On June 20, 2017, West End House teens donated $5,000 to Roxbury-based youth literacy nonprofit 826 Boston through the Youth Philanthropy Initiative. Developed by Highland Street Foundation, the Youth Philanthropy Initiative is a 12-week intensive program that educates young people on the impact of nonprofits and philanthropy in their community. The program culminates in an opportunity for the young people to make a gift to a charity of their choice.

As part of the Initiative, members of West End House’s Youth Workforce, our leadership development program for middle school youth, researched and toured Boston-based nonprofits including 826 Boston, Read Boston, and the Nature Conservatory. After visiting each organization — and even hiking Hyde Park with the Nature Conservatory — the group sat down to discuss where to donate their $5,000 grant. At the end of a lively, two-hour debate, Youth Workforce decided to bestow their grant to 826 Boston.

“826 Boston clearly provides second chances and is life changing,” says Youth Workforce member Lucas. “It reminded me of what West End House does for kids.”