Programming at PYD

PYD is a pioneer in its delivery of unique mentoring services for youth with disabilities. In addition to its core one-to-one Mentor Match Program, PYD offers multiple innovative and effective group and educational programs that build skills in the areas of independent living, self-advocacy, entrepreneurship and career development and provide opportunities for socialization, leadership, community service, healthy living and participation in the arts. All of these programs provide role models who share their own stories and inspire young people to gain confidence to face their futures. Programs and events are accessible to individuals with disabilities from diverse multicultural backgrounds.

• Mentor Match, our core program, provides a child with disabilities an adult mentor with or without disabilities, fostering a close relationship in support of independent living skills. Mentor Match serves 40-60 youth per year in new and existing matches.
• Making Healthy Connections empowers youth with disabilities to make a successful transition into adulthood, take responsibility for their health care, and learn about healthy lifestyles, community resources and recreation options. Making Healthy Connections serves between 40 and 55 youth per year in two sites (Boston and Springfield).
• Access to Theatre brings together a diverse group of young people with and without disabilities in Greater Boston to explore their creative talents in music, acting, movement, and visual arts through out of school time and summer programming. Access to Theatre serves approximately 40-50 youth per year.
• The Young Entrepreneurs Project teaches entrepreneurship, career development and educational goal setting to Boston area middle and high school students and provides mentors from the business community. Young Entrepreneurs Project currently serves between 65 and 85 youth per year in 3 Boston Public Schools.
• Peer Leadership provides opportunities for young adults with disabilities, ages 16-24, to mentor younger youth while developing leadership and job readiness skills through in after-school community service. Peer Leadership serves approximately 15-20 young adults per year.
• The National Center for Mentoring Youth with Disabilities serves as an advocate for inclusion for youth with disabilities by providing best practices, training and technical assistance to public and private organizations throughout the nation.