TeenLife Guide to Community Service in Greater Boston - 2013

G U I D E TO

2013

IN GREATER BOSTON

TURNING PASSION INTO ACTION:

175+

Boston Organizations Looking for Teen Volunteers

How one teen started her own non-profit!

A T E E N L I F E M E D I A P U B L I C AT I O N

With more than 160 Wicked Local community sites, we’ve got you covered.

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Wicked Local sites cover the stories that matter most to you and your

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Presenting TeenLife’s 2013 GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE in Greater Boston At TeenLife, we know that community service is a hot button for parents and students. It’s a requirement for graduating from many middle and high schools, and it’s closely tied to college admissions. At TeenLife, we also know that community service has the potential to be life-changing in more ways than one.

Students who get involved with an organization they are passionate about don’t just have something to put on their resumes and applications. They have the opportunity to make a true difference on a local, national, and even international scale. They can expand their horizons and gain satisfaction from doing something exciting and fulfilling.

Year after year, we publish the TeenLife Guide to Community Service in Greater Boston so that parents and students can find the best outreach opportunities for teens. Flip through its pages, and parents and teens like you can easily find up to 175+ non-profits in Metro Boston who need volunteers!

From working with a homeless shelter to using your voice at the legislative level, our guide lists a wide variety of non-profits in 12 different categories. Each listing includes a mission statement, minimum age requirement, and a link to learn more.

Not sure what to do to start volunteering? Look at our feature article by Liz Suneby for tips on identifying the right cause and volunteer role. Have an idea for your own non-profit? Read Simone Bernstein’s reflections on starting and running her own organization when she was 17!

TeenLife strongly encourages teen volunteering. We hope our comprehensive guide leads you to a world of unexplored opportunities. And please, let us know about your outreach work. We are always looking for teens who want to share their experiences “making a difference.” Send me an email, and we can feature your story on our site or in one of our upcoming guides, just like Jill Vaglica’s profile on page 22.

Enjoy!

Marie Schwartz President & Founder TeenLife Media, LLC mschwartz@teenlife.com THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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2013 GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON P U B L I SHE R Marie Schwartz, President & Founder MA R K E TI N G Cara Ferragamo Murray Vice President of Marketing & Communications Camille Heidebrecht Director of Marketing Kimberly S. Wolf Managing Editor Jon Blumenfeld Associate Manager, Social Media & Member Marketing Chris Connolly Marketing Associate A DV E R TI SI N G SA L E S Stefanie Magner Director of Sales, stefanie@teenlife.com

The Experiment in International Living has been a pioneer in the field of international cross-cultural education since 1932. Today, students can choose among three-, four-, and five-week summer programs in 27 countries around the globe.

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Dina Creiger Account Director, dina@teenlife.com Brent Stevens Account Executive, brent@teenlife.com Ben Welbourn Account Associate, ben@teenlife.com O P E R ATI O N S Maria Kieslich, Senior Director of Operations Alice Vaught, Lesli Amos, Customer Service A R T & P R O D U CTI O N Kathryn Tilton, Designer

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

Table of Contents 5

HARNESSING PASSION, TAKING ACTION: GETTING STARTED WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE The author highlights the many benefits of community service work and how teens can get started making a difference.

BY LIZ SUNEBY

9

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS 10 12 13 14 18 18 21 23 23 25 28 29

Advocacy for a Cause Aging With Dignity Animal Rights & Rescue Community Resources Cultural Organizations Health & Well-Being Homelessness & Hunger International Relief People With Disabilities Preserving the Environment Promoting Volunteerism Youth

22

STUDENT PROFILE

36

TRUE STORY: STARTING YOUR OWN NON-PROFIT

39

Jill Vaglica was given the Humane League’s Youth Activist of the Year Award.

VolunteenNATION Founder Simone Bernstein talks about starting a non-profit when she was 17.

A teen volunteer assists during a therapeutic riding class at WINDRUSH FARM THERAPEUTIC EQUITATION, INC. Boxford, MA. See listing on page 25.

43

INDEX

48

ABOUT TEENLIFE

49

TEENLIFE’S COMMUNITY SERVICE CHECKLIST

43 Community Service Organizations – Alphabetical 45 Community Service Organizations – By Location 47 Sponsors, Contributors, & Advertisers

Find out more about what we offer and how to register on our site.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Recognition of Sponsors & Contributors to the 2013 TeenLife LIVE! Community Service Fair & Expo.

Cover Photo: MELANOMA FOUNDATION OF NEW ENGLAND volunteers help out at Wally’s Wicked Good 5k. Newton, MA. See listing on page 11.

Check items off this list to maximize your impact!

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

3

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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HARNESSING PASSION, TAKING ACTION:

Getting Started with Community Service

By Liz Suneby

“NE VE R DO U BT T H AT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, C O M M IT T ED C IT IZ ENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD .

INDEE D, IT IS T H E ONLY THING THAT E VER HAS. ” Anthropologist, Margaret Mead (1901 – 1978)

Jane Goodall’s ROOTS AND SHOOTS YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL members work with the Mystic River Watershed Association to learn about water quality testing during a river cleanup event.

WHY COMMIT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE? HELP OTHERS AND YOURSELF It’s true: when you reach out to your community, you’re not just making a difference for others. Community service projects have huge benefits for volunteers themselves.

Help Out: Whether you choose to focus on people, animals, or the environment, there are countless ways to make a difference. Below, you’ll see the variety of roles volunteers can play at non-profits. Organizations and their beneficiaries truly value the work of teens.

Get Started Down Your Career Path: Service gives you the chance to develop your leadership, communications and interpersonal skills, as well as an overall sense of accomplishment. It broadens your worldview and even has the potential to introduce you to career choices.

Feel Better: As a busy student, it is easy to obsess about the very real pressures you face. But seeing firsthand the challenges others face and the ways people overcome their challenges provides valuable perspective for your own life.

A new perspective can also help you stress less.

Students on a volunteer farming trip organized by theMOVE, pick basil to support the women’s shelter at ReVision House. Dorchester, MA. See listing on page 27.

Stand Out to College Admissions Officers: In-depth service experiences make you a more multidimensional and interesting person and, consequently, a stronger candidate for acceptance. College admissions officers see through superficial involvement, so discover your philanthropic priorities and pursue them with passion.

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HARNESSING PASSION, TAKING ACTION: GETTING STARTED WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE

GETTING STARTED BY IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES You can single-handedly improve the lives of others.

Consider the impact of helping an elderly neighbor who no longer can handle yard work, go grocery shopping, or do the laundry. Think of ways you could brighten the days of children in the hospital by helping make cards doing craft kits, or providing upbeat playlists. What impact could you have by providing essentials to families in need by donating books, school supplies, and clothing to a local shelter?

How might you contribute to a team of people working to save animals from extinction, curing genetic diseases, reversing global warming, or ensuring access to clean water? TeenLife has identified these categories of volunteer work: Advocacy for a Cause

Homelessness & Hunger

Animal Rights and Rescue

International Relief

Aging with Dignity

People With Disabilities

Community Resources

Preserving the Environment

Cultural Organizations

Promoting Volunteerism

Health & Well-Being

Youth

Come Up with the Best Service Ideas!

Whether you have no idea how to be of service or you want to narrow down a list of opportunities to pursue, starting with your own passions and interests can lead you to the right project.

As you begin to brainstorm, consider some of the following areas: Favorite school subjects: Math, art, biology, chemistry, environmental science, history, foreign languages, English…

Extracurricular interests: Acting, ceramics, band, chorus, dance, team or individual sports, student government, babysitting…

Hobbies/passions: Animals, biking, cooking, travel, crafts, camping, computers/electronics, gardening, movies, photography, yoga…

Universal issues: Education for girls, clean water, global warming, adoption, bullying, eating disorders, depression, domestic violence…

Not sure what you want to do? Think about your talents and activities. Connecting your passions to fixing problems in the world will lead you to ideas in the short term, and maybe even a lifelong commitment to social justice and service to others.

FAMILY NURTURING CENTER teen volunteers fill Welcome Baby gift bags for new babies and their families. Dorchester, MA. See listing on page 15.

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

Think about favorite academic subjects, after-school activities, or issues that you care deeply about. Is reading the way you like to relax? Is speaking Spanish how you like to converse? Does hiking bring you joy? What about making movies on your laptop? Are you happiest when you are playing the piano? Or kicking a soccer ball? Do you have a grandparent with Alzheimer’s disease? A friend with type 1 diabetes? Do you know someone serving overseas in the military? Take a look at the table on the right to start brainstorming.

HARNESSING PASSION, TAKING ACTION: GETTING STARTED WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE

DECIDING HOW YOU WANT TO SPEND YOUR TIME

Clarify Community Service Graduation Requirements:

Once you’ve picked your cause, think about how you want to spend your time. Try to devote AT LEAST 10 hours of your time to one organization to have more impact. Consider opportunities right at your school, in your community, and/or a summer service opportunity in locations across the country and the world.

Be sure you are aware of all parameters, including:

• number of hours per year or in total

• approved activities

• approved organizations

• forms, signatures, and deadlines for submission

Participate in Outreach Activities: Depending on the opportunity, you can go alone, with a friend, as a group, or with a parent or other grown-up. You can work directly with the individuals the non-profit serves, help with administrative duties in the office, clean up or paint, or assist at special events.

Collect Goods for Donation: What do you have that you don’t need anymore, but someone else could use? You can donate your own stuff, or think about broadening your reach by collecting items from friends, neighbors, even stores to distribute to others in need.

Raise Funds: There are multiple ways to raise money for non-profits. You can donate your own money, organize a community fundraiser, or participate in a charity run/walk/ readathon and raise money through sponsorships.

Lend Your Social Media Skills: Do you already spend hours a day on social networks like Facebook and Tumblr?

Non-profits often need help spreading the word about their causes. If you think you could or want to be of help in this area, let volunteer coordinators know! It could turn into a “remote” volunteer position that would allow you to help change the world from the comfort of your own home!

PLANNING YOUR SERVICE WORK Identify Organizations to Support: How can you find national or local organizations that could benefit from your involvement? Start your research right here with the organizations listed in TeenLife’s 2013 Guide to Community Service. Also, speak to as many people as possible about organizations that they know of or are involved with that fit your interests, including your:

• guidance counselor

• teachers

• parents and other relatives

• neighbors

• clergy and lay leaders at your house of worship

• friends

Create a Plan: Once you have ideas for what you’d like to do and potential organizations you would like to help, draft an action plan to organize your thinking. Include:

• a succinct overview of the service project

• objectives/goals

• names and contact information for people you

will need to work with

• required materials and approximate costs

• schedule, noting key milestones and dates

• success measurements, including how others and

you will benefit There you have it! Volunteering doesn’t have to be boring work you do just to satisfy graduation requirements or college admissions officers. Volunteering is about doing what’s best for the community and yourself at the same time, putting your passions to work, making a difference, and keeping track of it all. You can make it happen!

Liz Suneby is the author of books for children and teens, including The Mitzvah Project Book: Making Mitzvah Part of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah…and Your Life, published by Jewish Lights, and the Children’s Choice award-winning, See What You Can Be: Explore Careers That Could Be For You.

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH TEENLIFE.COM FOR EVEN MORE COMMUNITY SERIVICE ORGANIZATIONS.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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Non-Profit Organizations in Greater Boston rom working with sheltered animals to raising awareness for a cause that’s important to you, TeenLife is sure you can find your non-profit niche by reading through the listings in this guide. These non-profits have big jobs to do. They need—and are actively looking for—teen volunteers to help out in and around Boston!

So, go ahead. Flip through these pages. Choose the change-making organization you want to help strengthen, and start making a difference now!

