Boston Youth Invited to Learn to Swim with BCYF
Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), the City of Boston's largest youth and human service agency, is hosting free beginner swim lessons, "Swim for Safety," for Boston youth ages 5-12 at a BCYF pool over April school vacation week.

Boston is surrounded by water and swimming is a low cost, healthy exercise that people can enjoy their whole lives. BCYF Swim for Safety will help children become safe and confident around water and eager to continue to participate in aquatics programs. BCYF Swim for Safety will be offered at 14 BCYF pools. The schedules vary so contact the pool directly for more information and to register. Partial list below:

BCYF Blackstone Community Center, South End, 617-635-5162
BCYF Condon Community Center, South Boston, 617-635-5100
BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center, Jamaica Plain, 617-635-5193
BCYF Hennigan Community Center, Jamaica Plain, 617-635-5198
BCYF Quincy Community Center, Chinatown, 617-635-5129

To see what else is happening at BCYF over April school vacation week, visit Boston.Gov/BCYF.

ABCD Summerworks: application available until June 29. www.summerworks.net
For over 45 years ABCD has offered summer jobs to youth throughout the City of Boston. In the past three summers, SummerWorks provided over 5,000 Boston youth with a summer job at more than 500 partner worksites throughout the city. Youth ages 14 to 21 have had the opportunity to work in a range of jobs.

Boston Private Industry Council (PIC): BPS high school students should meet with their PIC counselors now- www.bostonpic.org The PIC connects the youth and adults of Boston to education and employment opportunities. The PIC identifies labor and skill shortages, then crafts innovative initiatives that respond to the needs of employers and local residents.

826 Boston April Vacation Writing Workshops: Reserve your spot now for an April vacation writing workshop at 826 Boston! Youth ages 6+ are invited to attend this series of free and interactive two-hour writing workshops. 3035 Washington St., Roxbury. Register: 617-442-5400, info@826boston.org .

The Blackstone: Tuesday - Friday,Youth Connection drop-in activities, 12-8 p.m. Computer time, open gym, Decathlon and swim time. BCYF "Swim For Safety" free basic swim lessons for ages 5-12. Must pre-register, class times vary by age. BCYF Lifeguard Institute lifeguard training course for ages 16-18. Contact the Center for more information.

Full schedules and information at http://www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf

Community Career Fair
The Roxbury Community College will be hosting over 30 employers to represent careers in health care, non-profit, government, hospitality, retail, education, science, pharmaceutical, and more! Parking will not be available.
Thursday, April 23, 2015 from 12:00pm-3:00pm
Roxbury Community College, Student Center Building 4, Room 200, 1234 Columbus Ave, Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120

Legislative Open House
Please join Mothers for Justice and Equality for round table conversations throughout the day. You will have the opportunity to meet elected officials and listen to mothers, fathers, and youth share their experience with living in underserved communities, and learn how
Mothers for Justice and Equality and others are working to make a difference in their lives.
Friday, April 24, 2015 from 10:00am-3:00pm
Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley Street Suite 109, Roxbury, MA 02119
Call 617-516-8086




Healthy Kids Day
Healthy Kids Day is an annual event that inspires parents and kids to stay moving and learning all summer long. The Huntington Ave. YMCA will celebrate Healthy Kids Day with fun and free activities that promote the health and well-being of children.
April 25th from 10:00am-2:00pm
Huntington Ave YMCA, 316 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Visit www.ymcaboston.org/huntington


A Conversation on Domestic Violence
The Urban League Guild of Eastern Massachusetts is hosting a conversation about domestic violence.
Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 1:00pm-3:00pm
Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, 88 Warren St, Roxbury, MA 02119
Contact JacQuie Cairo-Williams at 617-442-4519 x252 with questions

Boston Promise Initiative: Parents and Politics
During this conversation parents will learn how to strengthen their involvement at schools, and how to politically support schools needs through BPS District, and Boston City Council testimony in support of budgets, school needs, student's needs, and the power in unified parents behind specific topics. Special guests include Nia Evans of NAACP, Gloria West of Project RIGHT, and Dianna Lescinskas of Boston SpedPac. A light dinner will be served.
April 29, 2015 from 5:00pm-9:00pm
Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School, 270 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02121
Please RSVP at https://eventbrite.com/event/15672619226/

