BOSTON, June 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, forty-six
at-risk youth, 11-14 years old, became the first graduating class
of EPIC: Enhancing Potential, Inspiring Change. The program
was developed to address a need identified by Mayor Walsh for
providing a positive experience for youth in the age group during
what can be a difficult time of transition and change.
Through the program, a collaboration among the Mayor's Office of
Public Safety, John Hancock and Boys & Girls Club of
Boston's YouthConnect,
participants began last June attending a summer program at BGCB's
Mattapan Teen Center as well as Camp Harbor View, then participated
in small group workshops during the academic year on topics
including leadership, financial awareness, career exploration,
community and workplace safety, decision making skills,
communication skills, and health & wellness.
Participants also had ongoing case management, which was
extended to their immediate family, as well as afterschool
programming at a local BGCB Club. In addition, participants are
able to earn a stipend (up to $800)
over the course of the program for positive participation and
attendance.
Aaliyah Colon, a 14 year-old from
Mattapan, spoke at the graduation,
explaining what the program had meant to her. "It was a commitment
I had to make to better myself and my future…an opportunity to tap
into my full success and get prepared for the real world. One day,
I would love to be a leader for my community and everyone around me
because I know that as many times as I will fail, I will always
pick myself back up and still have the motivation to be on top,"
said Colon.
"Mayor Walsh congratulates John Hancock's commitment for
continuing its innovative thinking, partnerships and willingness to
help young people at this most pivotal age," said Dan Mulhern, director, Mayor's Office, Public
Safety Initiatives. "Boston will
see the impact of EPIC in dividends for years to come, and we, the
City, could not think of a better partner for this than
YouthConnect and its incredibly qualified staff."
"The EPIC program shows how innovative thinking and
collaboration with great partners like these can really make a
difference in the lives of the children we serve," said
Josh Kraft, Nicholas President and CEO, Boys & Girls
Clubs of Boston. "Over the course
of the last year, these young people have increased their
self-awareness, gained confidence and become true leaders in their
schools and communities."
"We are proud of our partnership with the Mayor's Office of
Public Safety and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston's YouthConnect and congratulate the
first cohort to complete the 12-month intensive program," said
Tom Crohan, assistant vice president
and counsel, John Hancock. "Through the best-in-class
community-based services delivered by YouthConnect, we strive to
empower students to realize their potential through a curriculum
focused on cultivating leadership and forming connections during a
time of change and transition."
About EPIC
In partnership with the Mayor's Office of
Public Safety and John Hancock, BGCB's Youth Connect has launched a
12 month, intensive program which aims to increase self-awareness
and confidence in youth 11-14 years old. EPIC: Enhancing
Potential, Inspiring Change, empowers youth to realize their
potential through a curriculum focused on cultivating leadership
and forming connections during a time of change and transition.
EPIC instills confidence and hope for the future in young teens,
directly addressing a growing need in our city, as identified by
Mayor Walsh.
About John Hancock Financial and Manulife
John Hancock
Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based financial services group with
principal operations in Asia,
Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife in
Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in
the United States, our group of
companies offers clients a diverse range of financial protection
products and wealth management services through its extensive
network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Assets
under management and administration by Manulife and its
subsidiaries were $904 billion (US
$697 billion) as at March 31, 2016. Manulife Financial Corporation
trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the
SEHK. Manulife ca be found on the Internet at Manulife.com.
The John Hancock unit, though its insurance companies, comprises
one of the largest life insurers in the
United States. John Hancock
offers and administers a broad range of financial products,
including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans,
long-term care insurance, college savings and other forms of
business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may
be found at johnhancock.com.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
Since its founding in 1893, Boys
& Girls Clubs of Boston (BGBC)
has been helping young people, especially those who need us most,
build strong character and realize their full potential as
responsible citizens and leaders. BGBC does this by providing: a
safe have filled with hope and opportunity, ongoing relationships
with caring adults, and life-enhancing programs in six core program
areas. The organization serves nearly 16,000 young people ages 6-18
in 11 Clubs, and through Camp Harbor View and YouthConnect. BGCB is
an affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of American and The United
Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. For more
information, visit BGCB on the web at bgcb.org.
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SOURCE John Hancock Financial