Students participate in the annual retreat for the FOUNDATION FOR METROWEST: YOUTH AND PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM. Natick, MA. See listing on page 32.

FOR EVEN MORE LISTINGS, VISIT TEENLIFE.COM.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Advocacy for a Cause

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION, MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER

BOSTON MARINE CORPS HONOR RUN

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION, MA/NH CHAPTER

The mission of the Arthritis Foundation, Massachusetts Chapter is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

The Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation has awarded over 40 million dollars in scholarships and bonds to children of Marine Corps and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

ASTHMA AND ALLERGY FOUNDATION OF AMERICA NEW ENGLAND (AAFANE)

BOSTON MOBILIZATION

The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY The American Cancer Society seeks to eliminate cancer by preventing it, saving lives, and diminishing suffering. Teen volunteers can assist on various levels including helping with office administration, mailings, event material preparation, research, phone calls and more. Flexible time commitments make it easy to fit busy schedules. There are also numerous opportunities available during the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk weekend.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION BOSTON (AFSP) The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education, and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

That single purpose drives all they do.

The organization is looking for volunteers to fill many roles including survivors willing to speak at events.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

10

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America New England (AAFANE) is dedicated to the control and cure of asthma and allergies, including food allergies. They provide information, resources, and education.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is a fundraising walk to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. This year’s Walk will take place in Boston during the weekend of May 18-19, 2013. The organization is looking for volunteers to help them: support the Walkers; plan and staff pre-event functions; cultivate community outreach opportunities; assist with the logistics of planning the event itself. There are pre-season opportunities that involve Volunteer Days and Nights, reaching out to the community, making posters, and sprinkling point of purchase materials.

Their on-event opportunities include stuffing goody bags, checking in participants at Event Eve, and helping to set up Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

BOSTON BIKES Created in 2007 as a part of Mayor Menino’s vision for a vibrant and healthy city, Boston Bikes makes Boston a world-class bicycling city by creating safe and inviting conditions for all residents and visitors.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

Boston Mobilization is a community organization that engages young people using social issues as a point of reference.

MOBE works with college, high school, and middle school students, empowering them to engage in their communities in meaningful ways. Youth find their voices as agents for constructive change, utilizing direct action, community education and local legislative efforts to run grassroots campaigns for peace, racial equality, economic justice, and genuine democracy.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

CITIZENS FOR JUVENILE JUSTICE Citizens for Juvenile Justice (CfJJ) is the only independent, non-profit, statewide organization working exclusively to improve the juvenile justice system in Massachusetts. They advocate, convene, conduct research, and educate the public on important juvenile justice issues.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

GAY & LESBIAN ADVOCATES AND DEFENDERS (GLAD) Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) is New England’s leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 17

Photo Credit: Lou Jones

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

ZUMIX, INC. volunteers make music to make a difference. East Boston, MA. See listing on page 35.

JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION (JDRF) The mission of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

MELANOMA EDUCATION FOUNDATION The Melanoma Education Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to saving lives from melanoma, a common skin cancer that is often deadly unless detected early.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

MELANOMA FOUNDATION OF NEW ENGLAND

NORTH SHORE MEDICAL CENTER CANCER WALK/RUN (NSMC)

The Melanoma Foundation of New England is dedicated to educating the public about sun-safe behavior and the importance of prevention and early detection. It also provides patient advocacy and support to those struggling with the disease.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

In collaboration with their Partners HealthCare colleagues, North Shore Medical Center Cancer (NSMC) delivers the most advanced care through clinical, technical, and service excellence. Join their annual WALK/RUN for cancer this June.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY

OVATIONS FOR THE CURE

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to creating a world free of MS. MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t.

Volunteers ages 13-17 are welcome with adult supervision.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13 with an adult (with a group or group sponsorship)

Ovations for the Cure is dedicated to the relentless pursuit of a cure for ovarian cancer.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

PAN-MASSACHUSETTS CHALLENGE

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE— MASSACHUSETTS

Aging With Dignity

The Pan-Mass Challenge raises money for cancer research and treatment through an annual bike-a-thon and programs for kids. Become a PMC volunteer because you: want cancer to end, possess the capacity to help, and/or have the resolve to act.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

The Mission of Susan G. Komen for the Cure—Massachusetts, is to eradicate breast cancer by advancing research, screening, care, and education. At Susan G. Komen for the Cure, they have volunteer opportunities in various capacities. Volunteers are at the heart of every event that they do. The organization has opportunities both in the office with administrative work and out of the office assisting with events.

The annual Race for the Cure offers a lot of wonderful opportunities for youth to get involved. Please contact them for information on current volunteer positions.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

BROOKLINE SENIOR CENTER

PLGA FOUNDATION/A KIDS’ BRAIN TUMOR CURE The goal of the Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytoma (PLGA) Foundation is to UNITE families around the country and around the world in the fight for the lives of our children who suffer from PLGAs (childhood brain tumors).

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

The Brookline Senior Center helps Brookline seniors maintain their independence and continue to be active community members. The Senior Center offers many opportunities for students to get involved.

They collect cell phones, food, and clothes for the poor. They have opportunities for one-on-one relationships and they offer an internship to explore careers in aging.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE volunteers Miryam Alexander and her mother, Jocylyn Bailin, assemble print-Braille books which introduce blind and sighted preschoolers and adults to the joys of reading. Boston, MA. See listing on page 29.

Project Bread’s mission is to alleviate, prevent, and ultimately end hunger in Massachusetts. The Walk for Hunger brings over 40,000 people together to raise awareness and money to end hunger in Massachusetts. They need the help of 2,000 Volunteers to ensure that The Walk is safe, fun, and successful. Join them on Sunday, May 5, 2013, and be part of the effort to end hunger for the 660,000 people in Massachusetts struggling to put food on the table. Volunteer positions are available in Boston, Brookline, Newton, Watertown, and Cambridge. Bring a group, or come by yourself and meet new people. Volunteer for a morning or afternoon shift, or stay all day: it’s up to you. Whether you are beginning or continuing your commitment to helping hungry people, they have never needed you more!

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

SMALL ARMY FOR A CAUSE— BE BOLD, BE BALD! Be Bold, Be Bald! is committed to raising awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

Photo Credit: © 2013 People Making a Difference (www.PMD.org)

PROJECT BREAD — THE WALK FOR HUNGER

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

ETHOS

OLD COLONY HOSPICE

Ethos promotes the personal well-being and autonomy of seniors by delivering home- and community-based care. As a non-profit organization, Ethos would not be able to accomplish what they do without volunteers. Indeed, volunteers have been a critical component of their mission since their inception in 1973. They encourage you to join a committed corps of people who each day demonstrate the meaning of care, compassion and community for hundreds of homebound elders. Ethos currently offers 19 volunteer positions that appeal to a variety of interests, availability and expertise.

Volunteer opportunities include: Friendly Visiting, Walking Club Leaders and Snow Shovellers, among many others. They also have a need for help during special events, especially in May. Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13 (as part of group), 16 (individual)

Old Colony Hospice, through education and service, provides highly-skilled pain and symptom management to meet the needs of individuals with advanced illness, while compassionately assisting patients and their loved ones in preserving dignity and quality of life.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: No minimum age for event volunteers

PINE KNOLL NURSING CENTER The mission of Pine Knoll Nursing Center is to strive to a level of excellence and provide the best possible care to residents through the services provided by experienced and devoted staff.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

Animal Rights & Rescue ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF BOSTON The mission of Animal Rescue League of Boston is to rescue domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

FRANKLIN PARK ZOO Zoo New England’s mission is to inspire people to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations by creating fun and engaging experiences that integrate wildlife and conservation programs, research, and education.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

Second Chances For College A better chance to succeed in college . . . through The Bridge program for high school graduates or fifth-year seniors ages 18 –20.

• Complete transition support for those entering or re-entering college • Options include Residential, Commuter and Independent Phases • Academic advising, transcript repair and admissions guidance • Therapeutic counseling and recovery support • Help with social and independent living skills • Option of luxury student housing off campus

“The Bridge” is a program of The Family Foundation School, a private therapeutic boarding school for at-risk youth.

For more information, contact: Iris Maclean, MS, Assistant Dean of Admissions 431 Chapel Hill Road, Hancock, NY 13783 Phone: 845-887-5213 Cell 607-206-2601 imaclean@thefamilyschool.com www.thefamilyschool.com

Accredited by The Joint Commission

Accredited by The Joint Commission and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Charter member: National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. Member: Association of Recovery Schools. The Family Foundation School is a private, New York State registered boarding school situated on a scenic 150-acre campus in the western Catskills.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

THE HUMANE LEAGUE, BOSTON OFFICE The Humane League strives to prevent the suffering of animals, particularly farm animals.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

MILTON ANIMAL LEAGUE The Milton Animal League is a group of volunteers dedicated to the rescue, care, and adoption of animals in need.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15 to work with cats, 18 to work with dogs

NORTHEAST ANIMAL SHELTER The Northeast Animal Shelter strives to unite thousands of rescued animals with the perfect adoptive families. They also provide safe shelter, food, healthcare, and low cost spaying or neutering without destroying any rescued animal in their care.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

SAVE A DOG Save A Dog is a humane society whose primary focus is rescuing and finding new homes for abandoned dogs. Teens who are 14 years and up who have dog experience are welcome to apply to volunteer at the shelter. If you want to work with the dogs, they do require some dog experience, but there are many other ways in which you can help. You can collect donations, have an information table at your school or other places, or help them with one of Save A Dog’s events.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

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Community Resources

At a NAMI walk, volunteers raise awareness for mental illness.

Woburn, MA. See listing on page 25.

AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION, NEW ENGLAND

ARLINGTON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

American Camp Association, New England has a lot of ways campers can volunteer in the community. Summer camps do quite a bit of community service; service learning is an important type of experiential learning found at camp. A number of the nearly 400 day and overnight camps in CT, MA, ME, NH, RI & VT accredited by the ACA include community service and/or service learning program options.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: Under 12

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF BOSTON (CCAB)

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY The American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay provides relief during times of disaster—and training in first aid and other life-saving skills. Volunteers are needed to serve on the Youth Advisory Board & Youth Leadership Council, lead Red Cross clubs, and take part in youth led projects. Student activities include education programs in Health & Safety or Disaster Services, administrative help, leadership development, and more.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

The Arlington Center for the Arts is a community arts center devoted to transforming lives and building community through the arts.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

Catholic Charities of Boston (CCAB) is building a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people. As one of the largest providers of social services in Massachusetts, Catholic Charities of Boston offers nearly 100 programs and services in 33 locations around Eastern Massachusetts.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13 with adult, 16 without adult

CLOSE TO HOME Close to Home’s mission is to foster community-wide responsibility to prevent and reduce the impact of domestic violence.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

COMMUNITY SERVINGS

FAMILY NURTURING CENTER

iSTARTUP COMMUNITY CENTERS

Community Servings is a not-for-profit food and nutrition program providing services throughout Massachusetts to individuals and families living with critical and chronic illnesses.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

The mission of the Family Nurturing Center (FNC) is to build nurturing communities where children are cherished, families are supported, and everyone works together to promote healthy human development.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

iSTARTUP Community Centers supports startups within an inspirational and innovative environment.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

ELLIS MEMORIAL & ELDRIDGE HOUSE, INC.