19th Annual Mother's Day Walk for Peace
This Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10th, 2015, thousands of caring and concerned citizens will rally and walk in support of creating a more peaceful and violence free community. Your participation will help deliver this much needed and important message and will support the efforts of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute and other community organizations working to stop the violence.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Town Field Park, Field's Corner, Dorchester, MA
Visit http://www.mothersdaywalk4peace.org/register.html





Kroc Center Open Volleyball
If you are 18 or older and want a different way to work out and have fun, stop by the Kroc Center for free open volleyball.
Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00pm
The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 650 Dudley Street, Dorchester, MA 02125
Contact yhinny.matos@use.salvationarmy.org



Teen Voices Rising
WriteBoston's all-girls teen program acts as a safe platform for girls to express their views on social justice and women's issues. Earn community service hours and have your work published! Free food will be provided
Mondays 3:30pm-5:30pm
Dorchester Academy, 11 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02122
Contact Prema Bangera at prema.bangera@boston.gov

Sister 2 Sister Sexual Health and Wellness Conversations
Young women ages 15-25 in Boston are encouraged to participate in a 60-90 minute, confidential, judgment free, one-on-one conversation about sexual health and wellness. Learn ways to protect yourself and your goals, learn knowledge and confidence about HIV/STI/Birth Control, and have the opportunity to receive free HIV Rapid Test. Those who attend will receive a $20 gift card for participating.
By appointment
Exact ABCD Health center varies by appointment
Contact Jessica Charles for appointment at 617-348-6415 or jessica.charles@bostonabcd.org

Boston Medical Center Baby Café
Pregnant and interested in breastfeeding? Already breastfeeding and want to meet other moms? Need answers to breastfeeding questions? Join this free breastfeeding drop-in group for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. Snacks, support, and help from professionals will be provided.
Every Monday from 5:00pm-6:30pm and every Wednesday from 2:00pm-4:00pm
Codman Square Health Center, Room 265, 637 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA 02124.
Call 617-414-4370

Volley Against Violence (VAV)
Sportsmen's Tennis & Enrichment Center invites youth ages 4-17 are to play tennis for FREE and enjoy two hours of community fitness, food, and fun. VAV was designed and offered by Sportsmen's as an effort to decrease violence among Boston youth by promoting positive decision-making, socials skill development, and an opportunity to connect with adult role models. Sportsmen's has also enlisted the help of the Boston Police Department whose officers serve as coaches during VAV to foster positive relationships with youth and families in the community.
Every Friday from 6-8 p.m.
950 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02124 (near Franklin Field/Harambee Park)
Contact Jelani Haynes atjhaynes@sportsmenstennis.org or 617-429-3876


Club STAR: Sharing Together and Remembering
A bereavement support group for children in kindergarten through senior year, grieving the loss of a sibling or parent. Club STAR provides opportunities for children and teens to share experiences, create projects and participate in memory making activities. There is a special group for parents/caregivers. Dinner and parking are provided.
First Wednesday of every month from 5:30-7:30pm through June 2015
Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St. Boston
Contact Hillary D'Amato atmghclubstar@partners.org or (617) 643-9276 with questions or to register

Hispanic Black Gay Coalition
Black and Latina women who are ready to be inspired are invited to come together, share stories, and learn from each other with HUES SISTER CIRCLE.
First Wednesday of every month, 6:45-9pm
Union United Methodist Church, 485 Columbus Ave. Boston
Visit www.hbgc-boston.org

1-4 Year Old Playgroups
With free play, circle time, and parent discussion, Playgroups are a wonderful place for you and your toddler to connect with each other and with other families. Your child will develop social and emotional skills, early literacy, gross and fine motor skills, and experience art and sensory materials. This group is for parents and their children ages 1-4 years.
Thursdays 9:30-11:30am
Georgetowne Homes Community Room, 400A Georgetowne Drive, Hyde Park
Visit http://familynurturing.org/dropins/1-3-year-old-playgroup-1; For more times and locations, visit http://familynurturing.org/programs/parent-child-playgroups

