Nature and Purpose 
The Commonwealth Tenants Association (CTA) is nationally recognized for its work with low-income residents of a large, urban family public housing development. CTA represents residents of Commonwealth Housing Development located in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston. CTA's Youth Program targets school-aged youth who live in the Commonwealth Housing Development. These young people are affected by all the stresses associated with poverty, urban life and single parent homes. The population is at risk of school drop out, violence and drug use. The work of the Youth Program is designed to combat the multigenerational cycle of poverty caused by school failure, underemployment, a lack of positive role models and early parenthood. CTA is seeking volunteers for its mentor/tutor program for school children ages 9-17. The intent is for PULSE volunteers to work one-on-one with students to provide help with homework, to plan fun activities, and to become positive role models. The CTA placement gives each volunteer the opportunity to form a strong relationship with a child or teen. One former volunteer commented:
This year, I found the PULSE placement at the CTA as a home tutor to be an unforgettable experience that has touched my life and the life of my [student]. I find it amazing that I could become a part of a young child's life so easily and so quickly...I wonder if I will ever again have the chance to be involved in such an awesome program that integrates teaching, life experience, play, sharing, and compassion all in one...

Tasks
PULSE/Home Tutors will meet with students twice each week for 2-hour tutoring sessions, either in the students' home or in the CTA Community Room. In addition they will plan weekly recreational activities. PULSE Tutors will maintain communication with the CTA Youth Program Coordinator and with the student's parents and teachers to review their progress and to discuss ways of meeting the student's needs. The CTA will provide group activities such as field trips or holiday parties for PULSE Tutors and students. The Youth Program Coordinator will hold an initial orientation and training session and weekly supervisory discussion groups.

Time Requirement
PULSE students will commit to 2 afternoons each week for tutoring, as well as the equivalent of 3-5 hours each week for companion-time, and 1 hour for weekly supervisory meeting with the Youth Program Coordinator. These weekly meetings will be held on the Boston College campus for PULSE volunteers' convenience. It is also expected that PULSE tutors will maintain telephone contact with students and their families at other times during the week. PULSE Tutors will spend 8-10 hours each week on this program and must make a full academic year commitment.

Supervisor
Elizabeth Collins Youth Program Coordinator

Address
Commonwealth Tenants Association 
35 Fidelis Way 
Brighton, MA 02135 
787-2727

Council Member
Rebecca McFarland
 
 

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