Nature and Purpose
The Labouré Center of Catholic Charities has been an active and integral part of the South Boston Community for over 101 years. Through the offering of a comprehensive range of health, educational and social services the agency is able to promote the mission of Catholic Charities, which is "building a just and comprehensive society rooted in the dignity of all people." From its origin as a neighborhood center for childcare, job placement and family services, the Labouré Center has grown into a multi-service agency that serves over 6,000 infants, children, teens, families and elders in South Boston and surrounding communities.
Our programs include: Early Childhood Services, Youth Tutoring Youth, Youth Mentoring Program, Initial Response Services, Community Outreach, Community Counseling, Elder Social Services, Visiting Nurse Services and Adult Day Health Program.
Tasks
In our Family Intervention Program that is staffed by social workers, youth and elder outreach personnel and teachers the PULSE student will be able to assist in the Youth Tutoring Youth Program. The goal of this program also allows local teens a work experience that offers a set of skills along with the challenges of real work responsibilities. The PULSE students will work with staff and other volunteers in the following duties; one-on-one tutoring with the students, supervision of students during program time, leading group activities, program development and preparation and curriculum development.
Time of Program: M,T,W,TH 3-6pm & F 3-4pm
In our Youth Mentoring Program: South Boston TEAM, (Together Engaging Adolescents through Mentoring) matches South Boston youth, ages 10-16, with caring, adult mentors. The pair meets once weekly for 2 hours or more; the goal of the program to enhance the resiliency of the youth by fostering increased self-esteem, school attachment and the ability to make positive life choices. PULSE students will assist with the weekly drop-in youth meetings, recruitment, project development & program research.
Time of Program: Wednesdays, approximately 10-6pm.
In Our Home Health & Elder Services Department PULSE students will be exposed to and assist in several areas. Adult Day Health responsibilities include restorative activities, serving meals, nursing care and therapies along with socializing with elders; Community Health Education tasks include assisting with blood pressure readings and community education regarding blood pressure at free community blood pressure clinics; Elder Visitation/Reassurance includes assisting the visiting nurse staff with home visits, home health care and rehabilitative therapies; Student Projects involve working with the staff to develop a health/elder project that reflects their interests and is geared towards the needs of our clients. It is our hope that the comp osite of these experiences will draw from the students' background and education and add to their learning experience at the Laboure Center and to the quality of the services that we give to our clients.
Time of Program: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
In our Early Childhood Program PULSE students will assist teachers in varied activities that instruct the children in educational basics, social skills and motor coordination. These tasks will include small group activities, literacy projects, art s and crafts, academic and social skill building. It is our hope that the time spent by the PULSE student sharing this teaching responsibility will be a mutually rewarding experience.
Time of Program: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Supervision
PULSE volunteers will be supervised by the teacher or staff person heading the department/area that they are assigned. The students will meet bimonthly with the agency Volunteer Coordinator.
Supervisors
Judith Swanson
judy_swanson@ccab.org
Address
275 West Broadway
South Boston, MA 02127
(617) 268-9670
www.ccab.org/locations/metro-boston/laboure/
Dan Kennedy