Through Young Heroes, common issues that we hear
about on the news or from our parents and teachers, become reality.
They get to meet people that are personally
affected by the things we just talk about.
On one such occasion, a team of Young Heroes learned about
Substance Abuse. After learning about the topic through peer education from a
Youth Substance Abuse Task Force made up of middle and high school students,
community service projects were set up across the city of Boston. Two teams of Young Heroes spent the
afternoon at a residential treatment program for women with drug and alcohol
addictions where they planted flowers and talked to the residents.Here are a few of the Young Heroes’
thoughts. . .
I made a difference when I went (to the
women’s treatment program) with my fellow Young Heroes. We planted flowers, cleaned and ate there.
After doing our community service the women sat down and talked to us. They were very happy and pleased with our
work. And with those smiles on their face I knew I make a difference that day and I was also pleased.
– Johvian, age
11, from Dorchester
I felt I made a difference when we went to visit the
women with substance abuse. We helped their lives feel better. We helped
brighten up their day. It also made them feel that they can have a chance to make a change in their lives.
– Ineisha,
age 12, from Dorchester
By going (to the women’s treatment program) and
talking with one of the women there it helped her to feel connected by sharing
my story to her. I felt like I made a difference by listening to her story and the other women at the house.
– A Young Hero
I made a difference like when I planted flowers for the drug addicts. I think
this is good because I didn’t just help them out. I helped out the community. When I was there,
there was a little boy there and he was helping us. I think when he grows up he would
probably join Young Heroes.
– Ryan, age
10, from Dorchester
On several afternoons throughout the year, the Young Heroes spent time at senior centers and nursing homes throughout the City. They spent time at the Hancock Manor Nursing Home, Marian Manor Nursing Home, Sherrill House and many other locations. Here are a few of their thoughts. . .
I’m gonna tell you about how I made a difference. I know I made an impact on
the old people when we went to the old folks home. I know I made an impact because the old folks don’t usually get
visitors and I made a difference by talking to them , painting their nails and
singing songs. So I know I made a difference. Thank you.
– Crystal, age
12, from Roxbury
When we went to the old folks home. Me and three other girls were
talking to a man who was in the Navy who lost his legs. He told us about his life and how his legs
got blown off. He used to own a ship and they had to get rid of it. I think
he was a very strong man to keep up with his life and to keep on living.
–
Kiki, age 14, from Boston
I made a difference by helping out in a nursing home. I planted flowers and
talked to the elderly. They gave us snack for our time. When we left there they were really happy. I felt really
happy.
– Ryan, age 10, from Dorchester