| What is your AB-SO-LUTE favorite summer memory as a young person? Maybe it’s going to the beach or an annual family BBQ? Perhaps it’s your first job, a summer camp, or playing outside all day with your friends? Whatever your memory, the truth is, we all want a safe, happy, and rewarding summer.
But a safe, happy, and rewarding summer isn’t a guarantee. As neighbors in the Talbot-Norfolk Triangle neighborhood, we take pride in where we live, work, play and worship. Yet summer can be a season of increased violence, decreased opportunities, and unstructured out-of-school time that can lead to risky behaviors among our young people. The availability of a summer job for a teen is not a given. And the reality of chronic community trauma can result in neighbors of all ages feeling disconnected and isolated.
This is why we triple our program efforts for six weeks each summer.
You couldn’t miss the urgency in her voice. “Are my kids still with you? Are they? They need to come home NOW. Gunshots just went off, and then a car drove crazy fast down the street and around the block.” I was on a Peace Walk with neighbors, community workers, pastors, and local police just two blocks away. Edna* was home caring for her baby, but her two other children were with me. I brought Edna’s children home right away, and the two of us numbly talked about what had just happened. As moms, our hearts ached. We want our kids to run around the block with friends, go to camp, and have meaningful summer jobs. We all deserve a safe, rewarding and happy summer – and our neighborhood is no different. (*name changed.)
Your partnership ensures a summer full of opportunities for children, teenagers, and families!
What makes for a safe, happy, and rewarding summer in our neighborhood? OPPORTUNITIES! These include faith, fitness, fine arts, and fun for children, neighbors engaged in inter-generational outdoor evening activities, teen jobs, and pivotal pre-employment programming for our middle-school youth. Studies have shown that when you are more connected as a community, there is an increase in public safety and community resiliency. And let’s face it, how can you not feel connected with each other after you’ve painted portraits together over live jazz music in the park? More than anything we want all neighbors to know and experience the overwhelming love Jesus has for them. This is what building a strong community characterized by God’s shalom looks like.
Would you give today and make an ABSOLUTE safe, happy, and rewarding summer possible?
 
We’re off to a great start! This year, one church partner has already committed to raising 25% of our need ($12,500). Together, we can create opportunities that have a lasting impact. As a Friend of The Boston Project, your giving makes all the difference.
Shalom,
 
The Boston Project Ministries • 15 Elmhurst Street, Dorchester, MA 02124
  
PS. We are still overwhelmed by people’s generosity to meet our emergency funding need in March. Thank You!
It’s easy to donate online today. We can’t wait to hear from you!
With love and care,
Paul & Glenna Malkemes
for The Boston Project’s family and neighbors
|
