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Haverhill YMCA to mobilize 100 teens for citywide volunteer projects April 26
Summary
The Haverhill YMCA announced 'Project Why,' a volunteer initiative that will engage about 100 middle- and high-school students in community service projects across the city, with partners including Team Haverhill and Rotary.
Tracy Fuller, executive director of the Haverhill YMCA, told the city council the Y will launch "Project Why," an effort to recruit about 100 middle- and high-school volunteers to perform community service projects across Haverhill.
Fuller said the projects are meant to benefit the broader community rather than the Y itself, and that organizers will solicit ideas from residents and partner organizations before selecting the top projects. "When you give middle schoolers and high schoolers an opportunity to have a say in their community and to help, what you see is you see mental health for those youth improve," Fuller said.
Kiana Rios, the YMCA’s youth services director, said the initiative aims to empower teens who want to help but lack transportation or clear opportunities. The Y plans a mix of outdoor and indoor projects so students with different interests can participate.
Councilors suggested collaboration and possible project sites. Councilor Ferrera recommended timing some projects around Earth Day for immediate, visible results and flagged existing city clean-and-green efforts as a fit. Vice President Jordan suggested coordinating with downtown stakeholders such as the farmers market and Team Haverhill to scale activities.
Fuller and Rios said possible activities include downtown cleanups, painting, greenhouse updates, working with seniors, and partnering with Whittier Tech and other nonprofits. Fuller said the Y will prioritize projects that "bubble up" through community input and that the organization will provide adult volunteers and role models.
The council and YMCA noted a planned event date of Saturday, April 26 (year not specified in the record). Fuller invited councilors and community groups to suggest projects and to sponsor volunteer shirts for participating teens.
The YMCA emphasized the aim of creating sustainable engagement: small, manageable projects that teens can complete and potentially maintain, with adult oversight and community partnerships.