FENWAY HEALTH LGBT HELPLINE & PEER LISTENING LINE

Ellis Memorial, Boston’s first settlement house, has been caring for children, disabled adults and families in the South End neighborhoods since 1885. They offer high quality educational, social, and health support services to individuals and families in need.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

Fenway Health LGBT Helpline & Peer Listening Line enhances the physical and mental health of the Fenway community.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

FAMILIES FOR DEPRESSION AWARENESS Families for Depression Awareness is a national non-profit organization helping families recognize and cope with depressive disorders, get well, and prevent suicides.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS OF GREATER BOSTON: YOUTH LITERACY CORPS Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston: Youth Literacy Corps is a youth social justice program dedicated to improving literacy in our community.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

HOSPITALITY HOMES Hospitality Homes places individuals in need of a place to stay into the homes of caring people who want to help.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: None (with adult)

KEEPING PACE WITH MULTIPLE MIRACLES Keeping Pace with Multiple Miracles is a non-profit support network for families and families-to-be of multiple birth children.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

A volunteer participates in a BOSTON MOBILIZATION education session. Cambridge, MA. See listing on page 10.

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

BIKES NOT BOMBS Earn-A-Bike coordinator Jesus Volquez checks over a bike before a program graduate takes it home. Jamaica Plain, MA. See listing on page 30.

REACH BEYOND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REACH Beyond Domestic Violence provides direct services and community education on domestic and dating violence. Youth committed to ending dating and domestic violence in their communities can work with REACH by supporting local awareness events in their school and communities, volunteering at the annual youth summit, or helping at annual special events. Teen volunteers can also help by providing childcare for support groups (with either parental permission and adult supervision, or parental supervision). All teen childcare volunteers must complete a 6-hour training.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

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ROOM TO GROW

Photo Credit: Stacey Rupolo

LOUIS D. BROWN PEACE INSTITUTE The mission of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute is to create and support an environment where families can live in Peace and Unity.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

THE MARGARET FULLER NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE The mission of the Margaret Fuller House is to strengthen and empower youth, families, and community residents.

Minimum Age of Volunteers: 14

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MILTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT The Milton Parks and Recreation department is dedicated to providing recreation programs and services for Milton residents of all ages, and maintaining and providing clean and safe park facilities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

Room to Grow enriches the lives of babies born into poverty throughout their critical first three years of life by providing developmental information, customized support, and all needed baby items. Room to Grow is always in need of volunteers to help sort, prepare, and display donations of infant and toddler items. In addition, they rely on volunteers to maintain their space, organize their shelves, and keep their offices tidy and neat.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

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NEWTON COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER Newton Community Service Center seeks to strengthen communities through educational programs and a network of support services.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO OVERNIGHT SUMMER PROGRAMS

SAMARITANS, INC. Samaritans is dedicated to reducing the incidence of suicide by befriending individuals in crisis.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

SOCIAL CAPITAL INC. Social Capital Inc. strengthens communities by connecting diverse individuals and organizations through civic engagement initiatives. They envision a nation where individuals are strongly connected to their neighbors and play an active role in shaping the destiny of their communities. Teens can get involved in Social Capital Inc. by joining SCI’s youth councils in Woburn, Dorchester, and Lynn. Youth in each of these councils meet regularly to organize and carry out activities and events that will help to improve each community. Young adults older than 18 also have the opportunity to get involved with SCI as full-time, paid AmeriCorps volunteers. SCI AmeriCorps positions are available in all three communities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

UNITED WAY OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY & MERRIMACK VALLEY The UWMB&MV helps improve people’s lives and strengthen the neighborhoods in the region. United Way’s online searchable database offers many opportunities for teens to get involved in a variety of organizations in the community. Teens can sort opportunities by service type, geographic area, population served, etc.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12 with adult

SYA

SUMMER

High School Study Abroad and Homestay

World Citizen Initiative Italy 2013

WAYSIDE YOUTH AND FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK Wayside Youth and Family Support Network is dedicated to achieving the highest standards of quality and integrity in providing leading edge counseling, family support, residential and educational services for building strength, hope and resiliency in youth, families and communities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers 16

ACADEMICS •Project-based global studies and Italian language and culture ENRICHMENT •Extracurricular activities and excursions CONNECTION •Four weeks with a host family •One week service project at WWF’s Turtle Recovery Center

www.syasummer.org THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

WEST SUBURBAN YMCA

ARTSBOSTON

FORBES HOUSE MUSEUM

West Suburban YMCA provides programs and recreation to nurture children and teens, and to improve the community’s health and well being for families in and around Newton.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

ArtsBoston promotes the arts in Greater Boston by making the arts accessible and integral to our communities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

Long considered the Jewel of Milton, the Forbes House Museum chronicles the history of an entrepreneurial American family.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

WESTWOOD YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES Westwood Youth & Family Services works in close collaboration with town agencies, the Westwood Public Schools, and other community based non-profit groups to advocate for the healthy growth of Westwood children and their families.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

ARTSPAN

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS (MFA)

ArtSpan provides quality arts programming and outreach to the community of Lexington and beyond. ArtSpan welcomes teens as volunteers and recognizes the integral part counselors and volunteers play in programming. Teens may join ArtSpan as paid counselors in vacation programs or volunteers for a variety of special programs and events all year round.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) houses and preserves preeminent collections and aspires to serve a wide variety of people through direct encounters with works of art.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

THE WOMEN’S CENTER

BOSTON JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

The Women’s Center provides women with the resources and support they need to emerge from conditions of domestic violence, sexual abuse, poverty, discrimination, social isolation, and degradation.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

The Boston Jewish Film Festival presents the best contemporary films from around the world on Jewish themes at its annual Festival and throughout the year.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

YMCA OF GREATER BOSTON: WALTHAM The Waltham YMCA is dedicated to improving the health of mind, body, and spirit of individuals in Waltham and surrounding communities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

Cultural Organizations AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY (AJHS) American Jewish Historical Society (AJHS) was founded in 1892 to foster awareness and appreciation of the American Jewish heritage in Boston.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

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MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (MOS) As a youth volunteer at the Museum of Science, you will have the unique opportunity to learn valuable skills, teach others, and render services to the community through a variety of programs, including courses, Museum overnights, and the Computer Clubhouse. Volunteers enjoy excellent benefits, including free admission to exhibits and films, discounts in the Museum cafe© and store, and free parking.

Each volunteer must commit to one 3.5-hour shift per week.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

CAMBRIDGE ARTS COUNCIL The Cambridge Arts Council’s mission is to ensure that the arts remain vital for people living, working, and visiting Cambridge. As a member of the Public Arts Youth Council volunteers will get paid to attend weekly 90-minute meetings from January until June at the Cambridge Arts Council. Here you will learn about public art in the city in order to share your discoveries with others. You will have the opportunity to create your own projects, events, and activities related to public art and then promote your projects and events to get others involved. Additionally individuals can get involved by attending CAC events throughout the year.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

PROZDOR OF HEBREW COLLEGE Prozdor of Hebrew College is a Pluralistic Hebrew High School.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

Health & Well-Being AIDS ACTION/STRONGEST LINK AIDS SERVICES, INC. The mission of AAC/Strongest Link, Inc. is to meet the needs of individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in Essex County by providing compassionate support services.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 18

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

At the Strides Against Stigma event benefitting FAMILIES FOR DEPRESSION AWARENESS, volunteers pose with First Lady Diane Patrick. Waltham, MA. See listing on page 15.

Photo Credit: Michelle Davidson-Schapiro Photography

BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS HOSPITAL - MILTON Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Milton provides health services to the community.

Teen volunteers are accepted for the Summer Health Corps Program July 4th through mid-August.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER (BIDMC) Beth Israel Deconess Medical Center (BIDMC) trains volunteers to provide quality volunteer service for BIDMC patients. When this organization receives a completed application accompanied by two letters of reference, someone will contact the applicant to set up an interview. BIDMC looks forward to meeting prospective volunteers and finding a way for them to be a vital part of the work BIDMC does in providing quality care for our patients.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

BEVERLY HOSPITAL With the mission of providing “The Leading Edge of Caring” to their patients, Beverly Hospital is a community hospital that has served North Shore families for over 100 years. They have a very successful student volunteer program. Their volunteers are all over their three sites helping in many departments. They will try to schedule students in a department where they have a particular area of interest.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

BOSTON AREA RAPE CRISIS CENTER (BARCC) The mission of the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) is to end sexual violence through healing and social change.

They have several events throughout the year with which they could use help, including their annual Walk for Change, their gala, and other tabling events. In addition to help with special events, they occasionally have positions for summer volunteers in their Youth Outreach program.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

DOG B.O.N.E.S. THERAPY DOGS OF MASSACHUSETTS Dog B.O.N.E.S. Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts brings fun into someone’s day by providing visits from well-trained therapy dog teams across Massachusetts.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12 with parent

GIRLS’ LEAP SELF-DEFENSE Girls’ LEAP Self-Defense trains at-risk girls aged 8-18 in verbal and physical safety skills and self-awareness.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

HEALTHWORKS COMMUNITY FITNESS The Healthworks Foundation is devoted to serving the health and fitness needs of women and children in Boston’s low-income neighborhoods.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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HOPE IN BLOOM, INC. Hope In Bloom, Inc. improves the quality of life for people with breast cancer by building and cultivating gardens for them.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (MGH) Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) delivers the best health care in a safe and compassionate environment. High school students serve as patient escorts. They assist patients and their families in getting to medical appointments or leaving the hospital. This is a volunteer placement that requires a high level of independence and maturity.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16 or 17 year-olds only

MITOACTION MitoAction’s vision is to create a community of support that reaches every child, adult, and caregiver affected by a mitochondrial disease.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

NEW ENGLAND BAPTIST HOSPITAL (NEBH)

Direct Marketing Solutions

New England Baptist Hospital (NEBH) transforms the lives of its patients by promoting wellness, restoring function, lessening disability, alleviating pain, and advancing knowledge in musculoskeletal diseases and related disorders. Teen volunteer opportunities include: visiting with patients, discharging patients to the lobby, and helping with the call system, as well as working in the gift shop and clerical work in various hospital departments.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

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www.bcgconnect.com :: 800.767.0067

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

Homelessness & Hunger

BEVERLY BOOTSTRAPS COMMUNITY SERVICES Beverly Bootstraps Community Services provides critical resources to families and individuals so they may achieve self-sufficiency. Volunteers play an integral role at Beverly Bootstraps Community Services.

There are ongoing and project-orientated volunteer opportunities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

CRADLES TO CRAYONS Cradles to Crayons provides children with the basic essentials they need to be safe, ready to learn, and feel valued. Spend a shift on your own or with a group at The Giving Factory sorting, inspecting and cleaning donations of books, toys and clothing or filling orders for kids in need.

Also consider organizing a product drive in your community to collect essential items like clothes or school supplies. If you would like to take on a leadership role and deepen your relationship with Cradles to Crayons please inquire about their Teen Leadership Council. There is also ample opportunity to assist in the business office, entering data and tracking donations.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

BOSTON HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS PROGRAM (BHCHP) Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) provides access to the highest quality health care for all homeless men, women, and children in the greater Boston area.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 18

BOSTON RESCUE MISSION (BRM) Boston Rescue Mission (BRM) transforms lives by empowering people at risk to achieve healthy and self-sufficient lives.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12 (with adult)

BROOKVIEW HOUSE, INC. The mission of Brookview House, Inc. is to assist homeless families in the development of skills necessary to break the cycle of poverty. Their goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment while families pursue education, training, and/ or employment that leads to personal and economic self-sufficiency.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

FATHER BILL’S & MAINSPRING (FBMS) The mission of Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is to help those struggling with homelessness obtain a home by giving temporary shelter and food, finding safe and affordable housing, providing permanent housing with supportive services, and developing their work skills.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

THE GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK (GBFB) With a mission to end hunger in eastern Massachusetts, The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and one of the largest food banks in the country. They also benefit from the generosity of over 14,000 volunteers annually who help to sort and distribute donated food products. By 2013, they hope to distribute enough food to provide at least one meal a day to those in need.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GREATER BOSTON Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston is dedicated to building low-cost homes by forming partnerships with low-income families in need.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL — NORTHEAST OFFICE Heifer International works with communities to end hunger and poverty, and care for the world. Community volunteers work locally to provide opportunities to promote Heifer to schools, libraries, congregations, and businesses. Heifer Ambassadors are trained to set-up and staff displays and answer questions. In addition, their farm in Rutland has special events during the year that require a variety of volunteers.

