West End House is using research-proven methods to dramatically improve the impact of our programs. We’re helping more young people achieve their goals—from advancing art and music skills to improving nutrition and fitness to graduating from college and starting their careers. As our population continues to grow, we need to ensure that West End House has the capacity and resources to support the leaders of tomorrow.
Rooted in the Community. Reaching Across the City.
Our area of reach is dramatically expanding. While we are based in Allston, our youth travel across the city to participate in our programs: Overall, 52% live in Allston/Brighton, 22% live in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan; and the remaining 26% are from other Boston communities. Further, more than 60% of our teens come from Mattapan, Roxbury and Dorchester. With such a significant impact on our city’s youth, we need to ensure that West End House has the capacity and resources to support the leaders of tomorrow.
Goal 1. Program Growth: $8.5 Million
Serving More Youth, More Often.
Over the past five years, our total membership has grown by 50% to 1,500. We are currently serving 265 youth each day in spaces designed for 200 with staffing sized for 160. By 2017, we anticipate weekly visits will reach 1,800—another 30% increase.
Our teen population, in particular, has doubled from 375 to 750. More of our young people are joining as teens and arrive with greater challenges, particularly with academics. As more of our youth are pursuing college and career goals, we need to provide them with the right staff and the right environment to keep them on track.
Goal 2. Building Efficiency: $9.5 Million
Creating A Dynamic Space To Call Their Own.
Our programs and our population have expanded but our facilities haven’t kept pace. We are experiencing overcrowding across all of our program areas and have created a strategic plan to expand and rebalance our spaces. Our teens must have access to an enhanced space that will accommodate both academic and social interactive programming, separate from our younger members. A rebalanced approach will enhance our academic, arts, fitness, and nutrition areas, and take a green approach to reduce our environmental impact.
Goal 3. Capitalization Strength: $4 Million
Establishing Paths To A Sustainable Future.
As a forward-thinking organization, we have created a plan to improve our capacity to execute our long-term goals. Our modest endowment is a start, but in order to proactively meet the needs of our youth, we need to improve our capital structure. This requires increasing our operating reserves and our facility reserves to fulfill anticipated expenses that the board has identified through a Systems Replacement Plan. Additionally, by reducing long-term debt we can free up funds for staffing and impact programming. We possess the leadership and creativity to address our community’s needs. With an improved capital structure, we can unleash our full potential so that we can continue to be innovative and responsive.
