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Jeff Butts |
The recent increase in the level of community violence has strengthened our resolve to help the City of Boston’s most at-risk youth. Our social workers have been on the front lines, helping young people to make responsible choices for their futures and to cope with choices that may have led them astray.
Unfortunately, over the past three months, four of our youth became victims of homicide. Several other clients were victims of shootings or stabbings. The YSPN social workers supported the victims’ parents, siblings, families, and friends by providing immediate support via counseling, assistance with funeral arrangements, and safety plans. We continue to work directly with these families and youth as well as continuing our ongoing outreach to victims of violence. Our talented, experienced and compassionate staff members have supported each other, as well, through this particularly emotionally challenging time.
This year, we have assisted more than 50 teenagers in finding job placements. Additionally, we have been able to connect more than 70 youth to various camps around the city, 40 of whom we referred to Camp Harbor View, a new summer day camp managed by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston.
Our work would not be possible without the ongoing support of our city’s generous philanthropists. On behalf of the staff and clients of YSPN, thank you.
Sincerely,
Jeff Butts, LICSW, ACSW
Executive Director