Our 2025 YouthWorks summer program has been off to a great start! This summer we were able to employ 20 youth at 6 different sites. We are fortunate to partner with Milford Youth Center, Nutriforia, We All Hoop, Milford Parks Department, Bob’s Marina, Milford Town Library, and Sweet Inspirations! Our youth workers have been very busy at their sites this summer!
Our youth are not only working hard at their job sites, but they also have been a part of multiple different presentations. We have been fortunate enough to have different professionals come in and talk about their journey in the workforce.
Week one we had Barbara Kessler, Coordinator for the Community Engagement Division for the Attorney General’s Office, present their “Savvy 18 – What to Know When You Turn 18” presentation. It provided the youth information from workers’ rights, to housing information, to understanding the importance of mental health and social media. Maddy and Josh also presented to the youth about the importance of having professional values, while Sam presented to the youth about workplace wellness.
Week two we welcomed Kevin Lopez, Executive Director for Hoops and Homework (Nonprofit education afterschool program in Framingham). Kevin shared his story about where he started, how he got to where he is today, and the impact that his job has. Our youth also learned about the importance of communication in the workplace and how to build leadership skills.
The last week of July was our busiest one yet! First, we were lucky enough to have Amanda Rizoli, Coordinator for Community Impact and Milford Police Departments Family Services Unit, come in and speak to the youth about the different aspects of her job and provide the youth with some time management skills. Kristen Ballard, RN at VA Boston Healthcare, shared her journey of becoming a nurse and what her job is like today. Lastly, Sam, Josh, and Maddy talked with the youth about self-advocacy, perseverance, and problem solving.
In the upcoming weeks we are looking forward to many more presenters. We have Trooper Fernanda Stevens, Massachusetts State Police C-Troop CAT – Community Liaison, and Dr. Craig Consigli, Milford Public Schools Superintendent stopping by for a visit in August.
We are so proud of our youth workers this summer and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer brings!
The Youth Center is able to oversee and offer these employment opportunities through the Commonwealth Corporation under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts YouthWorks Program and MassHire Central Career Center!