IVAN BRITO FINDS SUCCESS AND PERSONAL REWARD THROUGH CITY'S URBAN YOUTH COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM (UYCP)

July 2005

Ten years ago, Ivan Brito decided to spend his summer helping others. Little did he know the experience would define his professional career. As the Urban Youth Collaborative Program (UYCP) kicks off another year on June 27th, Ivan's story is just one example of how community service programs work in tandem with local organizations to improve the lives of young people throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

Brito first heard about UYCP when he was a student at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation (DMR), the paid summer internship program places young people from inner cities in positions supporting individuals with mental retardation. The program is a valuable opportunity for less advantaged youths to become involved in making a difference in their communities. UYCP has placed more than a 1,000 students in summer jobs since it began in 1992. The program operates in 14 cities across Massachusetts, including Fall River and New Bedford.

Working in partnership with provider organizations, participants undergo a full week of training to learn about mental retardation, human values, and human rights. For the remainder of the eight-week program, students work on-site at community locations operated by the organizations. Ivan spent his first summer at LifeStream, Inc. in New Bedford. John Latawiec, LifeStream's President & CEO feels this is an extremely valuable program in the region, "There is a continuing need for experienced and dedicated workers to assist people with mental retardation. At LifeStream, we strive to provide a productive and enlightening experience for young adults participating in the program. Ideally, the experience will lead some of them to careers serving the developmentally disabled community," said Latawiec.

It was his direct experience through UYCP and LifeStream that Brito was given the opportunity to see the far-reaching effects of helping people live independent and fulfilling lives. He went on to complete two more summers as a Team Leader and eventually became an Assistant working directly for UYCP. Ten years later, Ivan is a professional in the Human Service field as a Program Supervisor for M.O. L.I.F.E., Inc. in Fairhaven. "I really enjoyed working with the disabled population. After my experience through UYCP, I kept coming back to human services. It is very rewarding to make a difference in people's lives every day. When an opportunity came along to work with M.O. L.I.F.E four years ago, it felt like a natural transition in my career," said Brito.

A decade later, Ivan works with new UYCP participants, counseling students in the New Bedford/Fall River area on expectations, responsibility, and outcomes. More importantly, he reflects on what the experience has meant for him on a personal and professional level. This cross-organizational effort illustrates how organizations working together can make a profound difference in the lives and success of people throughout the region.

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