Greetings!
 As the temperatures begin to drop in Boston, things are continuing to heat up over at United South End Settlements (USES). We are hard at work providing high-quality programs and services for those in our neighborhood. Take a few moments to check out some of the organizational highlights. With the launch of this monthly e-newsletter, we hope that we can better engage and serve those in our community that are most vulnerable. Stay up-to-date with USES by connecting with us via the buttons on the right, or visiting our facilities and saying hi. Sincerely, Kevin Lee Hepner
President & CEO
|
|
|
Arts & Culture
 Children's Art Centre
During the Spring of 2011, the Children's Art Centre, along with youth from Ellis Memorial, won the national first place award for the ages 2-9 year old category for their project, The South End in 100 Years, as well as tying for first place across all age groups. The competition, held by the United Neighborhood Centers of America (UNCA) Youth Visioning Project, allowed youth to create and compile a vision of the South End 100 years from now for a nationwide video submission competition. Click here to watch the final video. The Community Colors Art Exhibit, now in its fourth year, held an opening reception on October 13. The exhibit, featuring local artists throughout the South End/Lower Roxbury neighborhood, runs through December 9 at the Harriet Tubman House. |
|
Youth Development
 After School Program
In partnership with the USES Parent Council and the Children's Art Centre, the After School Program hosted a successful Haunted House event on October 28. There was food, face painting, haunted house tours, and raffle prizes. Overall, 121 tickets were sold, raising $1,000 that will be put towards a field trip for the children in the After School Program. Camp HaleIn concluding its 111th season this summer, Camp Hale served a record-breaking 144 participants, its highest number ever! During this summer, Camp Hale also launched two new successful initiatives: Rookie Camp for boys ages 6-10 years old, and Father/Mentor Son Weekend to strengthen inter-generational relationships. Early Childhood EducationThe Early Childhood Education Program had a successful graduation in August 2011. Overall, 21 four and five year-old students graduated and are ready to learn in Pre-K or Kindergarten classes.
Classes are in full swing during the fall season. Jumpstart is sending 8 Corps Members to two of our classrooms twice a week for two hours each session, working with the children to enhance the Language and Literacy parts of our curriculum. Additionally, the Children's Art Centre is teaching art enrichment classes for two hours each week to each classroom with a group size no bigger than 10 children. |
|
Workforce Readiness
 Adult Basic EducationThe most recent GED graduation ceremony occurred in June 2011. During this recent cycle, 36 participants received their GED and are well on their way towards advancing their careers.
Technology EducationIn partnership with the Timothy Smith Computer Learning Center, the Online Learning Readiness celebrated its third cycle of successful graduates taking the next step forward in their career in mid-October. The next cycle has begun and students are well on their way towards advancing their careers. Transition to CollegeFor those that have gotten their GED or completed their high school diploma, USES is helping them to continue with post-secondary education. Spending 20 hours a week with USES staff, these participants are learning the specific skills and abilities needed in order to successfully enroll in college by the end of the term. Even in its first year, USES has shown great success, having 6 participants finish at least one year of post-secondary education. |
|
Senior Services
 On September 9, USES hosted its first annual National Grandparents Day Celebration, honoring the grandparents in the audience with a special gift as well as a resolution written by Boston City Councilors Felix Arroyo and Ayanna Pressley. The Platinum Singers performed for the audience of about 80 people. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
STAY CONNECTED
 
|
|
SAVE THE DATE
Through December 9
Community Colors Art Exhibit
Harriet Tubman House
566 Columbus Avenue
Weekdays, 8 am - 8pm
November 17
Senior Services Thanksgiving Lunch
Harriet Tubman House
566 Columbus Avenue
10 am - 2:30 pm
December 3
Ornamental: Affordable Craft Fair
Harriet Tubman House
566 Columbus Avenue
11 am - 4 pm
December 5 - 12
Brewers Helping Neighbors Online Auction
Auction Website
Closes at 5 pm on December 12
December 16
Senior Services Holiday Dinner Dance
Harriet Tubman House
566 Columbus Avenue
12 pm - 4 pm
February 2
Brewers Helping Neighbors
Harriet Tubman House
566 Columbus Avenue
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
|
|
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Coco Baby
Welcome to Coco Baby, South End's newest baby boutique, which recently opened its doors to the neighborhood. Already a well-known store, Coco Baby took the time to talk with its neighbors at USES.
Stop by and say hi to one of our newest neighbors! Coco Baby is located at 1636 Washington Street in Boston's South End.
How do you like being in the South End?
Coco Baby loves the South End and all the families who live, work and shop here! It is a diverse neighborhood with pockets of hidden treasures that must be sought out and are always worthwhile. A morning with Flour Bakery and Coco Baby are what weekends are all about! Why did you move to the South End?
It was natural to move to the South End because we live here! The store is handily located across from our pediatrician and favorite bakery, with wide sidewalks and a great store front - we wanted to put in some local love and keep the neighborhood thriving. We love working with the local business owners and community organizers. We have the best restaurants and shops here in this neighborhood, we need a little love from our neighbors to keep us in business so we can return all the goodwill right back into the local economy! What has been your most memorable experience in the South End so far?
The South End is all about family! A morning stroll down Union Park and over to Washington Street, crossing through parks, sipping a latte, enjoying a swingset or playground, and running into 3 or 4 friends. This simple bliss happens on a daily basis, and only in the South End!
|
|
