February 25, 2020 || ISSUE 1 |
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IN THIS ISSUE
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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
WELCOME NEW HILDEBRAND STAFF
FROM OUR FAMILIES: A WORK OF ART
2020 HOLIDAYS THANK YOU
HILDEBRAND'S STUDENT SUCCESS INITIATIVE
RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Shiela Y. Moore
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Welcome to the inaugural issue of “Happening at Hildebrand”, the first of quarterly e-newsletters from Hildebrand. In these times of increased isolation, we're excited to share our work with you and hope that, over time, you will feel more connected to Hildebrand and better understand the challenges faced by families experiencing homelessness. We're looking forward to moving on from a very challenging 2020 and connecting more with our strong network of partners and supporters. This February issue brings much news to share – Black History Month (Black History is Hildebrand’s history); the beginning of COVID-19 vaccinations; President’s Day; Valentine’s Day; more Hildebrand families moving out of shelter and into permanent homes; the new Student Success education initiative working with students in our shelters – and I want to be sure we are sharing all this news with you. By the way, in case you're wondering, the name of the newsletter was suggested by Gabrielle Vega, a Residential Assistant – special thanks to Gabby! Hildebrand itself was named after the regional bishop, Richard Allen Hildebrand, who permitted St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge – Hildebrand’s founder – to use the parsonage to shelter families. I hope you enjoy the e-newsletter! |
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Welcome New Hildebrand Staff |
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We are excited to announce a few new additions to the Hildebrand staff for 2021. Rui Santos has joined us as Property Manager bringing with him over 5 years of property management experience. Rui is also fluent in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish.
We also have been joined by Cassedra Enayo, a Residential Assistant at one of our Cambridge congregates and Eunice Belacy, our newest Case Manager. We are so lucky to have them as a part of our growing team.
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From Our Families: A Work of Art |
During this unique time of social distancing, it can be challenging to find activities and hobbies to express our creativity.
A sixteen-year-old student at one of our congregate shelters recently started painting to express herself during the pandemic. Check out one of her paintings here. We are excited to see what else she creates!
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To see our full list of donors and all we were able to accomplish this year visit click here! |
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While the holidays may have looked a little different this year, this did not stop us from providing families with everything they needed to celebrate the season. Thank you to everyone who donated and made it possible to give every child at Hildebrand a gift this year. Additionally, we want to give a special shout-out to our incredible facilities team and program manager, Madeline Garcia-Gilbert. Even with the added challenges due to COVID-19, our facilities team and Maddie worked behind the scenes to safely collect, sort, and transport gifts to every single one of our families this December. A huge thank you to Robert Richardson, Alex Dossantos, and Kyreese Roland, and Maddie for ensuring every Hildebrand family was able to celebrate this holiday season. |
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Hildebrand's Student Success Initiative
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With so much uncertainty right now about the education process and environment for youth in Massachusetts, given the ongoing impact of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to develop and implement support programs to focus on year-round, positive learning experiences for all children, particularly those in families experiencing homelessness. Hildebrand’s new Student Success Initiative is an innovative education and academic achievement support program for school-age children in shelter.
Children in families experiencing homelessness face many challenges – and education is one of the foremost. Positive learning experiences are difficult. Right now, these children are also facing additional health-related issues due to the vicious impact of COVID-19 – their lives are restricted and constrained; their families may not have adequate health coverage, and they are socially isolated. To help meet the increasing complexities facing children in homeless families, and to bring a new, comprehensive, and increased level of service, Hildebrand has developed and implemented a new model of education support: the Student Success Initiative.
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Recognizing Black History Month
February is Black History month and at Hildebrand, we have spent the month recognizing and honoring Black individuals, businesses, and policies that have shaped the world we live in. We highlighted Boston icons such as Melnea Cass, Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, and Elma Lewis, as well as Black individuals making a difference today including Amanda Gorman and Stacey Abrams. To learn more about these incredible Black icons and see everyone we have highlighted so far check out our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Additionally, our families have found creative ways to celebrate Black History Month as well. You can see the giant calendar with important dates in Black History some of our families created in the video filmed by one of our Case Managers!
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