Community Interns provide office support to Area Volunteer Coordinators and participate in providing educational programming in world hunger awareness. Residential Farm volunteers receive a stipend and housing and provide educational programming, livestock and organic farming chores for a minimum of three months. You must be 18 to be a Residential Farm volunteer.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN The mission of Horizons for Homeless Children is to improve the lives of homeless children and their families. Horizons for Homeless Children is seeking volunteers to interact and play with children living in family, teen parent, and domestic violence shelters in Greater Boston. Opportunities for play are critical to young children. Playspace Activity Leaders (PALs) help ensure that children who are homeless have a chance to learn and grow through play.

A commitment of 2 hours a week for 6 months is required.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

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STUDENT PROFILE

In Her Own Words Jill with David Coman-Hidy, Director of Campaigns for The Humane League.

Jill with David Coman-Hidy, Director of Campaigns for The Humane League.

Photo Credit: Anand Mehta, Visual Impact Image Group

Photo Credit: Anand Mehta, Visual Impact Image Group

JILL VAGLICA was given The Humane League’s Youth Activist of the Year Award. Here’s what she had to tell us about her work on behalf of animals.

What is the Humane League’s mission?

The Humane League is a 501(c)3 animal advocacy organization that works to protect all animals through public education, campaigns and rescue. We envision a world where people, companies and legislators make choices that help animals, not ones that hurt them. We believe that all animals deserve the same respect and compassion that we show to our beloved family dogs or cats.

Our mission is to save the lives of as many animals as possible and to reduce as much animal cruelty as we can. As a result, our primary focus is on farm animal issues.

Why did you start volunteering?

I wanted to invest my time into a cause that I was passionate about, so I signed up for the TeenLife LIVE! Community Service Fair & Expo to explore my possibilities. When I came across The Humane League, I was thrilled to meet other people in my area who are dedicated to making a difference for animals. I began volunteering with The Humane League because I wanted to do more to benefit nonhuman animals, as well as raise awareness on the human health and environmental benefits of vegan lifestyles.

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

JILL VAGLICA What types of projects did you work on as part of your community service work?

The Humane League’s primary programs include humane education, vegetarian/vegan advocacy (in a variety of forms), and our cage-free campaign. I primarily volunteer in the veg advocacy program, which involves outreach in public education, usually in the form of leafletting (passing out information “leaflets” in public).

What was the most memorable part of your experience?

Probably my first time leafletting. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I definitely knew that I was going to stick with it by the end of the day. I hadn’t ever done any sort of work in which I had to pass things out in public, but it was actually fun! It felt so rewarding to help promote animal welfare outside of my own kitchen for the first time. I also tried the most delicious vegan burrito that day!

What skills have you gained that you think could help you in your career?

My work in veg advocacy has taught me how to effectively articulate my convictions, respect alternative viewpoints, and respond to criticism. Working on the behalf of animals has improved my people skills considerably. I’ve also learned to appreciate working to benefit others, which will help me in careers that aim to serve.

Has volunteering changed your view of the world?

Absolutely. Volunteering has inspired me to do what I can to leave this world a little bit better than I found it, even if the difference is slight. Through volunteering, I’ve begun to understand the importance of individual actions, which collectively, can result in meaningful change.

Any advice for other teen volunteers looking for a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity?

Don’t volunteer just for the sake of volunteering; volunteer because you care. Everyone cares about something outside of themselves, so my advice is to determine what that is for you. Volunteering is a great opportunity to influence the causes you care about, and to collaborate with others who share your mission.

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

MILTON FOOD PANTRY The Milton Food Pantry, located in the Parkway United Methodist Church, serves and stocks food for families in need in the Milton community.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

ON THE RISE, INC. On The Rise, Inc. supports the initiative and strength of women living in crisis or in homelessness. There are numerous ways you can help. You can collect seasonal clothing items or run a Make-It-Home drive in which you help a woman get settled into her new home. You could also help make lunch for the women who visit On The Rise each day, run a drive for gift cards or collect unused, unopened travel-sized toiletries.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

VICTORY PROGRAMS REVISION URBAN FARM Victory Programs ReVision Urban Farm provides fresh, affordable, locally grown produce to families in the city with limited incomes and transportation access. The connection between their Revision Urban Farm and the ReVision Family Home has created a dynamic and innovative approach to ending homelessness.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

The mission of Pine Street Inn is to be a community of respect and hope for each guest it serves; to be a resource through which neighbors and friends can help to meet the basic needs of others; and to serve as a national leader in the fight to end homelessness.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

ROSIE’S PLACE The mission of Rosie’s Place is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for poor and homeless women to maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

Since 1981, Wellspring House has been helping families move out of poverty.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

The Women’s Lunch Place provides a safe daytime shelter, nutritious food, and services for women who are homeless.

Volunteers at the WLP begin working in the kitchen preparing and serving breakfast and lunch. There are also opportunities to sort and distribute clothing and toiletries in their Guest Support closet.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 17

International Relief THE COLORED PENCIL PROJECT The Colored Pencil Project seeks to increase the access of art supplies to children in developing countries by distributing specifically colored pencils and paper, and providing art curriculum to children in various orphanages, schools, and rural villages.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

SALVATION ARMY The goal of Salvation Army is to meet human needs without discrimination. Teens can volunteer by ringing bells during the holiday season or get involved in raising funds. There is also the opportunity to work on-site at the corps which has a multitude of programs, such as mentoring, volunteering in shelters, food pantries, and emergency disaster relief.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

ARC OF EAST MIDDLESEX Arc of East Middlesex provides support and help children and adults with developmental disabilities live, work, and play in our communities. Some of their most popular programs with volunteers include: Adaptive Aquatics, Basketball, Bowling, Youth Trips, High School Club, Young Adult Social Club and Water Aerobics.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

WELLSPRING HOUSE

THE WOMEN’S LUNCH PLACE PINE STREET INN

People with Disabilities

PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT, INC. (PID) Partners in Development (PID) is committed to the education and economic advancement of the developing world and serves the poorest of the poor in developing countries.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

BEST BUDDIES MASSACHUSETTS Best Buddies Massachusetts is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. To become involved in one of the school-based programs you would need to have or open a chapter at your school. They are also always looking for interns and volunteers for special events.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

BROOKLINE QUEST Brookline Quest helps establish and support traditional and innovative recreational, leisure, and cultural activities that will encourage Brookline-area young adults with special needs to develop physical fitness, prepare for entry into community programs, and more.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

CHALLENGE UNLIMITED, INC. The mission of Challenge Unlimited, Inc. is to provide therapeutic riding programs for people with disabilities in an inclusive environment. Volunteers lead horses while clients receive therapy on a horse or sidewalk along side assisting the instructor or therapist. Sidewalkers help provide stability to the rider.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

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Give your teen the confidence they need.

Academic Life Coaching Ten one-on-one sessions tailored to the individual student. Increase academic confidence and reduce anxiety. Build personal confidence and self-awareness. Improve communications, relationships and leadership skills; for school, for life, for your child.

Gina Halsted Academic Life Coach gina@ALCteen.com 781•258•9085 www.ALCteen.com

CHARLES RIVER CENTER The Charles River Center has enhanced the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities since 1956. Teens could get involved in this program in two main ways: one is to be a volunteer and gain some hours for school, religion, etc., or teen volunteers could also set up a time to apply for a paid position for their afterschool program, their Saturday programs, as well as their vacation programs.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

CREATIVE LIVING, INC. Creative Living, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the lives of developmentally disabled individuals with support for both themselves and their families, so that they can live fulfilling lives in their communities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

Easter Seals Massachusetts provides services to ensure that children and adults with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired assists those with sight loss in Greater Boston and beyond. Volunteers are matched oneto-one with blind community members and assist with tasks such as shopping, reading and clerical work. Each volunteer is interviewed, screened, and trained. They read mail, magazines and paperwork; write letters and fill out forms; help with grocery shopping or errands, go for walks in the park or even jogs around the city!

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13 accompanied by an adult

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

MASSACHUSETTS DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS (MDSC) The goal of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) is to ensure individuals with Down Syndrome in Massachusetts are valued and included. They have a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year including assisting the Advocates in Motion program for teens and young adults with Down syndrome and helping at Buddy Walks which celebrate Down syndrome and promote acceptance and inclusion.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MASSACHUSETTS Special Olympics Massachusetts provides sports training for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers are needed to assist with sports timing and scorekeeping, registration, and special events such as opening ceremonies and dances, and administrative functions. They also need people to jump in the ocean in February, ride their bikes on September, or participate in a fun run in December to raise money for Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

Preserving the Environment APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB The Appalachian Mountain Club promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

BLUE HILLS TRAILSIDE MUSEUM

NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS OF MASSACHUSETTS (NAMI) National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (NAMI) seeks to improve the quality of life both for people with mental illnesses and for their families. These free educational programs offer resources, insights, coping skills, and genuine support for families and those in recovery. Volunteers who run NAMI’s educational offerings strive to better equip the class participants with the knowledge they need to navigate the mental health system All the programs are taught by peers; people who have lived the journey and can relate on a personal level to those seeking knowledge and comfort. These volunteers are trained by NAMI Mass according to the best practices instituted by NAMI National.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

OUTDOOR EXPLORATIONS Outdoor Explorations makes the outdoors a welcoming place for people with disabilities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

TENNIS SERVES Tennis SERVES strives to bring the sport of tennis to the visually impaired.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

TRIANGLE Through support, challenge, and opportunity, Triangle empowers people with disabilities and their families to enjoy rich, fulfilling lives. They are committed to helping the world realize that we are all people with ability.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

WINDRUSH FARM THERAPEUTIC EQUITATION, INC. Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, Inc. uses horses to expand the personal, emotional, and physical boundaries of all who ride and work. Interested volunteers should be able to make a weekly commitment to a one-hour class and be able to jog alongside a horse at the trot.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

Blue Hills Trailside Museum promotes awareness, appreciation, and active concern for the environment among people of all ages. Most volunteers are educational docents working with the public on a weekly basis at Special Events or creating natural history displays. Teens must be at least 16 to work, hands-on with the live animals in the wildlife care department and 16 to be a Camp Counselor in Training (C.I.T).

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

BOSTON GREENFEST Boston GreenFest is a program of the Foundation for a Green Future, Inc. and aims to model and teach sustainability in exciting ways through annual outdoor events.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

CATALOG CHOICE Catalog Choice’s mission is to help people reduce unwanted mail, save natural resources, and protect their privacy.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

CHARLES RIVER BOAT CLEAN-UP

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Charles River Boat Clean-up is dedicated to removing floating trash from the Charles River.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

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Proud to be part of the TeenLife Boston 2013 Community Service Fair

CHARLES RIVER CONSERVANCY

GREEN DECADE NEWTON

Charles River Conservancy increases resources and attention to the task of inventing new Charles River Parklands. Students will participate in stewardship activities, then process those activities in an age appropriate way through drawing, group discussion, writing, and/or brainstorming ideas for how to remedy or improve existing situations and conditions. When possible, students will have tasks concurrent with the stewardship activity to expand their experience to i.e., a scavenger hunt during a trash pickup or brush cutting. Projects will have defined goals to help students gain a sense of achievement.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13 (with waiver)

The mission of Green Decade Newton is to create an environment in better balance with the natural world by making significant, measurable improvements in the way we use resources.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

THE FARM INSTITUTE The mission of The FARM Institute is to operate a teaching farm that educates and engages children and adults in agriculture through the operations of a diverse working farm.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

THE FOOD PROJECT — SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM The Food Project – Summer Youth Program creates a community of diverse individuals who work together to build sustainable food systems. Youth can start as volunteers on weekends or with a school group. They are also able to work in the Summer Youth Program, earning a paycheck and learning valuable skills. After participating in the summer program, teens can apply to be a part of The Food Project’s Academic Year Program and Internships (paid positions).

