cbl

HC Login - nav

CMS Login

Holy Cross Login

Spring 2013 Community Partners

Centro Las Americas: the Latino Elders Program

http://www.centrolasamericas.org/latino-elder-program.html

Relevant Class(es):
SPAN 301

Staff Contact:
Stan Piorun
508-798-1900 x 227

Mondays: Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence St, Worcester, MA 01604
Wednesdays & Fridays: Centro las Americas, 11 Sycamore St, Worcester, MA 01608

Organization Description:
Centro Las Americas offers the highest quality of social services for the community today. Since 1977, we have provided superior service to our community and have assisted it in achieving its goals. Our years of experience and commitment to excellence have earned us the reputation as the only Hispanic Community Service provider in the area.

Centro Las Americas' Latino Elder Program serves as the last line of care and socialization for many low-income Latino elders ages 60 to 93, who reside in the city of Worcester. Over 130 seniors living across the city are served on a weekly basis by this program.  From recreation and socialization to health screenings, advocacy, consumer protection and case management, this program offers support to active and frail elders many of whom have no other caregivers involved in their lives.

CBL Opportunities:
Students are welcome to socialize with the elders on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 9:00-12:30.  Some knowledge of Spanish is appreciated, as many of the elders speak only Spanish.  There will be no more than 2-3 students attending at once.  For students who would like to organize English classes or structured activities, or to assist the elders with reading mail and attending appointments, there are "internships" available with the Latino Elders Program. 

Transportation Options:
Centro las Americas -- City Hall stop on the Downtown Shuttle
Centro las Americas -- Worcester Public Library stop on the Consortium Shuttle

If the shuttle schedule will not accommodate your needs, complete a transportation request form.

 

Dress for Success

http://www.dressforsuccess.org/

Relevant Class(es):
SOCL 260, WGST 120

Staff contact:
Veronica Hachey, Program Director
veronica@dfsworcester.org
508-796-5660
484 Main St. Suite 110, Worcester, MA 01608

Organization Description:
The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. 

Founded in New York City in 1997, Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization offering services designed to help our clients find jobs and remain employed. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and can return for a second suit or separates when she finds work. 

Dress for Success serves clients by referral only, and women must have an interview scheduled before receiving clothing. Our clients come to us from a continually expanding and diverse group of non-profit and government agencies including homeless shelters, immigration services, job training programs, educational institutions and domestic violence shelters, among many other organizations. Almost 4,500 organizations throughout the world send women to Dress for Success for professional apparel and career development services. 

CBL Opportunities:
Dress for Success Worcester is phasing out of start-up mode and needs to gain more visibility in the community.  The Program Director is looking for 6-10 students to brainstorm promotion and marketing ideas, and then to help execute the ideas.  Hours are flexible, depending on students' availability.

Transportation Options:
City Hall stop on the Downtown Shuttle
Worcester Public Library stop on the Consortium Shuttle

If the shuttle schedule will not accommodate your needs, complete a transportation request form.

 

Girl's CHOICE

http://www.girlschoice.org/

Relevant Class(es):
SOCL 260, WGST 120

Staff Contact:
Raquel Castro
rcastro@ywcacentralmass.org
774-242-6461
1 Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608  (program takes place at the YWCA)

Organization Description:
Girl's C.H.O.I.C.E is a mentoring system founded and designed by five professional women who had a vision to empower young, at-risk girls to become self sufficient through their own educational pursuits, and mature into self-assured and independent young adults.

This vision has become a reality by utilizing a core group of professional women who are committed to helping teenage girls get into college, through an intensive one-on-one and group mentoring relationship that begins in 7th grade and does not end until the mentee graduates from high school.

CBL Opportunities:
On Monday and Saturday afternoons, Girl's CHOICE mentors and staff implement a structured curriculum on empowerment, health & wellness, and college & career readiness.  College volunteers act as "junior mentors," helping to facilitate the activities and discussions.  This program takes place at the YWCA, which partners with Girl's CHOICE. 

Note: This opportunity is only appropriate for female students.

Transportation Options:
SPUD Program Director will coordinate transportation.

