Season’s Greetings!
Who knew that 13 Years, 11 Missions, and $72,616 dollars ~ not including items purchased outside of these funds raised ~ later that your constant love and generous financial support would inspire us to create Foundation Dario, Inc.
Being a teenager is hard enough let alone facing remote-learning, limited access to socialization and the stresses of experiencing parents losing a job all as a result of COVID. As we thought about how to help these kids, Marya, a dear friend and dedicated contributor since 2007 brought St. Stephen’s Youth Programs (SSYP) [ssypboston.org] to our attention.
As Boston implemented new phases of COVID restrictions, SSYP brought 35 teens [ages 15-18] together for an 8-week Virtual Internship that offered 5-7 hours a week in programming with a minimum of one hour in each of the following four core areas: Social & Emotional Support, College & Career Planning, Civics & Organizing and Academic Tutoring. Teens receive a $400 stipend upon completion. Many use this money to support their families. The stipend is only a small part of this gift. Before we sent our letter to you, we connected with program leaders and two teen participants.
Viviana and Daisy communicated and validated for us the real GIFT!
“I don’t know what I would be doing if this program did not exist. I guess I would try to find a job at a grocery store. This program helped me see I am not alone and other kids my age are experiencing the same emotional issues that I am. This program allowed me the confidence to get on this zoom call to talk with you. The career panel guests opened my eyes to pursue other careers outside of what I only thought were possible for me.” – Viviana
“I have learned so much about civic responsibility like the importance of voting and the greater needs that exist in my own community. As a result of this program, I have participated in work groups, learned about root causes, and have enjoyed working with others to analyze and take actions that will help resolve these problems.” – Daisy
Although more than 20 teens have applied for the next program, we have committed to the first 20 stipends for $8,000. Current Mission Balance is $4,800. [$700 Received after last Mission, $1,100 from Dan’s Book & our $3,000 donation.]
We hope our 501(C)(3) status helps us to raise even more money to surpass our goal and include additional teens.
This year every contributor will have an opportunity to meet all of the teens on a virtual celebration event. More to follow in our Thank You letter. For those who would like to be an active participant in a program, please contact Dan. COVID may not allow us to gather and wrap gifts this year; however, our good work continues. We would like to receive all donations by 12/23/20. Please make checks payable to Foundation Dario, Inc. FoundationDario.org goes live on 12/7/20!