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

GREENSCHOOLS Greenschools creates greener learning environments through education and awareness. It has numerous opportunities for students who wish to make THE GREEN DIFFERENCE in their school and community, and is seeking help with its student newsletter and publication. Additionally Greenschools is seeking volunteers to help with events, curriculum design, and special projects.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

HALE RESERVATION The mission of Hale Reservation is to provide stewardship of its land and resources and to offer educational experiences that foster responsibility, leadership, and appreciation for the natural environment. There are many ways students can get involved.

You can work on trails, pick up trash, spread wood chips, clear brush, paint, and help with mailings among many other opportunities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY The Massachusetts Audubon Society works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

FRIENDS OF THE BLUE HILLS Friends of the Blue Hills seeks to protect and preserve the Blue Hills Reservation.

They encourage youth to get involved in both their Trail Maintenance and Invasive Scouts Programs.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

THE NATICK COMMUNITY ORGANIC FARM The Natick Community Organic Farm provides productive open space, farm products, and hands-on education year round. Committed to farming methods that are ecologically healthy and sustainable, the Farm places special emphasis on service to youth through year-round classes, work-experience programs and volunteer opportunities for working the land. With your help, it can continue its work of fostering community goodwill through the love of the land.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

THEMOVE

The New England Aquarium combines education, entertainment, and action to address challenging problems facing the ocean. Are you passionate about seals?

Love penguins? Curious about what’s going on with the anacondas? Volunteer at the Aquarium! Some of our volunteers even go on to pursue their volunteer areas professionally. So whether you’re interested in a marine-related career or just want to get your feet and hands wet in the world of water, the Aquarium is the perfect place to volunteer your time and energy.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

The MA Outdoor Volunteer Experience (theMOVE) organizes reflective farmvolunteer workdays for diverse groups throughout the Boston area, to connect folks with the social and natural systems that sustain us daily.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

NEEDHAM COMMUNITY FARM The mission of the Needham Community Farm is to deepen our community’s connection to nature and the food system by providing farm-based education, increasing access to healthy produce, and encouraging environmental stewardship.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

Volunteers perform at an AMERICAN RED CROSS OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY event.

Cambridge, MA. See listing on page 14.

ROOTS & SHOOTS NEW ENGLAND The mission of Roots & Shoots New England is to foster respect and compassion for all living things. Roots & Shoots engages youth in community projects they care about. Kids and adults participate in group projects together, finding never-ending ways to educate and inspire one another and build a better future. The organization’s model provides educators, parents and group leaders with a flexible and proven way to engage youth in projects that can accomplish great things.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS — APPLETON FARMS The Trustees of Reservations preserve, for public use and enjoyment, is comprised of more than 25,000 acres of property with exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

URBANFRAME URBANFRAME’S participants apply their creative energy, wild ideas, and optimism to local and global challenges using design thinking. Their clients are communitybased organizations in need of new and innovative structures.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

Photo Credit: Used with permission/American Red Cross

Promoting Volunteerism BOSTON CARES

Wildlife Ecology Research

Where students learn ecology through hands-on research

Boston Cares organizes and leads teamoriented volunteer opportunities and services in and around Boston to make a positive impact on individuals and communities. It offers a wide array of programs and opportunities that make it easy for you to volunteer no matter how busy your schedule is. Its signature Calendar Program features more than 250 projects each month through which members volunteer at a variety of projects including: planting community gardens, serving meals to the homeless, cleaning parks, painting community centers, tutoring children, GED prep for adults, ushering at cultural performances, and much more. Teen TeamWorks is a triannual, four-day, small group volunteering program designed for high school teens ages 13-17. The program provides opportunities for fifteen teenagers to participate in teambuilding and leadership activities, civic engagement discussions, and daily volunteer projects at local non-profit organizations.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

DOSOMETHING.ORG

Wildlife Ecology Research is a residental program of the Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station in upstate New York.

Students are introduced to a diverse array of wildlife and research techniques by ecologists from around the country. The program culminates in small group research projects students develop and implement from hypothesis to final paper.

Open to rising junior and senior high school students Session I: June 30-July 21 Session II: July 28- August 18

DoSomething.org helps young people rock causes they care about. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. Start a Do Something Club with at least 4 friends who share your passion to make a difference. Or take action all year through Do Something’s campaigns and your own projects.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

FUTURE PHILANTHROPISTS Future Philanthropists provides youth with the tools and the resources to effectively make a difference in their own communities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

www.huyckpreserve.org/WER  (518)797-3440  dawn@huyckpreserve.org

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

NORTH SHORE TEEN INITIATIVE (NSTI)

RYLA/ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 7930

WAYLAND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

North Shore Teen Initiative (NSTI) seeks to engage, support, and inspire Jewish adolescents through social networking, community service and experiential Jewish learning, rooting them to Jewish values, and connecting them to their community.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

RYLA—Rotary Youth Leadership Awards— is a program designed to shape leadership skills in students who already possess and demonstrate outstanding leadership characteristics in their high school and community.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

The Wayland Recreation Department introduces Wayland teens to the satisfactory experience of helping others during the summer.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE (PMD)

TELEM: JEWISH YOUTH MAKING A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER

People Making a Difference (PMD) creates a world in which people and businesses are socially aware and engaged in their communities by organizing group projects.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

TELEM is an innovative program for Boston area Jewish teens that integrates community service, organizing, learning and reflection—and provides opportunities for you to make a real change.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

Youth ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE MENTORING (AFC MENTORING) The Boston-based one-to-one AFC Mentors program brings together adult mentors and youth in care, such as foster or kinship care, residential care, or adoption.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 18

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

ASHOKA’S YOUTH VENTURE Youth Venture’s mission is to build a global movement of young people being powerful changemakers. Youth Venture helps teams of people start new youth-led organizations.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

BIG SISTER ASSOCIATION OF GREATER BOSTON Big Sister Association of Greater Boston’s mission is to help girls realize their full potential by providing them with positive mentoring relationships with women. Its volunteer mentors are the heart and soul of its programs, dedicating themselves to young girls and inspiring them to believe there is nothing they can’t do, become or achieve.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

BIKES NOT BOMBS

Teen Volunteers at GIRLS’ LEAP SELF DEFENSE teach vital lessons in self-defense and self-awareness. Dorchester, MA. See listing on page 19.

Photo Credit: Christina Ingemi

AMERICA SCORES NEW ENGLAND, INC. (ASNE)

ARLINGTON ENRICHMENT COLLABORATIVE

American Scores New England, Inc. (ASNE) empowers students in urban communities using soccer, writing, creative expression, and service-learning. With teamwork as the unifying value, ASNE inspires youth to lead healthy lifestyles, be engaged students, and become agents of change in the community. High school teens with soccer expertise can volunteer or be hired as referees for weekly middle school games.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

Arlington Enrichment Collaborative serves the greater Arlington community through quality enrichment for middle school age youth. Students can become involved as volunteers who work with 5th-8th grade students in a wide variety of programs during the school year, or in various summer programs. Other opportunities exist as paid tutors, assistant group leaders, or special event help. If a teen (high school or college age) volunteer really wants to become involved, the Arlington Boys & Girls Club will find a way to help you get involved.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

Bikes Not Bombs provides community-based education and initiates development projects with recycled bicycles. There are many ways to get involved. The organization welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds for one of its monthly container loadings. Or you could organize a Bike Collection Drive at your school. The bikes you collect will be used for its Youth Programs or sent overseas to one of its international projects.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

BIRTHDAY WISHES Birthday Wishes provides birthday parties to children living in homeless shelters. The organization needs volunteers for all aspects of running birthday parties. Regardless of how you choose to participate, your help will ensure that a homeless child experiences a joyful birthday.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

ARLINGTON BOYS & GIRLS CLUB The Arlington Boys & Girls Club is a place that provides leadership development and decision-making responsibilities for all young people, especially those from challenging circumstances.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

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ARTISTS FOR HUMANITY The mission of Artists for Humanity is to bridge economic, racial, and social divisions by providing urban teens with employment in the arts.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

BODIMOJO BodiMojo is an online health and wellness portal for teenagers. Teen “confidence” ambassadors can write, blog, share health and lifestyle information and tips with other teens.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF DORCHESTER The mission of The Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester is to inspire and enable all young people, from diverse circumstances, to realize their full potential by providing opportunities to become contributing, caring, and responsible members of the community. As a volunteer, a teen can join a service group or volunteer in the program to help with tutoring or youth activities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

CAMBRIDGE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS (CSV) Cambridge School Volunteers (CSV) supports the academic success of Cambridge Public School students, grades K-12. Interested high school students could volunteer as homework helpers in some of Cambridge’s after-school Learning Centers.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

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THE CITY SCHOOL

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The City School strengthens the power of youth to work toward building a just society through creative education and critical thinking, leadership development, action and service, and promoting understanding and relationships across difference.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

2013

S AM

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CITYSPROUTS The CitySprouts mission is to develop, implement, and maintain beautiful, resource-rich school gardens in collaboration with public school communities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

COMMUNITY BOATING, INC. (CBI) Community Boating, Inc. (CBI) uses sailing as a vehicle to empower its members to develop independence and self-confidence, improve communication, foster teamwork, and acquire a deeper understanding of community spirit and the power of volunteerism. Ever since Community Boating’s founding, volunteers have comprised the strong backbone that keeps CBI afloat. Literally! Volunteer instructors (18 or over) are vitally important to CBI, but there are all kinds of other opportunities to contribute, from community outreach and back-office work to instruction, and everything in between.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

CYCLE KIDS Cycle Kids’ mission is to get children on bicycles and engage them in physical activity that addresses the health and emotional issues facing today’s underactive, often overweight children.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

DARE FAMILY SERVICES Dare provides Mentor homes for children who have been removed from their biological families due to abuse or neglect. The agency also works to prevent the removal of inner city children from their homes with comprehensive outreach family services.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

EAST END HOUSE East End House is a multi-service community center that uses a holistic approach to promote the well-being, academic achievement, and successful transition to adulthood of children and youth from under-resourced families in Cambridge and surrounding communities. Young people are welcome as volunteers at East End House in all programs.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

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URBANFRAME volunteers tackle design and construction challenges. Sudbury, MA. See listing on page 27.