 

The Latino Education Institute

http://www.worcester.edu/LEI

Relevant Class(es):
SPAN 304

Staff contact:
Christina Foley (ISLA and Lider Junior)                   Steve Favulli (Club E)
Phone: 508-798-6507 ext. 104                             508-798-6507 ext. 106
E-mail: cfoley5@worcester.edu                              sfavulli1@worcester.edu

Organization Description:
The Latino Education Institute (LEI) at Worcester State University (WSU) was founded in 2000 by a partnership of community leaders to provide outcomes-based development programs in education, literacy, leadership, civic engagement and health. Our mission is to:

(1)  Improve the academic achievement and well-being of Latino students (grades K-16) and their families throughout the city of Worcester. Each year the LEI reaches over 1500 youth and their families with education and advocacy programs and hundreds more through city-wide partnerships with the Worcester Public School district as well as other community-based agencies.

(2)  Community Outreach.  LEI outreach provides innovative solutions to families, who are looking for alternative ways to increase their English language literacy skills, connect with other families who share similar experiences, and for those new to our country, navigate local systems and resources.

CBL Opportunities:

ISLA

Innovative Services for Latino Achievers (ISLA) is an academic after-school program for sixth grade students at the Goddard School of Science and Technology.  This program focuses on the development and enhancement of foundations of mathematics as well as early English literacy skills. ISLA provides time for homework help, academic enrichment, and mentorship. Students also participate in arts and crafts, field trips, and other recreational activities throughout the year. This program works to dovetail the school day curriculum by adding additional support and instruction.

ISLA runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 2:30-4:30.  Academic support is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and recreation activities are offered on Wednesdays.  Volunteers may choose to participate one, two, or three days per week, but they must maintain consistency from week to week.  Volunteers will have an opportunity to develop lessons and activities if they would like to do so.  Some knowledge of Spanish is useful (but not required), as many of the children at ISLA speak Spanish and varying degrees of English.

Lider Junior

Lider Junior is a college and career exploration program for 30 high school juniors throughout the city of Worcester.  This program will be held at Worcester State University every Wednesday from 3PM to 5PM starting Wednesday February 6th and will continue throughout the majority of the semester.  The program offers different career and college exploration activities such as personality assessments, college tours, financial aid workshops, guest speakers from local universities and other college and career readiness activities.  Holy Cross students will be relied on to work in small groups with students and provide support with curriculum and other assigned tasks. 

Club Educación (Club E)

Club E promotes parental involvement in their children's education by engaging parents in English-as-a-Second-Language classes that enhance English literacy and communication skills. Parents also participate in training in the areas of computer, financial, and health literacy through a serious of seasonal workshops. Club E strives to increase the educational levels of parents and adults in order to fully realize the overall academic goals of the entire family. This program promotes a strong family involvement component and provides on-site academic support to the children of participants.

Club E takes place at Worcester State University on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8:30PM.    Volunteers may choose to participate in one or two days per week but they must maintain consistency throughout the program.  With a consistent schedule, students will serve as instructional aides to classroom teachers and be able to assist with lesson plans and activities.   

Transportation Options:
ISLA -- Clark stop on the Consortium Shuttle
Lider Jr. & Club Educacion -- Worcester State stop on the Consortium Shuttle

CBL Scholar Katiary Munoz will coordinate transportation.

 

Let's Get Ready (LGR)

http://www.letsgetready.org/

Relevant Class(es):
RELS 151, SOCL 260, SOCL 269, WGST 120

Staff Contact:          
Alysha Banerji, Program Manager
abanerji@letsgetready.org
617-345-0085
North High School (150 Harrington Way, Worcester)

Organization Description:
Let's Get Ready envisions a world where students from all socioeconomic backgrounds have equal access to the support they need to reach higher education. The mission of Let's Get Ready is to expand college access for low-income high school students by providing FREE SAT preparation and college admission counseling.

CBL Opportunities:
Let's Get Ready mobilizes and trains volunteer college student "Coaches" as tutors and mentors who provide not only instruction but also the encouragement and inspiration students need to succeed.   Coaches are comprehensively trained to teach math or reading comprehension & writing (or both), as well as financial aid and college readiness.  The program runs from 6:00-9:00 on Monday and Wednesday nights (reading comp coaches teach one night and math coaches teach the other night, but students attend both nights each week).  Coaches must commit to preparing for and teaching the full three-hour class each week.  Let's Get Ready provides a workbook and lesson plan, which coaches can supplement with fun activities of their own.

