Boston Urban Outreach is an ongoing program that offers customized immersion experiences for groups to engage in meaningful service. Through these service opportunities, both parties benefit. Those serving learn about different people and the issues that impact underserved populations. Those being served develop new relationships with others, realize that people care about them and benefit from the meals, clothes or other items that are a part of the service opportunity.
In addition to Boston Urban Outreach, City Mission Society offers a Homelessness Prevention program to assist people who are at risk of homelessness. Our “A Lift Up” program assists single mothers and their children with a holistic program that offers counseling as well as financial assistance. Our Youth Peace Empowerment Program encourages non violent communication among teens in Dorchester. We train teen speakers to share their message of peace which helps empower these teens. Our Youth Arts Program offers poetry, music and visual arts training to elementary aged children in inner city schools. Our Faith and Community Engagement program offers opportunities for interfaith communities to engage in service and develop relationships.
The mission of City Mission Society is to unite communities and transform individuals. Boston Urban outreach achieves this mission by partnering with organizations and offering opportunities for people to dispel stereotypes and experience what it means to serve others. Through service-learning individuals gain a more personal understanding of social justice issues and practice active citizenship.
Funding is needed to support this program because the service fees do not cover the entire cost of operating the program. With additional funding, we can expand the number of groups participating, thus increasing the number of people served.
Name of Organization:City Mission Society of Boston
Number of Paid Staff:4 f/t, 3 p/t
Number of Volunteers:1989
Total Organizational Expenses:$734,690
% of Organizational Overhead Expenses:57%
Boston Urban Outreach is unique in that we allow groups to customize their service experience. We do not offer a “canned” program. Returning groups have the opportunity to experience new service sites. Education and advocacy training can also be offered as part of our programming.
Last winter, a group from Salem, MA was participating in an Outreach effort of Boston Common, serving sandwiches and coffee to people who are homeless. A ten year old girl, suggested to our intern that the must be cold and could they use blankets? This young girl returned to her hometown and collected blankets from her friends, family and Girl Scout troop. A few weeks later, she and her mother made arrangements to return to the Common to distribute the blankets. Truly this young girl’s life was transformed by her Boston Urban Outreach experience.
Education
Hunger & Nutrition
Poverty
1. Attend a day long experience of serving the homeless at Boston Common
2. Prepare a meal for a men’s shelter
3. Participate in our Annual Book Drive that benefits the Prison Book Program
4. Participate in our Annual CROP Walk to raise money to reduce hunger
5. Participate in our Youth Peach Empowerment program by hosting a group of teens for dialogue
6. Participate in our Homelessness Awareness program with a speaker’s forum
Name:Susan Thomas
Title:Office Administrator
Address:14 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108
Telephone:(617) 742-6830 ext. 211
Email:information@cmsboston.org
Website:www.cmsboston.org