Be Connected: Stories from our employees at BCYF

This week's story is from Boston Centers for Youth & Families. 

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) had just barely released their BCYF Summer Guide 2020 highlighting their plans for summer programming when, like all of us, their world turned upside down. 

They quickly shifted from offering programming, events, and activities to helping Boston’s neighborhoods and their residents with their most basic needs. They opened 17 community centers as youth meal distribution sites and four as adult meal locations. Their senior centers continued to feed seniors and BCYF staff signed up to help the Office of Food Access by delivering food to people who need a little extra help. They are also supporting multiple City departments with translation services and assisting residents needing help accessing unemployment benefits.

“Personally, I have never been more proud of our amazing team at BCYF,” said William Morales, BCYF’s Commissioner. “I am happy to be in service with all of them at a time when our city needs us more than ever.”

Right now, BCYF is working through various scenarios for summer programming options and are exploring virtual and technology based programs that will keep young people and adults connected and engaged even if being physically close isn’t an option. 

Thank you to the BCYF team for sharing your story. To submit your own “Story From Our Employees”, write to us at BeConnected@Boston.gov!