SPRINGFIELD – Attorney General (AG) Maura Healey recently announced the organizations that received grant money for the annual Healthy Summer Youth Jobs Program. Locally, both Gardening the Community and the Springfield Boys and Girls Club were among the recipients.

According to a press release, the AG’s funding “aims to help young people gain new skills and make a difference in their own communities by working in jobs focused on health and wellness.”

Gardening the Community is a food justice organization that is engaged in youth development and urban agriculture to build sustainable, healthy and equitable communities. Youth work to grow the fruits and vegetables, receive a stipend and are taught the principles of urban sustainable living and urban agriculture through Gardening the Community.

Food grown by Gardening the Community is then sold at their Walnut Street Community Farm Store, the Mason Square Farmers Markets, local restaurants and stores. Youth are also able to bring home food to their families.

At the Springfield Boys and Girls Club, Executive Director Vincent Borello said that the money from the AG has gone toward their Teen Job Ready Program.

This program helps teens from the ages of 13 to 15 prepare for future jobs and careers.

“All the programs around the Greater Springfield area for kids for summer camps or summer programs normally are 12 years and under. Which means 13, 14 and 15 year olds are too old to go to a summer program. However, at that age, it’s very difficult to find employment,” said Borello. “The Boys and Girls Club - we don’t want any child to be left behind and we certainly don’t want any youth to have to go and take comfort in the streets during the day. And especially while their parents are working.”
The Teen Job Ready Program is a six-week program during the summer that teaches these teens resume building skills, interview skills, dressing for success and money management. Borello said that it also helps teach responsibility, builds character and self-confidence.

“It really gives them a great base for when they secure better jobs and bigger wages. They’ll know what to do as they move forward,” he said.

After completing the program, teens can take on jobs at the Boys and Girls Club to help give them money and experience.

“In the end, the Boys and Girls Club has given them their first job, their first paycheck and their first bank account,” said Borello.

The program also brings in guest speakers to talk to teens about the workforce and future career opportunities. One recent guest, according to Borello, was Six Flags.

This summer, the program was able to accept 37 teens. Borello said that the AG funds significantly contributed to this.

“We’re always looking for funding because the more funding we have the more teens we can put into our training program,” said Borello. “The funding from people like the Attorney General’s office is monumental. We couldn't do it without the public and private partnerships we’re creating.”
Borello said that with the funding for this program, the AG is investing in the Springfield community’s future workforce.

“I think the Attorney General, they realize how important it is not that they give money, but that they invest in this community’s future workforce,” he said.     

The Boys and Girls Club is now in the process of obtaining more funding to be able to extend the program into the school year. Borello said this would give teens the opportunity to buy their own school clothes, buy Christmas gifts for their family, gain more experience and work around the club.

Those interested in learning more about programs at the Boys and Girls Club are encouraged to visit their website or call 732-7201 to speak with Program Director Priscilla Reyes.

In a press release, Healey herself addressed the importance of investing in youth and youth jobs.

“Our summer jobs program provides hundreds of teens across the state with an opportunity to challenge themselves, gain new skills, and make a difference in their own communities by promoting healthy living. We have worked hard to continue this program each year and are grateful to our grantees for making important adjustments to their programs to ensure employed teens are safe as we recover from the pandemic,” said Healey.