Nature and Purpose
The mission of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church is to build a strong and vibrant community, with the Sunday liturgy at its center and weekday programs inspired by Gospel values of justice emanating from this gathering. The mission of St. Stephen's Youth Programs is to serve the children of the neighborhood by providing them with a safe, challenging, and supportive community in which they can thrive. We want children to feel safe, feel big, and feel connected.
St. Stephen's is located in the middle of the Villa Victoria housing project in the South End of Boston. We are easily accessible by public transportation. The congregation has served immigrants, children, and those on the economic margins for 160 years. Our Sunday congregation reflects the diversity of the South End: black, Latino, Anglo, rich, poor, gay, straight, old, young, theologically conservative, theologically progressive. We serve over 100 young people in our weekday programs; almost all have roots in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, go to public school, live in public housing, and qualify for other forms of federal assistance.
Tasks
There are two ages of young people who need support from PULSE students.
Elementary School Program: Four groups of 14 children, each led by an experienced lead counselor and supported by high school age CITs (Counselors-in-Training), rotate through academic and enrichment activities during the day. PULSE students will work with a specific and consistent group, building relationships with those 14 children. Specific tasks will include building reading, math, & technology skills; help with creative activities such as art and music; and participation in sports and swimming. We also offer programs that support the emotional and spiritual growth of children; PULSE students are invited to engage with these as well. In addition, there will also be many opportunities for PULSE students to lead activities in their areas of expertise (e.g. dance, cooking, weird science experiments).
Middle School Program (Youth Leadership Corps): We also offer academic and enrichment programs for 30 middle schoolers. PULSE students will work with youth from both groups by fostering academic progress; developing leadership skills; promoting creative expression through technology, music, film, and theater; and being a fun and supportive role model. In addition, there will be opportunities to lead activities including service projects and community organizing efforts.
All PULSE students will receive training and support at the beginning and throughout their time at St. Stephen's, so that they feel confident building relationships, supporting academic progress, and encouraging positive behavior. PULSE students will need to be creative and patient, have appropriate boundaries and a willingness to be playful, and have a great sense of humor.
Time Requirement
Elementary School Program: two shifts per week, Monday-Friday, 2:00 pm-6:00 pm. Exact days to be determined by student and supervisors.
Middle & High School Programs: two shifts per week, Monday-Friday, 3:00 pm-7:00 pm. Exact days to be determined by student and supervisors.
Supervision
Kimiko Ebata, volunteer coordinator, and Liz Steinhauser, Director of Youth Programs, will have responsibility for supervising PULSE students. There will be monthly trainings and group supervision with other volunteers as a way to reflect and learn from each other about best practices and challenges as we help kids learn, grow, and build relationships. There will also be the opportunity for regular individual and small group supervision in addition to the monthly training.
Supervisor
Julia McMahon
Liz Steinhauser
Address
419 Shawmut Avenue
Boston MA 02118
617-262-9070 ext 2
www.ststephensbos.org
Council Member
Rick Goulding