23rd Annual Boston Youth Peace Conference
The Center for Teen Empowerment cordially invites you to the 23rd Annual Boston Youth Peace Conference: Reality Remixed. It will be one of Boston's hottest productions, featuring many of the city's most talented young people. The evening includes an original theatre presentation with music, dance, spoken word, and youth speaking from their hearts about their lives and their hopes for a better Boston.
April 25, 2015 from 6:30pm-9:30pm
Paramount Theater, 559 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
Tickets are free, but space is limited. Reserve your tickets online at https://paramountboston.org or call 617-824-8400





YEAR UP is recruiting for its September 2015 class
Know a young adult who is looking for a next step in their journey towards a career & higher education. Year Up's mission is to close the opportunity divide through a one-year intensive program. This free program serves youth ages 18-24 who receive an educational stipend and earn 24 FREE college credits while taking classes and completing an internship at top companies in Boston to prepare them for a professional career.
There are Information Sessions on most Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 4:00pm
Year Up, 93 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110
To learn more, contact Sabrina atsantoine@yearup.org or call 617-542-1533 and follow the prompts to Admissions to RSVP for an upcoming information session. . Interested applicants should fill out an online Student Interest Form at http://www.yearup.org/for-students/


Second Church in Dorchester Enrichment Programs
The Second Church in will be hosting two free math tutoring sessions for students in grades 1-12 and free sewing and design classes this spring.
Math tutoring - Fridays from 6:00pm-7:00pm; Sewing & Design Classes - Wednesdays from 5:30pm-7:00pm
44 Moultrie Street, Dorchester, MA
Call 617-825-2797 or visitwww.secondchurchdorchester.org

Our Health Matters - Youth Interview Project
This opportunity is a one-time research interview for 13 to 17 year old LGBTQ youth of color in the Boston area. This project strives to learn more about why younger LGBTQ youth of color do not go to community-based LGBTQ youth programs. Participants will receive a $35 gift card for their time of 1 hour
Please call 617-804-5436 or emailyouth@fenwayhealth.org

Wediko Children's Services Living with Loss: Grief Support Program
This group is a 6-week cycle that supports children, teens, and adults who have experienced a loss in their life. The group offers support thru ritual, education, activity, and discussion, allowing families the space they need to share their stories and build skills. In addition, dinner and transportation is provided; Wediko is a MBHP and BCBS provider.
Tuesdays from April 28-June 2, 2015 from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Members are asked to attend each session
Wediko Children's Services Boston Office: 72-74 East Dedham Street Boston, MA 02118
Registration is required. Please contact Kate Tetuan at 617-512-8681 or visit http://www.wediko.org/living-with-loss.html for more information.


Roxbury Multi-Service Center (RMSC) Education Center Programs
RMSC's Open Access Computer Lab, Homework Help Program, and Math Program Saturdays are all accepting new applicants. All programs are free.
When:
Open Access Computer Lab - Monday-Friday from 9:30am-12:30pm
Homework Help Program - Monday-Friday from 2-6pm for students in grades 4-8
Math Program - Saturday from 10am-12pm for students in grades 5 and 6
Roxbury Multi-Service Center, 434 Warren St, Dorchester MA
Contact Carmen Santos at (617) 989-0292








ABCD Career Explorations Program is Seeking Applicants
ABCD Career Explorations provides year round programming to Boston residents, ages 16-21, through job placement, career development, and comprehensive job readiness services through one-on-one case management. Career Explorations offers in school and out of school youth the opportunity to receive basic skills and advanced training in high-demand career fields including building trades, culinary arts, early child care, and health and biotechnology. Through the program youth meet professionals from an array of occupations within each pathway, participate in workshops and field trips throughout Boston to enhance their career development. The Career Exploration staff also provide individual job counseling and assistance with the job search and application process in order to help link youth to jobs that match their interests.
The program includes a 14-week paid internship during the year's curriculum and free certification for First Aid and CPR training.
To Apply: Stop by the office to fill out an application in person
200 Tremont St., Boston MA; hours are Monday-Friday from 9am - 5pm
Contact Mikayla at (617) 348-6654

