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In the late 1980’s, Boston police referred to the Hyde Square neighborhood as “the cocaine capital of Boston.” Drug-dealing occurred openly on the streets and youth gang violence was a daily threat.
Hyde/Jackson Square is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Boston. It is a densely populated area with over 48,000 predominantly low-income Black and Latino residents. Over 12,000 youth under the age of 18 are growing up in this community.

The community faces many pressures similar to other inner city neighborhoods on issues such as education, safety, affordable housing, economic development, and access to health care. Fortunately, many committed residents are working to find solutions to such problems and to ensure that their community thrives.

In response to these issues and conflicts, a diverse group of neighbors began organizing their efforts to improve their quality of life. They held public meetings, peace marches, street cleanups, and crime watch groups. They got the attention of the media and local politicians to start addressing the problems of their neighborhood. However after several years, residents realized that significant changes would only be possible through sustained preventative measures that focused on developing the skills of local youth and building positive relationships between youth, families and all residents. In 1991, the Hyde Square Task Force was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit to provide educational and support services to youth and families in their community.

Their mission is to create a safe, clean and friendly neighborhood in Hyde/Jackson Square, a neighborhood that places its priority on young people. They strive to develop the skills of youth and their families so that they are empowered to enhance their own lives and build a stronger urban community. All of their programs are developed by residents in response to community needs. Over the past decade, the Task Force has developed on-going programs for youth and families that not only help them advance at school and in careers, but also help create positive relations and opportunities to take pride and action in their community.

The Hyde Square Task Force is always seeking volunteers to work with youth and support programs. Current opportunities include:

College-Bound Mentoring Program
Adult volunteers pair up with a high school senior & assist the student in completing his/her college applications & developing a post-high school plan. Volunteers undergo a two-hour training and make a minimum commitment of 2 hours/week.

Get Out the Vote!
The Hyde Square Task Force and the Coalition to Educate, Mobilize and Vote are looking for volunteers to work on “Get Out The Vote” efforts in Jamaica Plain (greater Boston area.) Volunteer opportunities include door knocking, staffing information tables at upcoming festivals, phone banking, and other related activities. For more information please contact Jesús Gerena at 617-524-8303 x304 or via email at jesus@hydesquare.org.

Evening Tutorial Program (Monday/Wednesday, 6-8 pm)
Volunteers help students in the Evening Tutorial Program complete their homework assignments and improve their academic performance. Volunteers with strengths in math (geometry, algebra, pre-cal, and calculus) and science (biology, physics, chemistry, and computer science) are particularly encouraged to apply. Volunteers are expected to make a commitment of 2 hours/week for the school year.

Job Shadow
Volunteers are being sought to speak with students about educational / employment background and job responsibilities, and then host a Task Force teen during a job shadow event at your job. Requires a total commitment of 2-4 hours for the year.

Career Panel
Volunteers participate on a career panel representing different professions. Each panelist speaks with students about educational/employment background and job responsibilities, and current job prospects for your field. Requires a one-time commitment of 1-2 hours.

Events
The Hyde Square Task Force hosts several events during the year, including: JP World's Fair (September), Three Kings Day (January), the Annual Meeting (June), and Evenings in Mozart Park (August). They need your help to make each event a success. If you'd like to be a part of the team, but can only volunteer occasionally, join our events committee.