The New Site Development Team just got back from a really exciting trip to Boston.  One of the greatest parts about working for CKP is not only getting to see students who are interested in building their communities, but to hear about other programs that are already being worked on across the country.

It’s no surprise that Boston that makes this list of places that has a long list of programs that are making a difference in their community.  I thought people might be interested in hearing some of the stories that we get to hear when we travel and maybe inspire you to talk about some of the programs you work with.

The first project I was really impressed with was More Than Words, this program is designed to work with students between the ages of 21 and 24.  These are students that are referred by the Department of Social Services, come out of foster care, or are referred by probation officers or are even sometimes even homeless.

More Than Words gives students a clean slate and a chance to find a new direction in life.  But their story is so captivating, the organization is run by the students.  While an adult is on site, the store is run by the students.  It was even named by the students!  The students get the opportunity to start out sorting and filing books and moving all the way to manager.  Read more about the program here.

We also heard about a project called Nuestra Culinary Ventures.  I’ve heard of Social Enterprise, but I think this program is a perfect picture of community, entrepreneurship and sustainability.

Nuestra provides affordable shared kitchen space, and utilities needed to start an upcoming catering program.  I think the most amazing part about this program is that community that is created from the program.  They provide workshops, networking opportunities, fax machines, computers and copy machines.

We also met with Slow Food BU.  When we arrived at the meeting, we got a lesson on how to brew Kombucha Tea.  And as I will readily admit I was a bit scared to try it at first, it was great and a fun learning experience.  After we talked a bit about the tea and food, we started to talk about Campus Kitchens.

I continued to be impressed as we go out into different cities and meet with different groups and their commitment to the varied interests that fit into CKP and what we do.  These students while caring about food and sustainability also had a clear idea of how it affected the community and at what places and what ways they had an opportunity to help.

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