Recognizing that many young people in the community face severe social and economic barriers, the Yawkey Foundation has donated $40,000 to the ABCD Youth Access Pack project.
The grant will fund monthly access packs for 25 participants in ABCD’s Career Explorations and HOPES youth career development programs throughout 2022. While virtually all under-resourced youth confront steep challenges including vanishing pathways to the workforce, unsafe neighborhoods, and extreme poverty, the young people who will benefit from this project also face challenges including being pregnant or parenting, homelessness, exposure to violence, court involvement, and a high incidence of substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
The monthly access pack includes an MBTA combo pass valued at $90, a $50 Stop & Shop grocery gift card, and payment of a cell phone bill up to $80. Packaged as a monthly benefit that recipients can count on, the Youth Access Pack builds a sense of stability and continuity while reducing overall stress.
Yawkey Foundation has supported ABCD programs serving Boston’s young adults with more than $785,000 since 1995, and ABCD deeply appreciates the continued partnership in service. Learn more at yawkeyfoundation.org.
