FPC Youth Crew Sign-Up

First, thank you runners who turned out and invited lots of friends and family to the Bella Luna Kick-off Party last night! I came home with barely a voice left after talking to so many people. We'll report later on how much money was raised. Seemed like everyone had a great time!  --Christine

And thinking about our youth crew ...

As February 1st, the beginning of registration for 2014 jobs for young people in Boston, we gear up for job fairs and recruitment. I have a letter drafted that will go to all our young people who are still eligible to participate (up to age 18 this year) to invite them back, remind them to register, and encourage them to contact us if they want to try something different this summer.

Angee, a junior at Boston Tech Academy, who moved to the U.S. from Haiti three years ago, post earthquake, stopped in earlier this week for help with a science scholarship application. She said she hadn't been that interested in science until working in the park and learning more about plant biology, but she'd like to work in a lab this summer. So - I'm off researching lab opportunities for BPS students. Anyone know of any? She helps support her family, so does need to earn money.

On the subway last week I ran into Fernando, from our youth crew five and six years ago! We chatted and exchanged current phone numbers. He is living on his own in a studio apartment in Dorchester, working full-time as a receptionist at Children's Hospital and going to school full-time at U/Mass Boston. I could tell he is struggling a little, much too busy, and probably a little isolated. His best friend, Luis, also on the FPC youth crew, has a son and is working as a security guard at another local hospital. They see each other occasionally on weekends. It was hard to hear how overwhelming Fernando feels with the responsibilities he is managing on his own, but he is clearly going to make it.

Fernando is the goofy one in a black do-rag.