Y Monthly Monday Mission Update
A Life Changing Program
On a hot August morning in Baltimore, about 40 young people, their families and a host of enthusiastic supporters from across the Y community gathered at the historic Y in Druid Hill for the annual New Horizons II closing ceremony. The energy, warmth and spirit in the room was palpable as speakers, including Baltimore City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter and Dr. Lisa William (the Y’s Senior Vice President, Strategy and Innovation) opened the ceremony with words of encouragement and praise for both the young people and the program they had just completed.
The Y’s New Horizons II program, which runs in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County, is a summer life skills and work experience program for students experiencing homelessness and other challenges. As was well expressed by the five students who delivered speeches representing their peers, the program delivers a sense of emotional and physical safety, acceptance, belonging, purpose and opportunity for a group of young people facing life challenges that most teenagers could not even imagine. Yet face them they do with dignity, determination and a whole lot of courage; all so well-articulated by the students themselves:
“My experience at the New Horizon program was fun and impactful because I was able to come in an all-inclusive environment and be myself. I was able to interact with different people and a variety of ages while also gaining life lessons that can help me later in the future. What I did as my job at the New Horizons program was be a camp counselor for children ages 7 to 14 at the Weinberg Y, which was a wonderful experience because I was able to interact with the youth, have a positive impact, and teach them how to become responsible young adults. It means a lot being able to express myself without being judged, discover my creativity through art, impact others around me, and foster new relationships. I learned that communication is key, being on time is important, you can never learn too much, and lastly to always have a positive attitude because you never know who is watching. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to be a part of a family culture, network with others, build confidence, and receive real job opportunities and gain life lessons from Ms. Judkins, Mr. Hopps and all the different people that walk through the door day in and day out. I appreciate the New Horizons program and the Y for creating something like this for us. It is amazing and greatly appreciated.”
“One of the most important impacts that New Horizons has had on me is making it feel like a safe haven. When things were rough at home, life’s trials and tribulations, New Horizons made me smile. From the circles, journal writing, to the vendors, to my peers, I will forever hold New Horizons close to my heart. From friends to family to “Boss” to mom, thank you!”
To get a better sense of the New Horizons II summer experience, check out this short Youtube video.
Obviously, a program like New Horizons II does not happen without many people making it happen. I want to especially acknowledge lead Y New Horizons Coordinators Kendra Abel, James Hall and Tasha Judkins, along with Derrek Cole, (Senior Executive Director, Y Teen Experience), and Donald Eaddy (Vice President, Y Youth Development and Community Health), along with our generous funders and partners including The Abell Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Eddie and Sylvia Brown Family Foundation, BGE, M&T Bank, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Comcast, T.Rowe Price Foundation and the school systems and various government agencies of Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County for their vital and generous support.
I think the smiles and sense of pride emanating from the photos above sum it all up perfectly.
All the best,
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland