Our summer has been full of great events, and we are looking forward to many more exciting milestones in the coming weeks!  Please take a few minutes to read about some of the amazing things we are doing here in our buildings and in our community. 

Sincerely,

Kevin Hepner
President & CEO

  

United South End Settlements (USES) hosted the 2012 General Educational Development (GED) Graduation Ceremony and Awarding of High School Equivalency Achievement Certificates to 23 students at the Harriet Tubman House on Thursday, June 28, 2012.

 

The event featured great company and a dinner as the community came together to celebrate and support a successful group of people taking the next step in their academic career. It was with great pleasure that USES was able to present a group of leaders, who have worked more than 20 hours a week towards furthering their academic and personal development.   

 

USES' President & CEO, Kevin Hepner, addressed the graduates enthusiastically. "You have learned the skills necessary to succeed and progress in all stages of life," he said. "Believe in your abilities and believe in yourself. Take each step in stride and go confidently, be all that you can be and show the world just how amazing each and every one of you are!" In addition, Charles Desmond, Ed.D., Chairman of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, spoke eloquently regarding the need to continue the pursuit of education and "take pride in what you have achieved."  

 

USES has been a provider of quality Adult Basic Education and GED programming in Boston for almost 30 years, providing more than 160 students annually with opportunities to develop reading, writing, math, social studies, science and technology skills needed to qualify for further education, job training and better employment. The organization's success in this area was reaffirmed when it recently was awarded a five-year, $385,000 per year contract from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The new contract represents a 41% increase in funding for USES, and will position the organization to expand the programs and services needed for students seeking basic education, GEDs, and postsecondary degrees. A new English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) component will begin at USES this fall as a result of this contract.

 

 

USES' Senior Services Program serves over 300 seniors every year through an array of classes including Painting & Collage, Creative Recycling, and Movement & Music. Amongst these programs is the wildly popular Jazzercise class, a class that promotes body movement and independence in a collaborative setting.

 

Among the class' many participants, Barbara, Marsha, and Naomi offered a few words regarding their enjoyment of the program and United South End Settlements. "My favorite part of the class is the movement and comradery that exists. We like to check up on each other," stated Marsha. This sense of comradery is reflected not solely in the opinions of these ladies, but also in the fact that participants in the Jazzercise class are also often participants in the Platinum Singers and the Senior Council.

 

The Jazzercise instructor, Gladys, is one of the main reasons the class draws such a large group. Her spirit and dedication are truly inspiring, and her enthusiasm encourages seniors to strive to improve their physical health while also participating in a recreational opportunity that allows engagement with others in the community. "The fun thing about each class," states Gladys, "is that you can see an improvement in their mobility and their good health. Especially important is the promotion of independence, crucial for seniors who learn how to breathe, balance, and renew their coordination. My favority part is the dance, as participants learn how to move their body like they may have forgotten how."

 

Although the Jazzercise classes have concluded for the summer, we look forward to new routines and fun that will be a part of the coming classes in the Fall.