The Yawkey Foundation donated $40,000 to the ABCD Youth Access Pack project to support under-resourced youth facing severe social and economic barriers. The grant supported monthly access packs for 25 participants in ABCD’s Career Explorations and HOPES youth career development programs throughout 2022. The young people who benefited from this project also face challenges, including being pregnant or parenting, homelessness, exposure to violence, court involvement, and a high incidence of substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
The monthly access pack includes an MBTA combo pass valued at $90, a $50 Stop & Shop grocery gift card, and payment of a cell phone bill up to $80.
The Youth Access Pack project is designed to provide support to young people who face challenges and barriers to accessing opportunities to gain employment, and to build a sense of stability and continuity in their lives while reducing stress. The grant will help ensure that young people have access to basic necessities, including transportation, food, and communication.
The Yawkey Foundation has supported ABCD programs serving Boston’s young adults with more than $785,000 since 1995.