Transportation Options:
Site Directors will coordinate transportation. 

 

Lutheran Social Services, Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program

http://www.lssne.org/refugee-youth-foster-care.aspx

Relevant Class(es):
SPAN 301, SPAN 304

Staff Contact:             
Rebecca Petty
rpetty@lssne.org
774-243-3964
10 East Worcester St., Suite 2A, Worcester, MA 01604

Organization Description:
Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is one of the largest social service organizations in New England.  LSS serves children, youth and families; persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness and deafness; persons who are economically disadvantaged; refugees, including unaccompanied refugee minors; and older adults.  Unaccompanied Refugee Minors are children under the age of 18 who are resettled alone in the United States, without a parent, relative, or other responsible adult to take care of them.  The URM program serves these young people with financial support and comprehensive services designed to assist with their resettlement and adjustment to their new culture, provide for them while they pursue educational goals, and prepare them for eventual independence. Services are tailored to the needs of refugee youth, blending their cultural identity with their new American environment.

CBL Opportunities:
Four years ago, CBL students developed an after-school homework help group for the teens at LSS.  This group has developed into a one-to-one tutoring program that matches college students with adolescents based on their mutual interests.  Areas of interest include individual homework help, English language tutoring, Spanish grammar and writing tutoring, arts and music, swimming, etc.  The pairs will meet once a week in the LSS office at one of the following times: Mondays from 4:30-6:00, Thursdays from 3:30-4:45, or Thursdays from 4:45-6:00.  The program needs approximately 4 tutors to work with Spanish-speaking adolescents (limited to SPAN 301 students only) and 4 to work with non-Spanish speaking adolescents.  There is a particular need for a Spanish-speaking student who can tutor in high school biology.

LSS also needs a few students to serve as GED tutors for 19-22 year old Spanish speakers.  These individuals are studying to take the GED in Spanish, so tutors will need to have strong proficiency in Spanish.  An outgoing personality will also be useful in this role in order to engage your partner effectively.

Transportation Options:
Union Station stop on the Consortium Shuttle

If the shuttle schedule will not accommodate your needs, complete a transportation request form.

 

Nativity School of Worcester

www.nativityworcester.org

Relevant Class(es):
RELS 151, SOCL 260, WGST 120

Staff Contact:
Joel Kent, Business Manager
jkent@nativityworcester.org
508-799-0100 ext. 18
67 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605

Organization Description:
Nativity School of Worcester is an accredited, independent, Jesuit middle school that provides a quality, all-scholarship education to underserved boys of all faiths.  Drawing upon four pillars - strength, scholarship, character, and service - a Nativity education inspires self-discovery, responsibility, spiritual growth, and a lifelong dedication to learning.

Nativity School of Worcester is modeled upon effective practices that provide students from low-income homes the opportunity for academic excellence. The Nativity model of education began with the creation of the Nativity Mission Center in New York City in 1971. The model consists of small class sizes, a mandatory summer program, an extended school day where students attend organized activities and an evening study, and a graduate support program.

Nativity School of Worcester offers a comprehensive and unique learning experience that prepares students for the rigors of high school and college.  The academic program emphasizes hard work, dedication, and achievement with the goal of inspiring each student to attain the following goals:

  • He will achieve at his highest level, as measured by effort and assessment in his classes and improvement on his M.A.P. testing.
  • He will be accepted into a selective high school or specialized high school program.
  • He will graduate from high school in four years.
  • He will graduate from a four-year college or specialized post-high school program.
  • In addition to the rigorous academic program, students participate in a comprehensive, character-building sports and activities program in the afternoon and an individualized tutoring program in the evening.

CBL Opportunities:
Volunteers are needed to serve, once per week, as tutors during Nativity's evening study program, which runs three nights a week from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  During this time, Nativity men are paired with tutors who assist them with academic subjects that pose personal challenges, explore advanced areas of study, or complete homework. While the program is run three nights a week, we are seeking volunteers for Wednesday and Thursday evenings in particular.

There are also opportunities to participate in the creation of weekly Wednesday activity clubs from 3:35-5:00, based on the non-academic interests of our volunteers. 

Transportation Options:
Worcester Art Museum stop on the Consortium Shuttle

If the shuttle schedule will not accommodate your needs, complete a transportation request form.