FOUNDATION FOR METROWEST: YOUTH AND PHILANTHROPY PROGRAM The Foundation for MetroWest Youth and Philanthropy Program promotes philanthropy in the region, helps donors maximize the impact of their local giving, and serves as a resource for local non-profit organizations in the Metrowest areas of Boston.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

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FREEDOM FROM CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY (FCD) Since 1976, Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD) has worked hand in hand with hundreds of schools across the U.S. and around the world to provide students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills they need to make intelligent, healthy choices about alcohol and other drug use.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

GATEWAYS: ACCESS TO JEWISH EDUCATION Gateways: Access to Jewish Education enables children with special needs to become successful participants in the Jewish community.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts serves more than 45,000 girls ages 5 to 17 and 17,000 adult volunteers in the 178 communities they serve.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

GOVERNOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL The Youth Council’s mission has been to advise the Governor in making decisions and setting policy to improve the lives of young people throughout the Commonwealth.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

THE ONLY TEEN TRAVEL PROGRAM FEATURED ON THE TRAVEL CHANNEL

GREATER BOSTON PFLAG Greater Boston PFLAG provides support, education, resources, and advocacy to help youth, their families, and communities with the topic of sexual identity.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

SCHOOL TRIPS

COMMUNITY SERVICE

LANGUAGE IMMERSION

CULTURAL IMMERSION

HILL HOUSE Hill House strengthens community by offering more than 100 high quality athletic and creative programs, events, and outreach activities that enrich the lives of families living in Boston.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 15

WWW.TRAVELFORTEENS.COM • 1.888.457.4534 CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER TOO! THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

JEWISH BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GREATER BOSTON Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities by establishing and supporting one-to-one relationships with professionally matched, caring volunteers. Their mission is to provide a mentor for every child who wants and needs one. The Rodman Ride for Kids, a matching gift charity, happens each year in the fall. Over 1,000 riders, “ride for kid’s sake” for various charities across the Commonwealth, all dedicated to improving the lives of children in need. Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters’ team boasts nearly 75 riders, who raise critical funds all while having a day of fun on Massachusetts’ South Shore.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 17

JOHN M. BARRY BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NEWTON Recognizing that all youth are at risk, the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton inspires and enables young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Volunteer opportunities run across all departments of the club, including athletics, helping younger students with homework, playing recreational board games, and assisting with arts & crafts activities. Assist at one event or come on a regular basis.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

THE MARBLE COLLECTION, INC. The Marble Collection, Inc.’s mission is to provide Massachusetts secondary students with arts education programs that enhance creative cultivation, educational achievement, social development, and collegiate and career success.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

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METROLACROSSE, INC.

PROJECT STEP

MetroLacrosse, Inc. uses lacrosse to inspire personal, athletic, and educational success among urban youth. The organization has a couple of different options if you are interested in volunteering with MetroLacrosse this spring. You might consider coaching a team. For those who can’t commit to coaching a team, you can become a community site volunteer. MetroLacrosse collaborates with various community centers around Boston and Chelsea.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

Project Step prepares Black and Latino musicians for success in classical music ensembles. They could use volunteer administrative help in the office, help at events, and extra hands with mailings.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 17

MORE THAN WORDS BOOKSTORE AND CAFE More Than Words Bookstore and Cafe is a non-profit social enterprise that empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. They partner with numerous organizations and groups on book drives, including many schools, colleges, churches, and temples in the area. The organization hopes that you will consider partnering with them on a drive in the future.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

NANTUCKET BOYS & GIRLS CLUB The mission of the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club is to empower the youth of Nantucket to realize their full potential.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

SCIENCE CLUB FOR GIRLS The mission of Science Club For Girls is to increase the self-confidence and literacy in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) of K-12th grade girls belonging to groups that are underrepresented in these fields, through free programs that include hands-on learning, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Young women in the 7th-12th grades can apply to work after school as Junior Mentors for Science Club for Girls. Mentors provide support for after school programs while serving as role models for elementary girls.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 12

STRONG WOMEN STRONG GIRLS The mission of Strong Women, Strong Girls is to utilize the lessons learned from strong women throughout history to encourage girls and young women to become strong women themselves. By building communities of women committed to supporting positive social change, Strong Women, Strong Girls works to create cycles of mutual empowerment for women and girls.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 14

PIERS PARK SAILING CENTER The mission of Piers Park Sailing Center is to use Boston Harbor and the seas beyond to provide year-round recreational, educational, and personal growth opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

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TENACITY, INC. Tenacity, Inc. provides a program offering high-quality literacy and tennis programming not only to build academic skills and improve fitness, but to also foster the development of strong bonds and resilience in its students—skills needed to succeed in school and life. Tenacity runs both schoolyear and summer programming for youth in Boston. The organization is always looking for volunteers to help with both the tennis and literacy components of our programming. It also has seasonal volunteer opportunities surrounding special events.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

TOBIN AFTER SCHOOL For preschool through grade 5, the Tobin School nurtures and challenges the whole child to reach his/her maximum potential.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 16

PROGRAMS TO CHOOSE FROM:

High School Honors 6 For current sophomores wks

and juniors

Research Internship in 6 Science & Engineering wks

For current juniors

Summer Challenge 2 For current freshmen, wks

EXPERIENCE COLLEGE LIFE Join other highly motivated high school students from around the world. Experience an intellectual and social introduction to college life at an internationally ranked university. Enjoy the excitement of a college campus and the fun of Boston in the summer.

sophomores, and juniors

Summer Preview 1 For current eighth wk

graders and freshmen

Learn more.

617-353-1378 bu.edu/summer/highschool

An equal opportunity, affirmative action institution.

YOUTH ENRICHMENT SERVICES, INC. (YES) Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. (YES) inspires and challenges youth with physical and mental activities that foster life-long respect for self, others, and the environment. Junior Volunteers have the opportunity to act as positive role models to peers during outings, leadership training, and on-the-slope teaching experience.

Junior Volunteers are required to dedicate a minimum of one day/month of slope time, a 3-hour shift in the YES rental shop, and an instructional training weekend trip.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: 13

ZUMIX, INC. The mission of Zumix is to empower youth who use music to make strong positive change in their lives.

Minimum Age for Volunteers: under 12

Pub: TeenLife Fair Date: February 2013 Size: 4.5 x 4.625 Color: color

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35

TRUE STORY:

Starting Your Own Non-Profit

By Kimberly Wolf, M.Ed. T 17, SIMONE BERNSTEIN AND HER BROTHER, JAKE, CO-FOUNDED THE NON-PROFIT VOLUNTEEN NATION. NOW A NATIONAL RESOURCE, SIMONE’S ORGANIZATION HAS HELPED THOUSANDS OF TEENS FIND THE RIGHT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TO FIT THEIR STRENGTHS AND INTERESTS. HERE’S WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY ABOUT STARTING HER OWN SOCIAL ENTERPRISE. What inspired you to start Volunteen Nation?

How did you become an official non-profit?

When I was 12 years old, my dad was deployed, and so many people were giving back to my family…It was really neat to have people around me giving their time and effort, to see people giving back, and to see my dad giving back to our country. I wanted to do the same thing.

Well it was amazing to see the support of lawyers in our community of St. Louis. A local lawyer came to us and offered his time pro-bono to set up our 501(c)3. He showed us how to do the process and follow through with it.

How would you describe your role at Volunteen Nation? What is your title? What does a day look like for you? What are your duties?

I’m the Co-Founder and President – answering emails, finding new volunteer opportunities. I try to stay away from anything related to technology. That is all for my brother. I’m doing a variety of tasks on a daily basis, and I enjoy that. I enjoy communicating with a ten year old or a thirteen year old about opportunities that fit their skills and interests.

How did you get started?

My brother really enjoys technology, and we worked together to create a very simple website. We decided to create one based on a template that was available…

It cost $48.

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

Did you have any mentors helping you? Who were they and how did they help you?

There are so many, and it’s hard to mention only one. My mom is a huge support. I know it sounds cliché. Without a support system, it’s very hard to create an organization.

Maxine Clark, the Founder of Build-A-Bear, is always there to help. It’s amazing to see people running an international business, and to be able to email them with questions.

What was the most interesting part of starting a non-profit?

Putting together the board was the most interesting, because you have to pick people who are well connected and passionate about what you do, and want to help you. It’s a stressful process to pick people who are dedicated and motivated to help your organization grow.

TRUE STORY: STARTING YOUR OWN NON-PROFIT

What has been the most rewarding part of the process?

How has having your own non-profit shaped your view of the world?

The most rewarding part has been meeting wonderful and amazing people throughout the world. It’s amazing to hear their stories and to see the amount of people who have found opportunities in their communities. Stories expressing appreciation for the organization come from conferences and emails. They reward us and inspire us to make a difference.

So many kids just want to give back but just don’t know where to go. My generation is generation “on.” We’re ready to make a difference and start doing something. It’s really about allowing organizations to realize the power of youth, and helping youth realize what they can do to help an organization. We’re the generation who has evolved with social media. People don’t realize how much there is out there to do. All of these kids want to get out and do something for the world. And we’re hoping we can give them ways to help them do it.

What have been the biggest challenges?

At the point when we wanted to go national, it was hard to get national exposure. The same ideas that worked on a local level did not work on a national level. Although we had connections in St. Louis, there were a lot of people nationally that never opened emails that we sent or listened to voicemails we left. Although there was huge difficulty, it just took time. Once people added their opportunities to the site, they spread the word to other organizations that we may not have known about being from St. Louis.

Did you ever have any fear or doubts?

I did, but ultimately, I realized that even if I only helped one person find an opportunity, that would be enough. Even if it doesn’t go anywhere, so be it. I was only 17 when I started, and there is time to fail when you’re young. There have been bumps in the road. I want others to know that not everything is a success, but it’s an experience to see how to change those mistakes and change direction.

What skills have you gained?

Communication skills are something I have improved upon. I’ve realized the power of speaking and telling people what you do. It’s probably the biggest thing that will carry on for the rest of our lives. That’s been rewarding – to communicate with people of all different ages from all different places.

How has the experience shaped your goals for the future?

I hope to go into public policy and go through medical school and find ways to give back. I want to get an MD and MPH, but use my skills from starting a non-profit to do something different, to start another non-profit or work with one. I would like to work with an organization to help with healthcare reform. I hope that my combined goals will allow me to inspire others to use their goals to drive change.

Any advice for other teen activists and social entrepreneurs?

It only cost $48 to start Volunteen Nation and launch the initial website.

Today, Volunteen Nation draws national attention.

Take action. It’s about having an idea and doing something about it. It cost $48 for us to start the website. People don’t realize how little money it takes to take an idea and make it something big. Although it may seem like a lot at the beginning, it’s all well worth it. We really hope other teens will take their ideas and take action.

WANT TO START YOUR OWN NON-PROFIT? CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES TO LEARN HOW! National Council of Nonprofits: http://www.councilofnonprofits.org Society for Nonprofit Organizations: http://www.snpo.org THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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Acknowledgements TeenLife would like to thank the following organizations that have generously supported our 2013 TeenLife LIVE! Community Service Fair & Expo and 2013 Guide to Community Service in Greater Boston.

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Venue Sponsor THE MALL AT CHESTNUT HILL The Mall at Chestnut Hill is an upscale, two-level center located in the Chestnut Hill section of Newton. Anchored by Bloomingdale’s in two locations, with the Women’s store located at the west end and the Men’s and Home & Furnishings stores anchoring the east end, the center features over 60 specialty boutiques and three excellent restaurants.

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SPONSORS & CONTRIBUTORS

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THE EXPERIMENT IN INTERNATIONAL LIVING Experiment programs are thoughtful journeys that allow high school students from across the US and abroad to experience another culture and expand their understanding of the world.

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Contact: Ryan Rathmann, Assistant Director of Admissions Address: 1 Kipling Road, PO Box 676, Brattleboro, VT 05302 Phone: 800 345-2929 (toll free within the US) or 802 257-7751 Email: experiment@experimentinternational.org Website: www.experimentinternational.org

Bronze Sponsors BOSTON UNIVERSITY SUMMER TERM HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS Boston University Summer Term invites you to check out four summer high school programs that challenge you intellectually and introduce you to college life. Each of our high school programs offer you the chance to learn and explore new subjects as you bond with other students through fun social activities on campus and around Boston.

