TURN IT AROUND
Family & Friends Newsletter:
March 2023

The purpose of this newsletter is to highlight our amazing youth leaders and all of the activities taking place in the community that they are involved in.

We hope to further engage the mentors and adults in these young people's lives and are available to parents and guardians to answer any questions about our programming. If you need assistance regarding your youth, please feel free to reach out to our Youth Program Coordinators Mswati Hanks and Zaire Richardson.
Thank you, Sarah!
Sarah Coughlin created TURN IT AROUND about 11 years ago, as a small campaign to warn about the dangers of drug use/abuse. This month, we said goodbye and thank you to Sarah as she transitions full time to community engagement work through MGH for the entire city of Boston. She has made an impact on countless lives, especially young lives, and we are so grateful for her.
TIA Collage Art Wrap Up
TIA JR: Prep for the Talent Show Fundraiser!
Our TIA JR group has been practicing for their talent show fundraiser coming up in May! It has been so fun to see them all discover their talents and skills.
Sharing a meal with Christ Church Charlestown
We are incredibly grateful for Christ Church Charlestown for letting us use their space weekly - and especially for their offer to make and share a meal with us this month. It was so fun to mingle and play ice breaker bingo together.
Garden Grant Goodness
Linda Forsythe brought some of her Garden Grant goodies to Race Dialogues this month - and share with Almir, Donovan and Dong. They planted ingredients for Pico de Gallo and learned about recycling old take-out containers to use as mini greenhouses.

Want to learn more or get involved? Email Ciara for more information.
Alumni Drop Ins
Terrell and Cristian both came by to say hi this month. We're so proud of them both becoming such kind and genuine young men.
Upcoming:
Annual Earth Day Peace Park Clean Up!
Race Dialogues
Join us OUTSIDE on April 25th at 5:30pm for our monthly Race & Equity Discussion. This series explores important topics about the impact of race, policing in urban settings, and equity. It is open to all members of the Charlestown community and the general public.
 
This forum is being co-sponsored by the Charlestown Coalition, Turn It Around Youth Program, Councilor Gigi Coletta and her team.
March Birthdays
Happy March Birthdays to Reynald, JJ, Camila, Elsie, Sue and Leah!
TURN IT AROUND Alumni Advice

Cristian shares his best life advice with us - after navigating multiple hurdles in Fall of 2022, he kept pushing and is thriving. We are proud of you Cristian!

Check back here monthly for all kinds of advice on topics like education, getting a job, navigating #adulting and more!
TURN IT AROUND:
Youth of the Month

The Turn It Around Youth of the Month for March is Christian DeJesus! Christian is a freshman at East Boston High, and has been a huge part of Turn It Around since joining in September. He attends every single meeting, and is a fixture at all the events we are a part of. He’s never shy about sharing his opinion, and has become a leader in the group. This recognition is long overdue, so we’re so thrilled to announce Christian as March’s YOM, and introduce him to all of our supporters!!

-Mswati Hanks,
Youth Program Coordinator
TURN IT AROUND JUNIOR:
Youth of the Month
I would like to congratulate Nanceli Colon on being TIA JR. Youth Of The Month for the month of March! Nanceli has always been a big character since the initial interview process but her infectious personality and positive attitude in group is what makes her a true star. Nanceli is one of the youngest members and she has gone above and beyond to exceed all expectations! She may only be 11 but she is leaving her mark & by time she moves on she will leave big shoes to fill Nanceli has set herself apart and we at the TIA JR family can’t wait to see what she accomplish next! 

-Zaire Richardson,
Youth Program Coordinator
Thank you for helping raise the next generation
of community leaders!