October 2024 Newsletter

In the News

Freedom House awarded a $30,000 grant from National Grid Foundation?

Freedom House was awarded a $30,000 grant as part of National Grid Foundation's philanthropic commitment to support organizations to create opportunities for today’s and tomorrow’s educational and environmental issues. The grant will support the continued impact of the Preparing Urban Students for Success in Higher Education (PUSH) program.

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Freedom House awarded a $8,000 grant from Boston Evening Clinic Foundation

Freedom House was awarded a $8,000 grant as part of the Boston Evening Clinic Foundation's mission to provide healthcare services focusing on the medical needs of low-income persons, their families, and the elderly. The grant will support the mental wellness programming and services provided as part of Freedom House's Preparing Urban Students for Success in Higher Education (PUSH) program.

Scholar Soundbite

"Freedom House helped me see how much I love working with young people; for my future endeavors I hope to have a career where I work with kids."

What's Happening at the House?

PUSH High School Programming

Our organization continues to grow!?

This month, we are excited to welcome two new team members: Ahsad Harvey and Matthew Dominique. Both Ahsad and Matthew were Scholars in the PUSH High School program and are now joining us as staff. Ahsad will be serving as a High School Success Specialist at Boston Arts Academy, while Matthew will join us as our third Massachusetts Promise Fellow at Snowden International High School.

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PUSH College Programming

We welcome a new member to our growing Freedom House staff, Patrick Cardoso. Patrick has served as a Junior Coach, where he has mentored youth, co-facilitated workshops, represented Freedom House at city-wide networking events, and more. He is now a PUSH College Post-Secondary Specialist and he will be serving students attending community college.?

Three of our PUSH college students received the Franklin H. Putnam Scholarship from Bank of America; recipients were awarded a total of $15,000 in scholarship funds. This scholarship opportunity provides economic support for our students as they continue to pursue their academic goals.?

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PUSH-2-Start

Our GAP Year students have been modeling what it means to leverage resources, as they navigate PUSH Program’s High School to Success pipelines. As school is now in session, we currently have 4 GAP Year students enrolled in college.?

2 of our GAP Year students began their first semester at Bunker Hill Community College, where they are taking on their next milestone towards their career goals.?

Also, we have 2 GAP Year students who began their 2nd semester at University of Massachusetts-Boston.

CEO Corner

“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”

– Audre Lorde

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As we fully embrace the fall season, October brings with it a shift in the weather and the spirit of change. The extreme heat of summer is behind us, and the cool, crisp days are upon us. We are looking forward to enjoying those beautiful “autumn summer” days, but sweater weather, hoodie season, and the arrival of fall favorites like Timberland boots, Crocs, and Ugg Tasmans are here. It’s a time of transition—not only in our wardrobes but in the rhythm of life itself.

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October marks the start of the holiday season for many. While some may celebrate Halloween, others look ahead to the more significant holidays that await in November and December. It’s also a time of transition for organizations, as we start wrapping up our fiscal year, analyzing growth patterns, and preparing for what’s next.

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This October is extra special for us at Freedom House. On October 10th, we will celebrate our Champions of Freedom Gala at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, commemorating 75 years of service to the community. This is a moment to honor the incredible sheroes and heroes whose dedication has made Freedom House a legacy. As we reflect on the past 75 years, we look forward to continuing our mission for another 75 years and beyond, impacting the lives of those we serve.

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On a larger scale, October is also World Mental Health Day—also on October 10th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and rallying global efforts to support mental wellness. Here at Freedom House, we have seen a significant rise in mental health challenges among the high school and college students we serve, especially in the aftermath of COVID. Now more than ever, it is critical to raise our voices in advocacy for increased mental health resources, funding, and support, particularly for Black and Brown students. Together, we can help disrupt and dismantle the stigmas surrounding mental wellness and ensure our young people have access to the care they deserve.

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Looking ahead, we’re just one month away from a monumental election. November 5th is an opportunity for all of us to make our voices heard as we head to the polls to vote for the next president of the United States. This is a critical time for our nation—politically, socially, and morally. I encourage each of you to reflect on the values that matter to you, research the candidates, and make an informed decision. Our votes shape the future for generations to come, especially for the young people we serve.

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October is indeed a busy month, full of movement and change as we start the countdown to the end of the year. Let’s embrace this season of transformation with purpose and vision as we continue to advocate for the communities we care about.

Community Corner

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

MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Dr. J. Keith Motley served as Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Boston from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2017. Currently, Dr. Motley serves as Distinguished Professor in UMass Boston's College of Management. New Balance Corporation created the Dr J. Keith Motley Chair for Sports Leadership in his honor in 2018. The Sports Leadership program has grown to over 200 students in four years.

As the first African American Chancellor of UMass Boston, considered the most diverse public research university in New England, Dr. Motley highlighted academic excellence, access and inclusion among key mission related goals.

Dr. Motley serves on numerous boards of organizations with local, regional, and national reach including Board Chair of Carney Hospital, The Boston Foundation, The Sports Museum, Stonehill College, Eastern Bank and the Freedom House. From October 2001- July 2003,Dr. Motley served as Consultant to the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. Five years in a row, Dr. Motley was named to the Boston Business Journal's "Power 50" list of Boston-area influencers. In 2016 and in 2023, he was named to the "Get Konnected! 100" list of Boston's 100 Most Influential People of color.

In April 2023 ,the University of Massachusetts Boston Named it’s Residence Hall Complex in honor of Dr Motley and his wife Angela. The Motley’s were recently selected to receive the Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Coretta Scott King award from Embrace Inc and their names will be placed on the civil rights tribute at the Embrace statue plaza on Boston Common.

Dr. Motley holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northeastern University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Boston College. He also holds Honorary Doctorates awarded by Northeastern University, Stonehill College, Robert Morris University, Pine Manor College along with the President’s award for Distinguished Civic Leadership from Emerson College.

Mark Your Calendar

October 10, 2024: 22nd Annual Champions of Freedom (Event Website )

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 .