Contact: Matthew Cobb, Program Coordinator Address: 755 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 105 Boston MA 02215 Phone: 617-353-1378 Email: summerhs@bu.edu Website: www.bu.edu/summer/highschool

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SPONSORS & CONTRIBUTORS

BRITISH SCHOOL OF BOSTON International. Individual. Inspirational. The British School of Boston, serving toddlers through high school students, is a diverse, international learning community dedicated to developing a broad world view in our students. Using internationally benchmarked curricula such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, BSB provides personalized learning in an academically rigorous setting.

Contact: Lisa van Horne, Director of Admissions Address: 416 Pond Street, Boston, MA 02130 Phone: 617-522-2261 Email: l.vanhorne@wclschools.org Website: www. BritishSchoolOfBoston.org

HOBSONS: COLLEGECONFIDENTIAL CollegeConfidential.com is the web’s largest college discussion community where you can: get expert advice for choosing a college, getting in, paying for it, and life after graduation; surf CampusVibe™, a treasure trove of user-made videos, photo, and campus visit reports; swap info with counselors, teachers, students, and parents on College Confidential’s real-talk forums; stay current with topical blogs, like “Ask the Dean,” and “Admit This!”

Contact: Daniela Locreille Address: 50 E-Business Way, Suite 300, Cincinnati, OH 45241 Phone: 513-985-41867 Email: daniela.locreille@hobsons.com Website: www.collegeconfidential.com

HUYCK PRESERVE Wildlife Ecology Research is a three week pre-college program where students learn ecology through hands-on research. Ecologists introduce students to ecological topics using a diverse array of wildlife and research techniques. The program culminates in small group research projects students develop and implement from hypothesis to final paper.

Contact: Dawn O’Neal, Director of Conservation Education and Research Address: 5052 Delaware Turnpike, Rensselaerville, New York 12147 Phone: 518-797-3440 Email: dawn@huyckpreserve.org Website: www.huyckpreserve.org

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BOSTON International School of Boston is a Pre-K through Grade 12 coeducational dual-language school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Nurturing, challenging, teaching, and developing more than 630 students from over 40 countries so that they can achieve success in college and life no matter where their dreams might take them, We Teach the World.

Contact: Barbara Saran-Brunner, Admissions Director Address: 45 Matignon Road, Cambridge, MA 02140 Phone: 617-499-1459 Email: bsaran@isbos.org Website: www.isbos.org

INTERNSHIP CONNECTION Internship Connection is an educational, school-to-career program that provides high school and college students, ages 15-23, with “real-world” work experience through Summer or Gap Year Internships in Boston. Students are able to live at home and work a part-time flexible schedule, leaving time for other activities. Summer internships take place over a 6-8 week period while Gap semester is either fall or spring.

Contact: Carole Jabbawy, Founder and Director Address: 17 Countryside Road, Newton, MA 02459 Phone: 617-796-9283 Email: carole@internshipconnection.com Website: www.internshipconnection.com

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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SPONSORS & CONTRIBUTORS

SUSTAINABLE SUMMER Our summer adventures in sustainability are designed for students age 15 to 18. Travel to Ecuador with us this summer and explore concepts such as sustainable agriculture and natural resource management through a unique, engaging program that combines adventure travel, cultural immersion, and environmental education.

Contact: Jeff Sharpe, Executive Director Address: 212 S. Oxford Street, #3A, Brooklyn, NY 11217 Phone: 646-504-5046 Email: info@sustainablesummer.org Website: www.sustainablesummer.org

SYA SUMMER IN ITALY – WORLD CITIZEN INITIATIVE During four weeks in Viterbo, Italy, students study global issues and Italian language and culture, participate in afternoon activities and excursions, and live with a host family. During one week in Lampedusa (Sicily), students research issues of immigration and environmental change and volunteer at a Marine Turtle Recovery Center run by the WWF. Contact: Whitney Hermann, Summer Programs Coordinator Address: SYA Summer, 439 South Union Street, Lawrence, MA 01843 Phone: 978-725-6828 x 134 Email: syasummer@sya.org Website: www.syasummer.org

TRAVEL FOR TEENS Travel for Teens believes teen travel should be both fun and enriching. From one trip to Paris in 2003 to over 50 trips to more than 35 countries on 4 continents today, Travel for Teens offers language immersion, photography, cultural immersion, and community service programs visiting the best of mainstream attractions while offering the opportunity to explore each culture from a less touristy perspective.

Contact: Ned Clark, Vice President Address: 900 West Valley Road Suite 300 Wayne, PA 19087 Phone: 888-457-4534 Email: info@travelforteens.com Website: www.travelforteens.com

Contributors RENTALS UNLIMITED Rentals Unlimited is New England’s premier special event rental company. Make every event memorable by adding personal touches—each selected by you—from an extensive inventory of linens, chairs, furniture, place settings, dance floors, and more. Your event deserves the best!

Website: www.rentals-unlimited.net

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH TEENLIFE.COM FOR EVEN MORE COMMUNITY SERIVICE ORGANIZATIONS.

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

Index

Wondering if your favorite organization takes teen volunteers?

Want to find something close to home? We’ve designed this index to help you find the opportunities you want!

Community Service Organizations – Alphabetical A 29

18 10 30 14 10 10

10 18 14, 27 13 25 23 30 14 30 10 30 18 18 30 10

10

Adoption & Foster Care Mentoring (AFC Mentoring) Aids Action/Strongest Link AIDS Services, Inc. Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter America Scores New England, Inc. (ASNE) American Camp Association, New England American Cancer Society American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Boston (AFSP) American Heart Association American Jewish Historical Society American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay Animal Rescue League of Boston Appalachian Mountain Club Arc of East Middlesex Arlington Boys & Girls Club Arlington Center for the Arts Arlington Enrichment Collaborative Arthritis Foundation, Massachusetts Chapter Artists For Humanity ArtsBoston ArtSpan Ashoka’s Youth Venture Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America New England (AAFANE) Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

B 23 Best Buddies Massachusetts 19 Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Milton 19 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

(BIDMC) 21 Beverly Bootstraps Community Services 19 Beverly Hospital 30 Big Sister Association of Greater Boston 16, 30 Bikes Not Bombs 30 Birthday Wishes 25 Blue Hills Trailside Museum 30 BodiMojo 19 Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) 10 Boston Bikes 28 Boston Cares 25 Boston GreenFest 21 Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP)

18 Boston Jewish Film Festival 10 Boston Marine Corps Honor Run 10, 15 Boston Mobilization 21 Boston Rescue Mission (BRM) 31 The Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester 23 Brookline Quest 12 Brookline Senior Center 21 Brookview House, Inc.

C 18 Cambridge Arts Council 31 Cambridge School Volunteers (CSV) 25 Catalog Choice 14 Catholic Charities of Boston (CCAB) 23 Challenge Unlimited, Inc. 25 Charles River Boat Clean-up 24 Charles River Center 26 Charles River Conservancy 10 Citizens for Juvenile Justice 31 The City School 31 CitySprouts 14 Close to Home 23 The Colored Pencil Project 32 Community Boating, Inc. (CBI) 15 Community Servings 21 Cradles to Crayons 24 Creative Living, Inc. 32 Cycle Kids

D 32 Dare Family Services 19 Dog B.O.N.E.S. Therapy Dogs of

Massachusetts 28 DoSomething.org

E 32 East End House 24 Easter Seals Massachusetts 15 Ellis Memorial & Eldridge House, Inc. 13 Ethos F 15, 19 6, 15 26 21 15

Families for Depression Awareness Family Nurturing Center The FARM Institute Father Bill’s & Mainspring (FBMS) Fenway Health LGBT Helpline & Peer Listening Line

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INDEX

26 18 9, 32

13 32 26 28

The Food Project — Summer Youth Program Forbes House Museum Foundation for MetroWest: Youth and Philanthropy Program Franklin Park Zoo Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD) Friends of the Blue Hills Future Philanthropists

G 33 10 33 19, 30 33 21 33 26 26

Gateways: Access to Jewish Education Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Girls’ LEAP Self-Defense Governor’s Youth Council The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) Greater Boston PFLAG Green Decade Newton Greenschools

H 21 Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston 26 Hale Reservation 19 Healthworks Community Fitness 21 Heifer International — Northeast Office 33 Hill House 20 Hope in Bloom, Inc. 21 Horizons for Homeless Children 15 Hospitality Homes 14, 22 The Humane League, Boston Office

I 15 iStartup Community Centers

J 34 Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston 15 Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston:

Youth Literacy Corps 34 John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton 11 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

K 15 Keeping Pace with Multiple Miracles

L 16 Louis D. Brown Peace Institute

M 34 The Marble Collection, Inc. 16 The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House 24 Massachusetts Association for the Blind

and Visually Impaired 26 Massachusetts Audubon Society

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

25 Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) 20 Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) 11 Melanoma Education Foundation Cover, 11 Melanoma Foundation of New England 34 MetroLacrosse, Inc. 14 Milton Animal League 23 Milton Food Pantry 16 Milton Parks and Recreation Department 20 MitoAction 34 More Than Words Bookstore and Cafe 18 Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) 18 Museum of Science (MOS)

N 34 Nantucket Boys & Girls Club 27 The Natick Community Organic Farm 14, 25 National Alliance on Mental

Illness of Massachusetts (NAMI) 11 National Multiple Sclerosis Society 27 Needham Community Farm 27 New England Aquarium 20 New England Baptist Hospital (NEBH) 16 Newton Community Service Center 11 North Shore Medical Center Cancer

WALK/RUN (NSMC) 29 North Shore Teen Initiative (NSTI) 14 Northeast Animal Shelter

O 13 Old Colony Hospice 23 On The Rise, Inc. 25 Outdoor Explorations 11 Ovations for the Cure P 12 23 12, 29 34 13 23 12, 49 12 34 18

Pan-Massachusetts Challenge Partners In Development, Inc. (PID) People Making a Difference (PMD) Piers Park Sailing Center Pine Knoll Nursing Center Pine Street Inn PLGA Foundation/A Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure Project Bread — The Walk for Hunger Project Step Prozdor of Hebrew College

R 16 REACH Beyond Domestic Violence 16 Room to Grow 27 Roots & Shoots New England 23 Rosie’s Place 29 RYLA/Rotary International District 7930

INDEX

S 23 Salvation Army 16 Samaritans, Inc. 14 Save A Dog 34 Science Club For Girls 12 Small Army for a Cause--Be Bold, Be Bald!

17 Social Capital Inc. 25 Special Olympics Massachusetts 34 Strong Women Strong Girls 12 Susan G. Komen for the Cure--Massachusetts

T 29 TELEM: Jewish Youth Making a Difference Together 35 Tenacity, Inc. 25 Tennis SERVES 5, 27 theMOVE 35 Tobin After School 25 Triangle 27 The Trustees of Reservations — Appleton Farms

U 17 United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley 27, 32 URBANFRAME

V 23 Victory Programs ReVision Urban Farm W 29 Wayland Recreation Department 17 Wayside Youth and Family Support Network 23 Wellspring House 18 West Suburban YMCA 18 Westwood Youth & Family Services 3, 25 Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, Inc. 18 The Women’s Center 23 The Women’s Lunch Place

Y 18 YMCA of Greater Boston: Waltham 35 Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. (YES) Z 11, 35 ZUMIX, Inc. Community Service Organizations – By Location Allston 35 Tenacity, Inc. Andover 23 Challenge Unlimited, Inc. 24 Creative Living, Inc.

