with support Freedom House's Roxbury-Dorchester Community Stories Project - intergenerational community archiving project
aimed at gathering and sharing stories from Boston residents.
Freedom House’s Champions of Freedom Gala Raises $165,000 in Celebration of 75 Years of Impact and Educational Equity
Freedom House hosted its annual Champions of Freedom Gala on October 10, marking 75 years of advancing economic, racial, and social equity through education and leadership development. Held at the Seaport Hotel, the inspiring event welcomed over 150 guests and raised $165,000 to support the organization’s programs focused on advancing educational equity and leadership development for youth from historically marginalized communities. (Read More)
Announcing the Otto and Muriel Snowden Scholarship Fund
Freedom House is thrilled to announce the launch of the?Otto and Muriel Snowden Scholarship Fund - a new initiative created to carry forward the legacy of our founders. This fund will provide crucial scholarships to our young scholars, ensuring they have the resources to achieve their dreams, no matter the challenges they face. This new fund will not only help cover the costs of education for deserving students but also provide mentorship and leadership opportunities.
Scholar Soundbite
"I hope to destigmatize the stereotypes of my people, and I aspire to be someone successful who can set an example for other people."
What's Happening at the House?
Exciting News from PUSH Leadership Institute!
We're thrilled to announce that PUSH Leadership Institute is kicking off this month! Our team has been busy interviewing the next wave of Scholars, and we've already received over 50 applications—with more expected to come in throughout the month. Stay tuned for exciting updates by following us on social media!
Snowden International Students Explore UMass Dartmouth
Recently, Snowden International students had the opportunity to tour UMass Dartmouth, gaining valuable insights into college campus life. This experience helped students weigh important decisions, such as whether to live on campus for the full college experience or save money by commuting to a local school. They also explored UMass Dartmouth’s academic offerings, including Nursing, Engineering, Business, and Computer Science programs. The tour was an exciting opportunity for students to envision their future college paths!
Freedom House Welcomes Six New Junior Coaches
We are thrilled to welcome six talented college students joining us as Junior Coaches this season! They bring fresh perspectives and energy to support and inspire our high school scholars. Get ready for some incredible engagement, mentorship, and growth as they embark on this journey with us!
Congratulations to Kelise Cole!
Just a month after earning her Medical Assistant certification, Kelise has already secured a position at a private practice. She’s bringing dedication, skill, and drive to her new role, and we couldn’t be prouder of this incredible achievement.?
PUSH-2-Start Students Transition to College and Junior Coach Leadership Positions for the Fall
The fall season is quickly approaching, and our PUSH-2-Start year students are ready to hit the ground running! Two of our PUSH-2-Start students have stepped into their first college semester, and four of our current PUSH-2-Start students have been on-boarded as Junior Coaches. They’re ready to mentor, lead workshops, build networks, and level up their professional skills. It will be an impactful season of growth, connection, and leadership!
PUSH-2-Start Provides Support to Boston Day and Evening Academy Students
As we start our season connecting with partner high schools, we’ve had the privilege of bringing in dedicated PUSH-2-Start student support. This student had the powerful opportunity to engage with high school youth at Boston Day and Evening Academy, motivating them to get involved and make the most of their experience. It’s all about inspiring the next generation to stay engaged and make their voices heard!
Snapshots from Champions of Freedom
CEO Corner
Gratitude, Giving, and Growth: A CEO’s Reflection
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
As we enter the month of November, a season of giving, I am reminded of the importance of gratitude, generosity, and community. Thanksgiving is a time when we gather with loved ones, reflect on our blessings, and consider ways we can give back.
At Freedom House, we believe this season is an opportunity to deepen our commitment to supporting those in need—especially the young people and families who rely on our programs.
Celebrating Our Successes
This past October, we were honored to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Freedom House at the Champions of Freedom Gala. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised critical funds to continue our mission of education, equity, and impact. One of the most exciting outcomes of the evening was the launch of the Otto and Muriel Snowden Scholarship. This scholarship will open doors for deserving students, ensuring that their college dreams are within reach.
We also took a moment to highlight the incredible journey of Gisel Ure?a, a shining example of what it means to inspire, graduate, and give back. Gisel’s journey from high school through college and now serving on the board of Freedom House is a testament to the power of perseverance and community support. The video showcasing her story was a powerful reminder of the transformative impact Freedom House has on the lives of our young people. We are proud to share her journey with all of you, and we encourage you to watch the video if you missed it at the gala.
Giving Back This Holiday Season
As we prepare for the holidays, let us remember the families who may be struggling during this time. Whether facing financial hardships, housing instability, or emotional challenges, many of our neighbors need support. As we shop for our own families, I encourage you to think about ways to extend a helping hand. Consider buying extra groceries for a family in need or involving your children in acts of kindness. Teaching the next generation to “pay it forward” not only enriches their character but also strengthens the bonds within our community.
A Call to Unity in Divisive Times
We are also heading into a time of political tension. The upcoming elections have highlighted the divisions in our country, but disagreement does not have to fuel hate. At Freedom House, we stand firm in our belief that investing in humanity—supporting, respecting, and loving one another—is the key to healing and progress. Let’s model for our children the power of empathy, compassion, and understanding, even when we don’t see eye to eye.
Invest in the Future
As we move forward, I invite you to consider how you can invest in Freedom House and the lives of the young people we serve. Whether it’s through your time, talents, or financial contributions, there are countless ways to make an impact. From workshops and educational series to extracurricular programs, we are always looking for passionate individuals who want to help our youth grow and thrive. Your involvement can make a world of difference.
Thank you for being a part of the Freedom House family. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Community Corner
Community Corner features stories and important updates from leaders across the Freedom House community.
MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Gary Morton
Head of Strategic Programs and Deployment
MassMutual
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Introduce yourself to our community!
I would introduce myself as a Financial Services Executive who is from the beautiful island of Montserrat and proud dad of two amazing teenagers.?
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What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about people development, youth development, and the development of my home country.
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How did you get connected to Freedom House?
I was first connected through Gail Snowden while working for Bank of Boston.
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Why were you interested in being a board member?
Youth development is a passion of mine, particularly youth of color, as I am a product of some trajectory changing youth mentorship programs.?Freedom House consistently does a phenomenal job with their youth development and support programs.
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What do you envision for the future of Freedom House?
Expansion to serve and enable a growing community of youth achievement and success.
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What would you tell a newcomer to Freedom House?
Your time, talent and treasure is well-placed when you choose to serve as a Freedom Board Member.
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What is your favorite quote?
"Lift as you climb."
Mark Your Calendar
December 16, 2024: Freedom House Day Celebration (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.