 

Notre Dame Health Care

http://www.notredamehealthcare.org

Relevant Class(es):
SOCL 260, WGST 120

Staff Contact:
Jadranka Grek, Director of Activities and the Special Care Program
508- 852-3011 x 3220
559 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605

Organization Description:
The organization provides a variety of programs to Worcester area elderly. It offers short term rehabilitation and skilled nursing as well as assisted living to the community at large, as well as serving as the residential and health care continuum for the retired Sisters of Notre Dame deNamur. Notre Dame Long Term Care Center provides nursing facility services to approximately 85 lay people and 37 retired religious Sisters of Notre Dame. It offers dementia specialty care to 41 individuals who receive additional sensory and tactile-based activity programming to help address their unique needs. The ages of our residents range from 65 to 100, with the average age being in their mid eighties. At this time the facility receives funding from federal, state, and private insurers, in addition to private resources. The facility does have residents at present who are bilingual in both French and Portuguese. The assisted living setting, Notre Dame duLac, offers 85 assisted living units for elders and retired Sisters of Notre Dame.

Notre Dame Health Care operates the Educational Bridge Center, which offers adult education and professional development classes. The Bridge Center provides a welcoming and supportive environment that allows individuals to attain their academic and professional goals. Programs are designed by our dedicated and skilled staff with the objective of providing a culture of learning and personal growth. Course offerings include adult basic education (GED), English for the workplace, pre-college math and English, citizenship preparation, computer training, and training in various healthcare professions. Tutors are needed to assist our students in the areas of math, English, citizenship and computer skills.

Notre Dame Hospice provides end of life and bereavement services to individuals in their homes, assisted living apartments, and in a variety of nursing facilities in the Worcester area. Volunteers need to be compassionate, caring, and friendly and have the desire to sit with patients and be a companion to them on their journey. We also provide palliative care services to children and their families through the Pedi-Pals program. Volunteers are needed to provide respite for families with children who are terminally ill or have life limiting illnesses. Pedi-Pal volunteers will be spending time with the sick child or with the healthy siblings. They will experience the joys and wonders of life in this unique personal exchange. We offer practical training and support. Orientation is 2 hours and offers a study manual. Volunteers must have their own means of transportation.

Any student who may be willing to offer one-to-one visits, share their special musical or artistic talents, or work with a group of elders are invited to consider Notre Dame as a place in which to give to others. Any amount of time given by a student is appreciated, as it enriches the lives of elderly residents who live here.

CBL Opportunities:
Friendly Visitor: This position includes offering one to one visits to elders in need of companionship. Offer an opportunity to share memories, and /or review current events. Offer a book group or start an introductory language class. We are well known for our Spanish 101 and 102 classes. Many of our residents wish to continue to learn despite their disability.

Art Therapy: If you have a special artistic talent, or would like to help an elder explore their own hidden artistic talent, volunteer opportunities are available. There are a number of residents who would like to improve or even learn new skills, regardless of their age.

Music Therapy: Do you play a musical instrument or are you a member of a musical group? Share your talents by providing one to one music therapy to a frail elder, or present to a group of residents who will treasure the opportunity to awaken their senses.

Respite Visits: Provide respite for families with children who are terminally ill or visit with children who are terminally ill or have life-limiting illnesses.

Tutors: Assist students in the areas of math, English, citizenship and computer skills.

Transportation Options:
If you need transportation assistance to Notre Dame, complete a transportation request form.

 

Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC)

http://www.riacboston.org/

Relevant Class(es):
RELS 151, SOCL 260

Staff Contact:
Jennifer Luong, Employment Specialist
jluong@riacboston.org
508-756-7559
340 Main Street, Suite 800, Worcester, MA 01608

Organization Description:
RIAC is a non-profit human service agency that provides comprehensive services to refugees and immigrants, including resettlement, counseling, health care, cultural assimilation, job counseling, and social services.  The Worcester Office recently launched an employment program that introduces clients to industries with job opportunities in Worcester, helps them to develop job-related skills and language capabilities, and guides clients through the job search process.

CBL Opportunities:
RIAC is looking for students to assist with the many services they offer.  Depending on students' interest and availability, they can support ESL tutoring, social services (such as accompanying clients to appointments with the Department of Transitional Assistance), and/or the new employment program.  Hours are relatively flexible, depending on student availability and interest.