Arlington 30 Arlington Boys & Girls Club 14 Arlington Center for the Arts 30 Arlington Enrichment Collaborative Beverly 21 Beverly Bootstraps Community Services 19 Beverly Hospital 27 The Trustees of Reservations — Appleton Farms Boston 29 Adoption & Foster Care Mentoring

(AFC Mentoring) 18 Aids Action/Strongest Link AIDS Services, Inc. 18 American Jewish Historical Society 13 Animal Rescue League of Boston 30 Artists For Humanity 18 ArtsBoston 30 Ashoka’s Youth Venture 10 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer 23 Best Buddies Massachusetts 19 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) 30 Big Sister Association of Greater Boston 10 Boston Bikes 28 Boston Cares 25 Boston GreenFest 21 Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

(BHCHP) 10 Boston Marine Corps Honor Run 21 Boston Rescue Mission (BRM) 14 Catholic Charities of Boston (CCAB) 10 Citizens for Juvenile Justice 23 The Colored Pencil Project 32 Community Boating, Inc. (CBI) 24 Easter Seals Massachusetts 15 Ellis Memorial & Eldridge House, Inc. 15 Fenway Health LGBT Helpline &

Peer Listening Line 13 Franklin Park Zoo 10 Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) 33 Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts 33 Governor’s Youth Council 21 The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) 21 Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston 33 Hill House 15 Hospitality Homes 20 Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) 34 MetroLacrosse, Inc. 18 Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) 18 Museum of Science (MOS) 27 New England Aquarium 20 New England Baptist Hospital (NEBH) 12, 29 People Making a Difference (PMD) 23 Pine Street Inn

THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

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INDEX

12, 49 PLGA Foundation/A Kids’ Brain Tumor Cure 34 Project Step 16 Room to Grow 27 Roots & Shoots New England 23 Rosie’s Place 29 RYLA/Rotary International District 7930 16 Samaritans, Inc. 12 Small Army for a Cause—Be Bold, Be Bald!

34 Strong Women Strong Girls 12 Susan G. Komen for the Cure—Massachusetts 29 TELEM: Jewish Youth Making a Difference

Together 17 United Way of Massachusetts Bay &

Merrimack Valley 23 The Women’s Lunch Place 35 Youth Enrichment Services, Inc. (YES) Boxford 3, 25 Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, Inc. Brighton 21 Cradles to Crayons Brookline 23 Brookline Quest 12 Brookline Senior Center 24 Massachusetts Association for the Blind

and Visually Impaired Burlington 25 Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) Cambridge 26 Charles River Conservancy 32 East End House 14, 27 American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay 30 BodiMojo 19 Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) 10, 15 Boston Mobilization 18 Cambridge Arts Council 31 Cambridge School Volunteers (CSV) 31 CitySprouts 32 Cycle Kids 14, 22 The Humane League, Boston Office 16 The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House 23 On The Rise, Inc. 34 Science Club For Girls 5, 27 theMOVE 18 The Women’s Center Canton 23 Salvation Army Concord Cover, 11 Melanoma Foundation of New England Dedham 20 Hope in Bloom, Inc. Dorchester 31 The Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester 14 Close to Home

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

21 Brookview House, Inc. 31 The City School 6, 15 Family Nurturing Center 19, 30 Girls’ LEAP Self-Defense 19 Healthworks Community Fitness 16 Louis D. Brown Peace Institute 23 Victory Programs ReVision Urban Farm East Boston 34 Piers Park Sailing Center 12 Project Bread — The Walk for Hunger 11, 35 ZUMIX, Inc. Edgartown 26 The FARM Institute Framingham 10 American Cancer Society 10 American Heart Association 25 Charles River Boat Clean-up 28 Future Philanthropists 17 Wayside Youth and Family Support Network Gloucester 23 Wellspring House Gorham 25 Appalachian Mountain Club Ipswich 23 Partners In Development, Inc. (PID) Jamaica Plain 30 America Scores New England, Inc. (ASNE) 16, 30 Bikes Not Bombs 15 Community Servings 13 Ethos Lakeville 34 The Marble Collection, Inc. Lexington 14 American Camp Association, New England 18 ArtSpan 13 Pine Knoll Nursing Center Lincoln 26 The Food Project — Summer Youth Program 26 Massachusetts Audubon Society Malborough 25 Special Olympics Massachusetts Malden 25 Triangle Mansfield 26 Greenschools Marblehead 29 North Shore Teen Initiative (NSTI) Medford 25 Outdoor Explorations 20 MitoAction Milton 19 Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Milton 18 Forbes House Museum 26 Friends of the Blue Hills

INDEX

14 Milton Animal League 23 Milton Food Pantry 16 Milton Parks and Recreation Department 25 Blue Hills Trailside Museum Nantucket 34 Nantucket Boys & Girls Club Natick 9, 32 Foundation for MetroWest: Youth and

Philanthropy Program 27 The Natick Community Organic Farm 11 Ovations for the Cure Needham 10 Asthma and Allergy Foundation of

America New England (AAFANE) 24 Charles River Center 27 Needham Community Farm 12 Pan-Massachusetts Challenge 35 Tobin After School Newton 18 West Suburban YMCA 10 American Foundation for Suicide

Prevention Boston (AFSP) 10 Arthritis Foundation, Massachusetts Chapter 30 Birthday Wishes 18 Boston Jewish Film Festival 32 Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD) 33 Gateways: Access to Jewish Education 26 Green Decade Newton 15 iStartup Community Centers 34 Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston 15 Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston:

Youth Literacy Corps 34 John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton 16 Newton Community Service Center 18 Prozdor of Hebrew College 25 Tennis SERVES Peabody 11 Melanoma Education Foundation Quincy 21 Father Bill’s & Mainspring (FBMS) Randolph 13 Old Colony Hospice Reading 23 Arc of East Middlesex Roxbury 32 Dare Family Services 21 Horizons for Homeless Children Rutland 21 Heifer International — Northeast Office Salem 11 North Shore Medical Center Cancer WALK/RUN (NSMC) 14 Northeast Animal Shelter Scituate 19 Dog B.O.N.E.S. Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts

Sudbury 14 Save A Dog 27, 32 URBANFRAME Virtual/National 25 Catalog Choice 28 DoSomething.org Waltham 15, 19 Families for Depression Awareness 33 Greater Boston PFLAG 34 More Than Words Bookstore and Café 16 REACH Beyond Domestic Violence 18 YMCA of Greater Boston: Waltham 11 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Watertown 10 Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter Wayland 29 Wayland Recreation Department Wellesley Hills 11 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) West Bridgewater 15 Keeping Pace with Multiple Miracles Westwood 26 Hale Reservation 18 Westwood Youth & Family Services Woburn 14, 25 National Alliance on Mental

Illness of Massachusetts (NAMI) 17 Social Capital Inc. Sponsors, Contributors, & Advertisers 24 Academic Life Coaching 39 AMP RADIO 20, 39 Boston Color Graphics 35, 40 Boston University Summer Term

High School Programs 13, 40 The Bridge at The Family Foundation School 28, 41 British School of Boston 2, 40 The Experiment in International Living 17, 41 Hobsons: CollegeConfidential 28, 41 Huyck Preserve 33, 41 International School of Boston 29, 41 Internship Connection 24, 39 The Mall at Chestnut Hill 26, 42 Rentals Unlimited 4, 40 The SAT Program / College Board 20, 42 Sustainable Summer 17, 42 SYA Summer in Italy – World Citizen Initiative 2, 31, 38, 48 TeenLife 8, 40 TestRocker 33, 42 Travel for Teens 35 Veritas Prep Inside Cover, 39 Wicked Local THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

47

About TeenLife

Join now for free access to all we have to offer—www.TeenLife.com/Join BECOME A MEMBER Information is offered online at www.teenlife.com and through monthly e-newsletters, e-mail communications, and printed and digital guides in a number of categories. Families and their teens can also explore opportunities at live events, school and student fairs, and corporate meetings. Students, parents, and educators are encouraged to register online to take advantage of our comprehensive resources! Go to www.teenlife.com/join.

For more information about TeenLife, e-mail info@teenlife.com or call (617) 277-5120. Programs, schools, service providers, and other organizations who want to be listed on our site should contact listings@teenlife.com.

WHO WE ARE TeenLife is the "go to” resource for parents, teens, and educators actively looking for meaningful learning experiences — regionally, nationally, and internationally — for students. Our award-winning site, handy guides, and faceto-face events feature an extensive number of opportunities, programs, and services that "bring out the best” in teens.

WHAT WE DO Few students, parents, and educators have the time, resources, or knowledge to research interesting, learning experiences for teens. So, we do it for them. TeenLife scours the Internet and teen resources for new information and ideas on a continual basis. Our proprietary database containing thousands of listings for teens is unmatched by any other source.

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

TeenLife’s Community Service Checklist: Maximize Your Impact!

DECIDE ON A TIME COMMITMENT. An hour a day?

An hour a week?

4 hours a week?

24 hours a day/7 days a week?

HOW DO YOU WANT TO REACH OUT? Work directly with the people (or animals) who need it.

Work at events.

Raise money.

Collect goods.

Help with social media.

Start your own non-profit?

PICK YOUR CAUSE. Think about your personal passions.

Talk to friends, mentors, and school counselors.

Refer to the listings in the pages of this guide.

Contact the organization(s) you want to help.

PUT IN THE TIME. Put volunteer commitments on your calendar.

Show up on time.

Give it 100% - everyone will appreciate it and you’ll feel good about it.

(Hey, it could even help with a college recommendation!)

KEEP TRACK OF IT ALL. Meet community service requirements for school.

Have supervisors help document your hours if you need to share them with schools or colleges.

REAP THE BENEFITS! Help people who need it.

Meet new friends.

Learn new skills.

Make a real difference.

Have an awesome time!

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THE TEENLIFE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE IN GREATER BOSTON

49

Photo Credit: © Steve Krongard and Jodi Buren

Teens lend a hand at a PLGA FOUNDATION/A KIDS’ BRAIN TUMOR CURE fundraiser. Boston, MA. See listing on page 12.

Appendix Here are some additional resources for teens!

BEAVER SUMMER PROGRAMS Beaver Summer Programs is a summer day camp in Chestnut Hill, MA serving children ages 3 to 15 on the campus of Beaver Country Day School. We offer memorable summer experiences through our General Camp and many Specialty Programs, all of which are led by exceptional staff.

Contact: Nat Saltonstall, Director Address: 791 Hammond St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 Phone: 617-738-2750 Email: camp@bcdschool.org Website: www.bcdcamp.org

i2 CAMP i2 Camp is a fun, hands-on summer day camp designed to broaden middle schoolers’ exposure to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). i2 has partnered with some of the world’s leading institutions, including MIT, the Museum of Science and Columbia, to create topics including Smart Cities, Genetics/DNA, Robotics and Engineering.

Contact: Andrew Katz, Camp Director Address: The Roxbury Latin School, 101 St. Theresa Ave., West Roxbury, MA 02132 Phone: 617-833-2762 Email: contact@i2camp.org Website: www.i2camp.org

MOUNT ALVERNIA HIGH SCHOOL We are committed to instilling the spiritual and intellectual values young girls will need in order to navigate a lifetime of challenges. Our goal is to not only educate their minds, but to give them vital tools to help them make the right choices.

Contact: Elizabeth Buckley Address: 2629 Townsgate Rd., Ste. 235, Westlake Village, CA 91361 Phone: 617-969-2260 Email: ebuckley@mountalverniahs.org Website: www.mountalverniahs.org

THREE WISHES SCHOLARSHIPS Three Wishes Scholarships saves families time, reduces stress, and maximizes potential for winning merit scholarships – money for college based on achievement rather than financial need. Our clients go from overwhelmed to peace of mind with a customized game plan to lower the cost of college.

Contact: Nancy Paul Address: 2629 Townsgate Rd., Ste. 235, Westlake Village, CA 91361 Phone: 805-870-2610 Email: info@threewishes-scholarships.com Website: www.threewishes-scholarships.com

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