Columbia University Adolescent Drug-Prevention Program
The Vamos Project is testing the effectiveness of an interactive cell-phone program in preventing drug use amongst Latino/Hispanic youth. They are seeking community organizations to assist them in recruiting Latino/Hispanic youths, ages 12-15, with access to a smartphone or tablet to participate. Recruitment is ongoing. Participating youth will complete 5 surveys over 3 years and receive gift cards for completing each survey. Half of the participants will also interact with the mobile app for the first 10 weeks of participation. The program is delivered via a mobile app, so participating youth can live anywhere in the United States.Parents and youth can register at their website www.vamoscolumbia.com. For additional information, contact Gloria Vidal at gav2111@columbia.edu or 1-855-326-1313.

Juntos Dance Collective
Juntos Collective will provide Modern Dance instruction to introduce young children to basic contemporary dance techniques. Students become aware of themselves, others and movement through exposure to dance fundamentals, rhythmic exercise and creative movement. Classes are for children ages 3-12 and they are free.
First Saturday of the month; 2-3pm
YMCA of Greater Boston Huntington Ave. Branch, 316 Huntington Ave., Boston MA
For more information or to register, contact Mrs. Murray at 617-927-8112 or khamlett-murray@ymcaboston.org








New England Aquarium Volunteer
The New England Aquarium is looking for new Live Blue Ambassadors to volunteer for one, or many events. You can help with habitat clean-ups and experience science in the field. You will be able to earn community service hours. This position is open to youth between the ages of 14-18.
Sign up at www.neaq.org/lba

Adoption and Foster Care Mentors
AFC Mentoring is the only mentoring organization in MA exclusively focused on youth impacted by foster care. AFC is looking for adults 21+ to be volunteer mentors and is currently in need of mentors of color since 75% of the youth at AFC Mentoring identify as people of color and request mentors who look like them and have similar life experiences. If you are interested in becoming an AFC mentor, come to the April Information Session for an overview of the programs the youth in foster care receive from AFC and the type of volunteer opportunities you can participate in. Dinner will be provided. Wednesday, April 22 from 6:00-7:00pm
Castle Square, 476 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116 Please RSVP if you are planning to attend the information session at mentor@afcmentoring.netor 617-224-1302

Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative Community Organizer
Looking for a cool summer job experience? Want to make some cash, while having fun, and meeting new people? Well look no further DSNI is now hiring for summer 2015 Community Organizers! If you are between ages 15-18, register through SuccessLink at http://youth.boston.gov/. After that, fill out the online application at http://goo.gl/forms/nLmy7qLEK8 and wait to be called in for an interview
Contact Derrikka Gillenwater 617-442-9670 x140

Orchard Gardens School Food Pantry Volunteer
Orchard Gardens School Food Pantry is seeking volunteers. Duties include: helping to unload food & breaking down boxes, setting up food items, distributing food to families, and cleaning up. To promote healthy food choices, volunteers will also be handing out samples of garden-based dishes/recipes.
2:30-5:30pm on April 15th, May 20th, and June 10th
Orchard Gardens School, 906 Albany Street, Roxbury MA
Contact Kim Goldstein atkgoldstein@citysprouts.org or call (617) 876-2436

Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative Academic Support Volunteers
DSNI has hired a group of high schools students as youth organizers. They are busy working on many issues and events in the neighborhood including food, art, education and more. DSNI needs your help in providing volunteer tutors to help the young people in their academic subjects. They are striving to make sure their education and enrichment experience is strong.
Every Friday, 4-5:30pm through May
Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, 504 Dudley Street, Roxbury, Ma 02119
Contact Derrikka Gillenwater atdgillenwater@dsni.org or call 617-442-9670 x140.