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. This 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 PULSE/Home Tutoring Program for school children aged 9-17. The intent is for PULSE volunteers to work one-on-one with a student 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."
- Former CTA volunteer
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 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 bi-weekly supervision discussion groups.
Time Requirement
PULSE students will commit to 2 afternoons each week for tutoring, as well as the equivalent of 3-5 hours bi-weekly for companion-time, and 1 hour for weekly supervisory meeting with the Youth Program Director. These bi-weekly meetings will be held on the Boston College campus for the PULSE volunteers' convenience. It is expected that PULSE tutors will also maintain telephone contact with the students and their families at other times during the week. PULSE students will spend 8-10 hours each week on this program and must make a full year commitment.
Supervisor
Chelsey LeRuth
Youth Program Director
Address
35 Fidelis Way
Brighton, MA 02135
617-787-2727 x14
(CTA is located on the B-Line at the Washington St. Stop)
Council Member
Laurie Monahan