The Ellis South End Neighborhood Association announced this week its new Community Outreach initiative, in depth involvement with three public service organizations in the South End. There will be volunteer opportunities, site visits and days of service.
- Casa Myrna Vasquez, Inc., located in the South End and Dorchester, is New England’s leading provider of shelter and comprehensive services to victims and survivors of domestic violence. They offer residential, transitional living and teen parenting programs to vulnerable women and their children. Founded in 1970 it is named for Myrna Vazquez, a renowned actress in her native Puerto Rico, and a South End activist.
- The McKinley Elementary School and South End Academyis a BPS alternative school for K-12 students with emotional, behavioral and learning needs. It is a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment in which students engage in a full range of academic programs and grow to meet high standards. Dedicated, creative, and energetic teachers possess high level skills in their content areas, as well as instructional and behavior modification approaches, that cultivate a school culture where learning is paramount.
- St. Stephen’s Youth Programs (SSYP)began in 2000 to provide neighborhood elementary and high school students with a safe place to go when school is not in session. Today, SSYP’s successful, cost effective, out-of-school-time programming serves 850 young people in grades K-12+. Students are enrolled without regard to religious affiliation and most are of Latino/a and African American backgrounds. Many participants are part of new immigrant households where English is spoken as a second language. T As a special invitation to Ellis members, on Tuesday, October 25, from 4-5:30 p.m., St. Stephens will be hosting a visit at the SSYP center, 419 Shawmut Ave. (at Blackstone Square).