March 30, 2022 By Carol Britton Meyer
A fundraiser for the residents living in the co-ed group home for transitional-age youth on Beal Street is underway to provide them with technology to support them in their studies.
The goal is to raise $8,000 to purchase an iPad, iPencil, and headphones for each of the adolescents-- ages 15 to 20 -- who make their home there and attend various South Shore high schools. As of Tuesday, about $4,000 of that goal had been raised.
The group home, hosted by Bay State Community Services, focuses on independent living skills, permanency, and family reunification. This 12-bed program provides 24-hour, out-of-home treatment for adolescents, providing caregiver-driven services in a home-like environment. The length of stay varies depending on when treatment goals are met.
Director of Community Relations and Development Bryna Rogers recently posted a message on the "Baystate Teens Community Support Network" Facebook page to get the word out about this fundraising effort.
She noted that iPads have made a comeback with teens and young adults in the classroom, and that while public schools rely on technology -- including teaching and sharing course assignments and materials with their students -- most schools do not provide iPads, laptops, or Chromebooks for students to use at home.
"This technology helps students access resources from home while supporting them with study skills and note-taking and allows them to communicate with their teachers and participate in online class sessions," Rogers explained.
Students without these resources find themselves at an extreme disadvantage in the classroom, according to Rogers. "These teens need access to school materials, and they need our support to gain this access!"
To make a donation, visit https://baystatecs.ejoinme.org/donate.
Volunteer Bridget Galvin, a Hingham resident, works with Beal Street Director Sara Aneese and Assistant Director Christina Caraco on various projects. These have included beautifying the grounds last year with the much-appreciated help and support of the Hingham Unity Council and a holiday wish-list program, where a friend was matched to each of the young residents. "They got everything they wished for!" Galvin told the Hingham Anchor.
She also started the "Hair Love Project," which is a continuing program. A friend of Galvin's who is a hairdresser visits the residential home once a month to do braids, locs, and extensions. “The kids love it,” Galvin said.
For further information about the fundraiser, to ask questions, to make a donation to this project or to Hair Love, or to help with future projects, email Galvin at bgalvin@bostonpublicschools.org. Contributions in any amount are welcome.
For further information about this life-changing youth program, contact Rogers at (617) 471-8400, ext. 171, or at brogers@baystatecs.org. More information about Bay State Community Services is available at www.baystatecs.org.