Improving the Quality of Life: Residential Services

IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

In our state-of-the art multi-purpose community center, residents can access an array of services headed by our in-house service coordinator and team.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The Gardens will be a place where career growth and economic uplift is possible. The new site will include a workforce development program that will help improve the economic mobility of low-income residents through the provision of essential career services. Program activities will include GED classes, career coaching, job preparation assistance, computer literacy workshops, and ESOL classes for individuals who desire to learn English. The residential services coordinator will be instrumental in matching local employer demands and industry trends with residents’ needs and interests. Similar to the CVS partnership in Worchester, Massachusetts, we envision the Gardens engaging in an individualized employment partnership with a local business to provide workforce training and internship opportunities.

TEEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM The Teen Center is really close to the residents’ hearts. Where the program once had a partnership with Boston College, unpaid youth volunteers now help to keep the program alive. At the Gardens, the investments made will be continued through the Teen Empowerment Program. Continuing the work of the Teen Center, the program will support the growth and development of youth ages 13 and older. College access and readiness services will also be made available. Potential partners to facilitate programming include the local YMCA, Boston College’s College Bound Outreach Initiative, or the American Student Assistance.

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY HUB To satisfy the curiosity of young and active minds, the Youth Opportunity Hub will be open to children ages 12 and younger. The Hub will offer homework assistance, mentorship, summer programming, and a host of exciting social activities to support youth development. The program will draw from its current partnership with the Abundant Grace Church in Boston to support tutoring and mentorship. As one longtime resident emphasized, it’s important to expose youth to positive role models. The Youth Opportunity Hub seeks to achieve just that.

SENIOR PROGRAMS Our senior residents are the backbone of our community. Various programming will be offered to enhance their quality of life while bridging the intergenerational divide. Seniors will have the opportunity to participate in weekly game nights and monthly field trips such as to the local library. To “forge longlasting and life-changing intergenerational bonds,” the Gardens will participate in the Senior Companions program funded by the Corporation for National Community Service or launch a similar program that connects senior residents with the younger in-house population.