Citizens, alliance support Boston's at-risk youth

Citizens Bank and the Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston said they are teaming up again to bring a summer enrichment program to Boston neighborhoods.

The program, funded by a $100,000 grant from the Citizens Bank Foundation, focuses on employment, engagement, and education, said the two groups in a press release, adding that the program was created in 2007 in response to Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s appeal to the community to discourage the city’s youth from violence.

(The photo at right was taken from the website of the Black Ministerial Alliance.)

Through the summer enrichment series, 18 at-risk youth have summer jobs at local faith-based organizations, Citizens Bank and the Black Ministerial Alliance said.

The series also includes nine "Teen Cafes," which offer a safe haven for young people on Thursday and Friday nights, Citizens and the alliance said.

"At the cafes, youth learn violence prevention training while engaging in fun activities, including poetry slams, cook-offs, movie nights, and talent shows," Citizens and the alliance said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)