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The Charlestown Coalition News:
Issue 45
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| A Zoom Call Not to be Missed |
Celtics star Gordon Hayward surprised the Charlestown High School boys' basketball team during a Zoom call this past month.
The high school basketball players, including members of our youth group Turn It Around, were awestruck by the 6-foot, 8-inch small forward and shooting guard who reminded them to never stop dreaming.
"Make your dreams the highest that they can be," Hayward said. "You know, play in the NBA - don't sell yourself short. You can do anything you want to do."
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Turn It Around:
Can Quarantine Be Fun? Yes! |
Turn It Around
has been participating in the CopeCode Club-Campaign since it started back in March, and it has been one of the best things to come out of this pandemic for our youth. Sponsored by the Mayor's Office of Recovery Services, in partnership with Mass General, the Boston Public Health Commission and the Mass Dept. of Public Health, the campaign promotes 9 methods to manage stress through youth stories: Move, Create, Sing, Think, Share, Rest, Breathe, Write and Bond.
From singing, to dancing, vision boards and more, these young people aren't letting corona get in the way of being a kid and having fun! To see more, follow along on social media @TurnItAroundctn to see all the entries submitted by the Turn It Around youth.
For a description of the challenge and challenge activities,
click here.
Check out some of the
Turn It Around
youth entries for the "Sing" and "Challenge below!
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| Youth CopeCode Challenge - Entry by Max |
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| Youth Group Challenge - Entry by Brianna |
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| Youth Group Challenge - Entry by Oumar |
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| Youth Group Challenge - Entry by Fatima |
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| Peace Park Community Survey |
| Highlighting Our
Community Partnerships:
First Church in Charlestown
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Our community partners are critical in helping us tackle the most difficult issues that the Charlestown community faces. By enlisting multiple partners (residents, police, schools, healthcare, faith-based organizations, and the business community), we use a collaborative approach to problem solving. Our ultimate goal is to effect change and improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in Charlestown.
This month, we'd like to highlight one of our most selfless partners,
First Church in Charlestown
. Pre-COVID-19, our Turn It Around youth group, made up of nearly 50 kids, met weekly at the First Church hall to share a meal, learn new life skills, and participate in prosocial activities. First Church has hosted numerous Coalition and Turn It Around events in their hall and have sponsored many of our annual events, including our basketball tournament.
Providing a safe space for our youth to gather has been instrumental to their personal development and wellbeing, and we are forever grateful for that. Pastor Erik Maloy has even provided opportunities for the youth to earn extra income on several occasions, making it a point to reach out to Turn It Around kids first.
Since 2015, Pastor Maloy, his family, and staff have established First Church with an open-door policy for Charlestown residents, youth, and the recovery population. First Church stepped up and opened their doors when the recovery community was in need of space for daily AA meetings which has been a tremendous help to the community.
With all that First Church has done for Charlestown, it feels a little overdue, but nonetheless necessary, for us to acknowledge their efforts in investing in the people and future of Charlestown. Thank you, First Church in Charlestown!
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Farewell to a Colleague, Neighbor,
and Beloved Friend
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"Billy Boyle was such an important member of the Charlestown Coalition. His genuine heart and commitment to the entire Charlestown community was unparalleled. While his physical presence is and will be profoundly missed throughout the neighborhood, his impact and spirit will carry on in all of those he touched. We love you Billy!" - Coalition Direction, Sarah Coughlin
Click here to watch Billy comment on the Coalitions work back in 2014.
(A memorial rock placed in the Charlestown Peace Park honoring the life of Billy Boyle)
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Where Are They Now?
Turn It Around Alumni
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Guess Who? It's Casey Maloy in 2018! Find out what he is up to now and how Turn It Around has impacted his life! |
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When I was interviewed for the Youth Coordinator position to run the Turn It Around program, Casey was the only familiar face I knew. He welcomed me with open arms and even gave me tips on how to assimilate into the group's culture. Watching Casey mature and grow into a young man has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement with Turn It Around. As the former TIA President, I know Casey will go on to accomplish even greater things and I look forward to seeing what awaits him in the future.
-Ginaya Greene Murray
(Communication & Events Coordinator)
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Turn It Around
:
Youth of the Month
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Brandon Meyers is May's
Turn It Around
Youth of The Month. |
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This month's Turn It Around Youth of The Month is Brandon Meyers. Brandon has been one of our most active members in the last couple of months, competing in our weekly social media contests, and faithfully attending every one of our 3x/week workouts. He's leading by example and showing how important it is to have a strong Mind AND Body, in order to overcome this pandemic
-Mswati Hanks
(Youth Prevention Coordinator)
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| William Melton |
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William Melton is sharing his journey in recovery with us this month in an interview with Program Manager of Addiction and Recovery Services, Shannon Lundin.
Click below for the full interview.
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Get Connected, Stay Informed
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To learn more about our programs, our staff, community partners, resources, upcoming events,
Turn It Around
, program impact, and more, click the button below:
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