Trinity Education for Excellence Program (TEEP)
Paths to Alternative High Schools

Good high schools make all the difference as our TEEP students put themselves on track for college. That realization set TEEP Advisory Committee member Jean Krasnow on a mission to help students and parents understand how to enroll in alternative high schools (such as Boston Public exam, pilot, and charter schools as well as parochial and independent schools). Navigating the admissions process isn’t easy, but Jean, together with Bill Andres, retired director of admissions at Fay School, has recently created a handbook and conducted initial meetings with TEEP parents. We look forward to sharing this work with other Boston non-profits in 2008.

As part of the initiative, TEEP is looking for volunteer mentors for 8th grade students and their parents. Do you have admissions experience, or have you guided your children through an admissions process? If so, we need your help! Contact TEEP Director Paul Bowen to help mentor TEEP families along the many paths to alternative high schools.

Trinity Boston Counseling Center (TBCC)
Avenues for Artistic Expression

Two groups of TBCC clients are interpreting their experiences through the arts:

Street Potential Program Mural
A group of young men from our Street Potential Program at the Roxbury Community Re-Entry Center (CRC) created a mural that was displayed at the State House on November 15th. The display was part of an event and exhibit that coincided with the release of a report by the Massachusetts Special Commission on After-School and Out-of-School Time.

Two members of the TBCC staff, Nate Harris and Jessica Leffler, lead this program. Read more about what is happening at the CRC here.

Yearwood House Creative Expressions
TBCC Counselor Glynn Forkey recently created a program called Creative Expressions for a group of residents at Yearwood House, a rooming house for 21 formerly chronically homeless men and women that is run by staff from the Pine Street Inn. “There is so much artistic and creative talent among the residents at Yearwood House,” says Glynn. “The program provides them with a new opportunity for creative expression, as well as just something fun to do at the House.”

In November, Trinity Church held an art and craft materials drive to supply the Creative Expressions program. Ultimately, the program hopes to recognize and honor the art of the residents at an art fair or show at Trinity Church. Read more about Yearwood House and its partnership with the Pine Street Inn and Trinity Church here.

Foundation Events
Warm Welcome for a New Superintendent

On Tuesday, September 25, 2007, more than 800 people filled Trinity Church to welcome Dr. Carol Johnson, the new superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. The evening was an extraordinary combination of inspiration, commitment, and community, including performances by the Boston Children’s Chorus, the Boston Community Choir, and the Trinity Church choir and featuring messages from three students, a parent, and a teacher. A host committee of more than 50 non-profit and community leaders from across Boston welcomed Dr. Johnson at a pre-concert reception.

The event for Dr. Johnson provided a unique and wonderful opportunity for Trinity Church to open its doors and extend hospitality to the entire City of Boston. The Boston Children’s Chorus, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and City Year joined the Trinity Boston Foundation in sponsoring the event.

Remember the Trinity Boston Foundation
with a year-end gift!
Learn how here.

2007 Holiday Wish List

TEEP
We serve urban youth in the 7th – 12th grades. Our wishes for them include:

• A nutritious dinner for five After-School students ($30)
• A month of safe rides home for one After-School student ($100)
• College scholarships ($1,000 each)

TBCC
Our counseling fees are based on a client's ability to pay — from $5 to $125 per session.

• One counseling session ($100)

Street Potential, our signature program for court-involved youth, needs a hip-hop music studio makeover... including:

• Keyboard upgrade ($600)
• Three iPods for in-studio work ($250 each)
• A comfy couch (used is okay!)

We also asked the youth what their wishes were, and they responded:

• 25 coats ($25 each)
• 25 pairs of Timberland boots ($70 each)
• 50 T-shirts ($5 each; solid white and black XXXL)
• 25 winter hats ($5 each)
• 50 socks ($10 a pack)

Preservation Trust
The Trust helps maintain Trinity Church in addition to supporting its preservation. A few immediate needs:

• Light bulbs for the sanctuary (225 bulbs for $4 each — $900)
• Brasso — brass polish for candlesticks, handrails, etc. ($100)
• One palette of ice-melt ($400)

Questions? Contact Elaine Chow.

Volunteer Day at the Roxbury CRC
Saturday, January 26, time TBD
Give the Roxbury Community Re-Entry Center a makeover and meet the young men who participate in Street Potential, TBCC’s signature arts program for court-involved youth. The day will include painting, decorating, re-organizing, and replenishing (bookshelves, plants, hearts, minds, spirits, etc!). To RSVP or obtain more information, contact Emily Martin at emartin@trinityinspires.org or 617-536-0944, ext. 354.

TEEP Site Visit
Wednesday, February 6, 4:45 pm - 5:45 pm, at Trinity Church
See the After-School Program in Action!
Come visit 18 middle school students from around the Boston area and speak with their high school mentors over a cup of coffee. All site visitors are invited to join the students and staff for dinner at 6pm. To RSVP or obtain more information, contact Emily Martin at emartin@trinityinspires.org or (617) 536-0944, ext. 354.

Bach's St. John Passion
Friday, March 21 (Good Friday), at Trinity Church
Free to all. Suggested Donation: $10

Please watch www.trinityinspires.org for updates to these and other events.