Housing Families’ Youth Service & Engagement Program (YSEP) is a fun and engaging way for students to learn about taking initiative and organizing their own projects to help those combatting homelessness. This program serves as an opportunity to become educated on how homelessness impacts children and families in the Massachusetts area and understand how students can make a difference in those families’ lives. YSEP is a nine week hybrid program (primarily conducted over Zoom with some in-person events at Housing Families in Malden, MA).
"A major takeaway I got was that empathy is key. When we look into another's perspective, we can gain understanding and can learn to advocate for a cause. I also learned a lot about managing a service project and to not underestimate ourselves!" - Fall 2020 YSEP Member, Sophomore
We recently completed our ninth session this Fall, and it was a great success! We had a range of students from 8th grade to 12th grade, all bringing their own unique perspectives to each session. Each student was able to plan and execute their own service projects such as school supplies and hygiene drives and fundraisers in their school and town communities. At the conclusion of our ninth session, we were also able to host our students and their families in-person at Housing Families in Malden, MA! Students enjoyed touring the GREAT Youth & Families Program and presenting their final service projects to their parents. Great work, Fall 2026 YSEP Students!
"My favorite part of YSEP was being able to design my own project and execute it. It made me feel responsible." - Spring 2023 YSEP Member, Grade 7
Allison Wu
she/her YSEP Founder |
Molly Abrahamson
she/her Housing Families' Director, External Relations |
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Katie Byers
she/her YSEP Student Director |
Asra Nourollahi
she/her YSEP Student Director |
A major takeaway...
"Learning of all the different ways an individual can serve a cause. Sometimes people assume that you need to have some sort of power (like politicians do) to make a change in the world, but everyone can work towards change, no matter the magnitude of the action. For example, all the service projects we did." - Spring 2021 YSEP Member, Junior
