Embracing Possibility
As Autumn draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the power of possibilities that stem from our mission at Elevate Youth. Gathering with our students to explore activities isn't just about learning new skills, but creating connections that can transform futures.
After ending September with an exhilarating rock climbing trip, during October, we dove into photography, culminating in a summit hike to view Boston from above. Students captured the beauty of our local environment, snapping photos of colorful fall foliage and rehabilitated animals at the Blue Hills Trailside Museum.
Alejandro, like many Elevate Youthers, has been with EY for two years and finds our after-school experience a refreshing escape from the everyday. “I like to go outside a lot and experience new stuff I've never tried,” he shared, reflecting on his excitement about using a camera for the first time. Alejandro extended his enthusiasm by inviting a new member, Daniel, who shared, “You get to do more things that other people don't get to usually do on Monday afternoons, and I like that you get to socialize with other kids.” These voices capture the essence of what we aim to provide: the power of connection and the possibilities for adventure that await our students.
Jeison, another dedicated member of EY, recently invited his younger brother, Dilan, to join in the fun. “A normal day in school is actually pretty boring, but when I go to EY, I actually start to play a couple games which are fun,” Jeison shared. Dilan chimed in, “I’m excited about making new friends and going on field trips. I'm also excited to play games after I'm done with a long 8 hours of school.” These invitations reflect the power of possibility within EY, where students discover new interests while strengthening friendships and family connections. By sharing these experiences, our youth embodies the possibility of supporting each other's journeys in creating lasting memories together.
The connections made in our program extend beyond just friendships. Huy, another Elevate Youther, highlights the importance of exploration. “I was excited about more possibilities, like more field trips or learning capabilities you may experience in Elevate Youth,” he says. As we wrapped up our photography unit, we encouraged students to explore freely. Huy took the initiative to photograph moments of youth outside our program playing soccer. It was inspiring to see Huy use the tools we’ve learned through the month and showcase his self-confidence and creativity.
These stories remind us of the social-emotional skills our students are developing that extend beyond our weekly sessions and influence their daily lives. As our youth learn to express themselves, whether through photography or their style of mountain biking, , they’re also developing tools to respond to adversity and the ability to connect with others.
This November, we’ve been gearing up for outdoor cooking outings and exploring a cranberry bog. In preparation, we’ve explored the components of environmental stewardship and the food cycle with a local lens. Students are discovering farming techniques that respect natural cycles and the joys of seasonal eating, opening their eyes to the possibility of how New England’s rich agricultural landscape can provide a variety of fresh, local ingredients throughout the year. We've delighted in incorporating apples into our after-school snacks and as we look forward to spring, we can't wait for the maple tapping season where students will have the chance to experience the sweet process of harvesting maple syrup. Our goal is to help them understand what nourishes their bodies, how land use impacts the environment, and how we can fuel our adventures through the foods we eat!
As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to reflect on the impact of your support and the opportunities it creates for our students and their futures. Every donation, your volunteer hours, social media likes, and spreading the word help us continue offering these transformative experiences for our youth. By nurturing creativity and connection, we’re opening doors to endless horizons for our students. Together, we can help them turn those possibilities into reality, shaping a brighter future for themselves and their community.
Let’s celebrate the power of possibility this November and beyond. Join us in making a difference!
