East Boston: A Home That Welcomes

By Bro. Bob Metell, SDB

(East Boston, MA – January 22) – During January we honor our father and founder, St. John Bosco. The Salesian Boys and Girls Club serves youngsters from over a dozen public, charter, Catholic, and private schools from numerous school districts. Many of the Club’s members attend one of the charter schools that are within blocks of the club. Others use the Boston MBTA transit bus system, with a stop in front of the clubhouse. Bus drivers from the Boys and Girls Club transport the majority here.

This month I want to highlight our main bus driver, Ms. Joyce. I have had the honor of knowing Ms. Joyce and her family for a long time. Most days she begins her bus route after her regular job as a Boston Police School crossing guard at the Excel Charter School, a few blocks down the street from the Club. She picks up youngsters from several schools on different routes and staffs our Salesian Learning and Exploration Room until her busy day ends at 5:00 p.m. She also drives the bus on Club trips, outings, and league games during our vacation camps and summer camp. She is outgoing and respected by the youngsters, families, and staff, and she has a warm, friendly smile; she is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Don Bosco said, “The Oratory is a home that welcomes.” At the Salesian Boys and Girls Club, we are blessed to have a great staff, many of whom were former Club members or campers. I have worked in various Boys and Girls Clubs for over 20 years and have been at the East Boston Club for most of that time. The Club has a reputation in the East Boston community and among the Boys and Girls Clubs in the Boston metro area as being a welcoming and friendly place to come. That welcoming spirit begins with the staff and trickles down to the youngsters looking forward to being here. We are also blessed to have a great bunch of Club members.

That is about it for now. There will be plenty more activities and events happening in East Boston. Stay tuned for more updates.