Friends of the Children - Boston

August Updates

This summer has been one of our most memorable yet! Filled with fun adventures, new challenges, and meaningful connections. From learning to launch small businesses to exploring leadership in the treetops, our Achievers have experienced growth in incredible ways. We’re so thankful for the support that makes these moments possible and proud of the joy, courage, and curiosity our youth brought to every opportunity. Here are some of our summer updates and upcoming events:

Coming This Sunday: Youth Entrepreneurs Hit the Seaport!

One of the most impactful and inspiring parts of our summer programming is the Entrepreneurship Program for our adolescent Achievers. Over the course of several weeks, participants dive into what it takes to build a business from the ground up, learning everything from budgeting and ROI to branding, pitching, and product development.

With coaching, feedback, and plenty of trial and error, they emerge ready to launch their very own ventures. It’s an incredible way for our youth to explore their passions, build confidence, and develop real-world skills.

This Sunday, August 17, three of our Achievers will take the final step—selling their products for the very first time at a pop-up in Boston’s vibrant Seaport district alongside the Black Owned Bos. Outdoor Market.

Meet the brands:

• Sevyn Club – Sevyn Club is an Urban Athleisure Apparel Company, created by Matessin, who is wrapping up her senior year. Matessin has created her brand with a fashionable style intertwined with a spiritual meaning, all based around the number 7. Matessin has always been interested in fashion and clothing trends and is very excited to start a business of her own.

• KR Creative – Amigurumis Keychains offers ways to organize your keys that are all hand-made sea creatures crocheted by the founder, Kamara. She has long been passionate about fabric arts, and combining it with her love of the sea was a natural fit. Kamara is entering her senior year and is excited to launch her first business anchored in her interests.

• Nouvo Chalé – A Fashion Clothing and Apparel Company created by one of our Senior Achievers, Jaylan. Jaylan has always had a love for fashion and accessories and is excited to bring those loves to light in his business Nouvo Chalé, which is Haitian Creole for New Flame. The Owner and designer of Nouvo Chalé has been a part of many of our entrepreneurship programs for the last 3 years, learning the ins and outs of running a successful business, all of which he is applying to his first solo venture.

Come celebrate their hard work and creativity this Sunday, August 17, from 12–6 PM at 111 Harbor Way. As always, your support means the world!

Honoring Frank Coleman’s Legacy of Service

We’re proud to share that longtime Friends of the Children Friend (mentor), Frank Coleman, was recently honored by the City of Boston for his unwavering commitment to uplifting our neighborhoods. The award was presented by Josh Kraft in recognition of Frank’s 19 years of hosting the Annual Father’s Day Cookout, an event that has brought connection, joy, and support to countless families across Boston. Congratulations, Frank, and thank you for continuing to lead by example!

Patriots & CVS Health Host Day of Empowerment

The Patriots Foundation, in partnership with CVS Health, held a back-to-school event on Wednesday, July 30th. We had 16 of our Achievers attend, along with 60 other Boston youth. The event was aimed to support young girls in 6th – 8th grade and included backpack decorating, creating empowering affirmations, and a skincare class from beauty consultants at CVS Health.

This class, offered by the consultants, focused on the “get ready with me” videos and addressed proper skincare methods for girls their age. The goal was to provide some helpful education for these girls, while also preparing them to go back to school confident and ready to take on a new year. Each of our Achievers walked away with a new backpack, some school supplies, and skincare products from CVS. HUGE thank you to the New England Patriots, Patriots Foundation, and CVS Health for making this fun opportunity possible!  

Building Confidence at Pinnacle Leadership & Team Development Retreat

As part of our Mental Health Summer Programming, our adolescent girls and boys groups spent two days each at Pinnacle Leadership & Team Development in Kensington, NH. Through high-ropes challenges, land-based initiatives, and time in nature, our Achievers practiced communication, emotional awareness, self-advocacy, and how to slow down and listen to their own needs. Thank you to our long-standing partners at Pinnacle Leadership & Team Development for making this transformative retreat possible.

Looking Ahead

As the new school year approaches, our Achievers have shared a wishlist of supplies to help them start strong. You can help set them up for success by donating backpacks filled with the items they need most or by shopping the Friends of the Children - Boston Amazon wishlist. Every contribution ensures our youth walk into the classroom confident, prepared, and ready to learn!

Do you love these stories? Then help us spread the word about jobs available at Friends-Boston. You can find current openings here.