The Friends are proud partners in the Southeast Youth Collaborative, which is supporting 140 local youth through the YouthWorks program, Baltimore City’s summer jobs program for residents between the ages of 14 and 21. Each year through YouthWorks, the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED) connects thousands of teens and young adults to meaningful summer work experiences throughout the city. Over five weeks, the Southeast Youth Collaborative, a group of 10 organizations in Southeast Baltimore - including Friends of Patterson Park Breath Of God Lutheran Church Patterson Park Audubon Center Living Classrooms Foundation Healthy Harbor Banner Neighborhoods Creative Alliance - are providing meaningful work, job readiness training, service learning and fun for local youth.
Alle Friend, the Friends of Patterson Park's Community Outreach Specialist since June 2016, is a second year Youth Supervisor leading a team of 9 youth who are working with the Friends of Patterson Park, Living Classrooms Foundation, and the Patterson Park Audubon Center. Alle brings perspective and experience to the Southeast Youth Collaborative, as prior to working as a youth supervisor and outreach specialist, she spent time in the program as a Youthworker. She is from the Middle East community north of Patterson Park, where many Youthworkers reside. Alle says, " 'I am the dream and hope of a slave', and my greatest accomplishment is living every day against all odds and disadvantages. Following my passion daily and making myself and my community proud has become my greatest accomplishment." Alle holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and art from Stevenson University and is pursuing her master's in nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship at the University of Baltimore.
Look for our Youthworkers in the park and around the neighborhood!