December 2024 Newsletter
In the News
Freedom House awarded a $250,000 grant from Klarman Family Foundation
Freedom House was awarded a $250,000 grant by the Klarman Family Foundation as part of their Community Capital Fund (CCF) initiative aimed at countering historic disparities in access to funding and prioritizes organizations operating within communities of color in Massachusetts. This grant will be used to support critical upgrades and enhancements of our facilities and community spaces.
Support Freedom House's Year-End Campaign!
Join us in celebrating Freedom House’s 75th Anniversary by making a year-end gift to support Boston’s Black, Brown, and immigrant youth. Your generosity fuels transformative programs like PUSH-to-START, creating equitable pathways to academic and professional success—because together, we build brighter futures! (Give Today!)
Scholar Soundbite
"At Freedom House, I’ve made friends, learned how to network, and gained more skills like public speaking, communication, and socializing."
What's Happening at the House?
You're Invited! Freedom House Day on December 16
Join us for Freedom House's 75th birthday party where neighbors, friends, and partners come together to share stories, celebrate our collective achievements, and honor Freedom House’s legacy. There’ll be live music, delicious food, and lots of opportunities to connect, reflect, and contribute to the next chapter of Freedom House’s journey. This event is free and open to all community members. (Learn More and Get Your Tickets)
PUSHing Boundaries: PUSH Leadership Institute Launches with Excitement!
The PUSH Leadership Institute is off to a fantastic start with two weeks of engaging programming! Scholars have begun exploring skill placement by identifying their comfort zone, growth zone, and stretch zone. Throughout the year, they will continue to refine their skills while building valuable professional and personal networks.
Coaches Leading the Way in Mental Health First Aid
Junior and Senior Coaches recently completed Mental Health First Aid training in collaboration with Family Services of Merrimack Valley. This training equipped them to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. As we expand our programming and partnerships with mental health services, ensuring our staff are well-prepared in this area remains a key priority.
PUSH-2-Start (GAP Year) Update
This November, Freedom House's PUSH Leadership Institute came alive with energy and purpose as our GAP Year students stepped into their new roles as Junior Coaches. With the torch of leadership firmly in their hands, these young leaders began their journey with a whirlwind of orientation sessions and intensive training. The first two weeks of programming set the tone for what promises to be a transformative experience. Junior Coaches worked with our high school Scholars, guiding them through activities designed to challenge their boundaries and spark personal growth. From leading group sessions to fostering moments of courage and connection, the GAP Year students showcased their commitment to creating a safe space for exploration and empowerment. Meanwhile, the magic of networking unfolded as Coaches and Scholars built relationships, shared stories, and inspired one another to reach new heights. This month was more than just an introduction—it was the foundation of a powerful movement for leadership, confidence, and community. November was just the beginning, and the best is yet to come!
Celebrations and Congratulations!
Congratulations to Mileidy Rocha on getting accepted into the nursing program at Signature-Healthcare Brockton Hospital School. Her dedication is truly inspiring and she's also on track to graduate this Spring with an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice from Bunker Hill Community College. Keep up the amazing work. We are so proud of you!
High school scholars engage in the Fall Orientation for the PUSH Leadership Institute, a session designed to foster leadership, collaboration, and personal growth. Participants are seen engaging in interactive activities, group discussions, and bonding moments as they prepare for an impactful academic year ahead.
CEO Corner
In Celebration, From Reflection to Action and Renewal: 2024 the Year of Hope and Defining Purpose
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
As we step into December, we embrace a season of reflection, celebration, and preparation for the future. This month, we joyously celebrate the birthday of Freedom House on December 16th—a milestone that reminds us of the enduring power of our mission to advance educational equity, inspire youth, and strengthen families and communities. Happy Birthday, Freedom House!
As we mark the season of giving, join us in honoring and supporting Giving Tuesday and end-of-year contributions, let us remember the importance of investing in what we truly believe in. At Freedom House, we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our staff, students, families, funders, partners, alumni, and board members. You are the heartbeat of our mission, what fuels our collective success, and your dedication is invaluable to shaping the future we envision.
December is rich with both holidays and history, ushering in the warmth of celebrations like Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Chanukah. It’s a time when families gather and for each of us to reflect on the principles of charity and peace. Yet, this December also calls us to act boldly in the face of challenges; confront critical questions about our commitment to community, healing, and real change.
The recent election season highlighted the ongoing tensions and deep divisions in our society. If we are truly committed to making this country inclusive for all, we must move beyond words and become the disrupters of real change. This means fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and kindness—to people of every gender, age, race, political view, and social status. It requires us to confront our biases and embrace our shared humanity.
We must commit to healing our communities, neighborhoods, and families, starting with how we treat one another.
December is also National Human Rights Month, a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and celebrating cultural differences, a time to honor the simple truth that people are people. When we take the time to learn about others—particularly those whose experiences are different from our own—we open ourselves to greater empathy and connection. This month challenges us to seek out those lessons, to dismantle preconceived notions, and to see the humanity in one another. In doing so, we can create a foundation for understanding, connection, and lasting peace.
Call to Action:
To our incredible scholars: December will pass by quickly, and so will opportunities to reflect and recharge. I want you to use your upcoming winter break to pause, relax, and refocus as you prepare to step into a new year with purpose and intention. Take time to reflect on your journey, celebrate your victories, nurture your dreams and goals and renew your energy for the journey ahead.
As we close out this year, I invite each of you also to take action. Practice kindness in every interaction. Give generously to causes that inspire you. And as we celebrate the season of giving and reflection, let us recommit ourselves to the transformative work of Freedom House. Let us walk boldly into the new year as agents of healing and change.
Join us in making a difference—whether through a donation, an act of kindness, or simply by spreading hope in your corner of the world. Every action, no matter how small, will inspire, transform lives and brings us closer to a brighter, more inclusive future.
Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season,
Charmaine
Community Corner
Community Corner features stories and important updates from leaders across the Freedom House community.
MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Kempton Flemming
Senior Administrative Assistant, City of Boston
Introduce yourself to our community!
I'm Kempton "Monty" Flemming.
What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about helping others.
How did you get connected to Freedom House?
I was connected to Freedom House by Board Chair Andrew Sobers.
Why were you interested in being a board member?
I am interested in serving on the board as I can help young minds in the areas of finance, music, and public speaking.
What do you envision for the future of Freedom House?
I envision a time when the young people would return and build Freedom House to other communities in and around Massachusetts with new technologies and teaching.
What would you tell a newcomer to Freedom House?
I would tell the potential board member about the positive things Freedom House would have on his future and the connections they can make from Freedom House.
What is your favorite quote?
"Have a blessed day, and God bless you," I say that to people because you don't know what they are going through, and by saying that, you can uplift their spirit or put a smile on their face and sometimes start a conversation.
Mark Your Calendar
December 16, 2024: Freedom House Day Celebration (Get Your Tickets)
Join our Giving Societies
Your support is critical to our work providing holistic and youth development-centered programming and services that enable underrepresented students to overcome barriers to post-secondary success. Give Today.