Transportation Options:
City Hall stop on the Downtown Shuttle
Worcester Public Library stop on the Consortium Shuttle

If the shuttle schedule will not accommodate your needs, complete a transportation request form.

 

St. Mary's Health Care Center

http://www.stmaryhc.com/

Relevant Class(es):
SPAN 301, RELS 151

Staff Contact:             
Donna Vayo
508-753-4791 (ask for Donna)
39 Queen Street Worcester, MA

Organization Description:
St. Mary Health Care Center, a Catholic rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility, was established as a continuing expression of the vision of St. Marguerite d'Youville, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, the "Grey Nuns."  In the spirit of Marguerite, whose legacy we share, we seek to "bring the miracle of LOVE to all" through compassionate care.

In partnership with others committed to providing holistic and inclusive care for all, we develop innovative and creative means to enhance the physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of those we serve.

CBL Opportunities:
CBL students will have an opportunity to be matched with a St. Mary's resident, or to help run an activity such as art, music, games, etc.  Students will visit St. Mary's once per week to have conversations, play games, or participate in an activity, based on both individuals' interests.  The schedule is flexible (approximately 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, including weekends), based on students' availability.  If you are enrolled in SPAN 301, please specify that you would like to be matched with a Spanish-speaking resident.

Transportation Options:
Clark stop on the Consortium Shuttle

If the shuttle schedule will not accommodate your needs, complete a transportation request form.

 

Woodland Academy

http://woodland.worcesterschools.org/

Relevant Class(es):
SOCL 269, SPAN 304

Staff Contact:
Ricardo Dobles, Ed.D., Wraparound Outreach Coordinator
doblesr@worc.k12.ma.us
508-799-3557
93 Woodland Street, Worcester, MA 01610

Organization Description:
Woodland Academy is a preschool through grade six, public elementary school in the Main South neighborhood of Worcester.  The school currently serves a community of learners who are classified as 92.7% minority.  Our community includes:

                •73% Latino

                • 10% Asian

                •  9% African American

                •  8% White

                •  57% English Language Learners

                •  15% Special Education

                •  97% Free or Reduced Lunch

Our vision is that students and teachers of Woodland Academy will engage in focused, Common Core teaching and learning with the critical goal of increasing student achievement.  This effort is supported by a professional learning community, which fosters collaborative learning among and between teacher teams.  Our school wide focus is to ensure students are able to read grade level texts with joy, understanding, and engagement across all areas of the curriculum.  A systematic approach to time on learning driven by research based instruction will enable students who require additional supports and interventions to achieve success.  We are committed to providing all students and families with a challenging educational experience in order to maximize individual learning and growth and promote the development of critical thinking skills.

Community-Based Learning Opportunities:
Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, throughout the school day 8:00am - 2:00pm, to support classroom instruction and provide additional support for students who may benefit from one-to-one academically based interaction.  In addition, there may be opportunities for volunteers to support various after-school programs currently underway.  No academic expertise is required; only enthusiasm and a commitment to working with young people in a friendly, respectful, and supportive environment.

Transportation Options:
Clark stop on the Consortium Shuttle

If the shuttle schedule will not accommodate your needs, complete a transportation request form.

 

Worcester Public School System: Transition Program

http://sped-transition.worcesterschools.org

Relevant Class(es):
SOCL 260, WGST 120

Staff Contact:
Judy Freedman Fask, Transition Rehabilitation Specialist
faskj@worc.k12.ma.us,  judyfreedmanfask@gmail.com
School: 508 922-3450, Cell: 508 335-3903

Sites TBD

Organization Description:
The Worcester Public Schools (WPS) Transition program provides necessary training to students in the school system. The goal of the program is to encourage and promote the empowerment of people with significant challenges so that each may pursue their highest possible degree of personal well-being and independence. Programs encourage and prepare students to be life-long learners, promote self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, and enhance personal choice. Goals also include preparation for employment in the community.

The Transition program works specifically with individuals (18-22 years old) who are eligible to receive services from the WPS. The program services students with a wide range of challenges (including but not limited to: Autism spectrum, developmental delays, intellectual challenges, behavior and emotional challenges, cognitive challenges, medical challenges, etc).  WPS students spend their day in a variety of settings the community.  This provides opportunities for students to engage in and experience "real-life" situations through internships and partnerships that include community engagement, civic involvement and employment.

CBL Opportunities:
This is an opportunity for College students to work with a population of individuals in a unique way.  We welcome YOUR expertise to create a unique and inclusive project in our program!  College students will be involved in developing specific projects/tasks that address target areas for the WPS students and have a direct connection with the content of their CBL course.  Examples: College students might serve as a mentor, provide career development assistance, tutor, develop and teach modules that address specific goals in areas of academics, daily living skills, independence, health, nutrition and exercise, social skills, job readiness, identifying & accessing community resources. If students have a particular skill that they would like to share, they can design swim lessons, hip-hop classes, theater groups, music instruction, etc. for individuals who may otherwise not have access to these activities.  Another area of need is strengthening appropriate social skills within diverse communities. 

The Transition program requires College students to commit two hours per week, Monday- Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at a location to be determined depending on the specific involvement.  Students who speak Spanish, Twi, Vietnamese and Swahili also encouraged to participate!

Transportation Options:
If you need transportation assistance for this program, complete a transportation request form.

 

The YWCA of Central Massachusetts

http://www.ywcacentralmass.org/wellness/healthy-youth-development

Relevant Class(es):
RELS 151, SOCL 260

Staff Contact:             
Tiffany Lillie, Youth Development Coordinator
tlillie@ywcacentralmass.org
508-767-2505 x 30321
Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608

Organization Description:
The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 122 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States.  More important than the numbers is our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for both women's and civil rights.

Women come to us in times of crisis, as survivors of domestic violence.  They come for career counseling.  They come for childcare.  They come for health and wellness.  They come for a variety of reasons.  But they come.  And they leave with a renewed spirit, new skills, and stronger lives.

CBL Opportunities:
YouthNet is an after school program for youth of all ages.  It begins in January and runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:00-6:00.  YouthNet is an unstructured program by design; volunteers are welcome to jump into recreational activities if they feel comfortable, but there is also an opportunity to develop structured programming if students have particular interests/skills that they want to share.  Tiffany would like to aim for 2-4 CBL students per day.

Family Fun Fridays - the YWCA offers unstructured family activities every Friday night from 5:30-8:00.  This is mostly recreation time, but they have offered one-time drop-in workshops as well.

For students who want to work with the YWCA but cannot commit to one of the above programs, Tiffany can incorporate them into other youth programming based on their availability.  This is a good option for students with limited hours, but they must commit to the same time each week.

Transportation Options:
YWCA stop on the Downtown Shuttle
Worcester Public Library stop on the Consortium Shuttle

If the shuttle schedule will not accommodate your needs, complete a transportation request form.

 

YWCA - PEARLS Committee

http://www.ywcacentralmass.org/

Relevant Class(es):
SOCL 260, WGST 120

Staff Contact:
Raquel Castro
rcastro@ywcacentralmass.org
774-242-6461
1 Salem Square, Worcester, MA 01608  (program takes place at the YWCA)

Organization Description:
The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 122 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States.  More important than the numbers is our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for both women's and civil rights.

The Pro-Action Engagement Access Resilience Leadership and Service (PEARLS) Committee is a program of the YWCA of the Central Massachusetts.  The goal of the PEARLS Committee is to bring together young girls from different parts of the agency between the ages of 13-18 to be the youth voice of the YWCA. Through this committee, young girls develop leadership skills that will prepare them for college and the workplace. The intent of the PEARLS Committee is to nurture young girls as an oyster nurtures a pearl. Through hands-on projects and community engagement we will develop independent and confident women leaders for the Worcester Community.

CBL Opportunities:
The PEARLS Committee is a pilot program this year, and the program staff is recruiting students to help plan and facilitate committee meetings.  The committee will meet one afternoon per week for 2-3 hours (day TBD).  Meetings will include leadership development activities, as well as discussions about women's empowerment, college access, and employment readiness.  The committee will also collaborate with community leaders to plan and carry out community engagement projects.

Note: This opportunity is only appropriate for female students.

Transportation Options:
YWCA stop on the Downtown Shuttle
Worcester Public Library stop on the Consortium Shuttle

If the shuttle schedule will not accommodate your needs, complete a transportation request form.