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ages 16-22 stay engaged in high school and make the transition to a college or vocational training. Many Bridge Program students do not have a parent or guardian to provide moral support, help with finances or navigate the daunting process of filling out applications and forms. SOWMA mentors place special emphasis on supporting these unaccompanied youths. When they graduate from high school, they have already beaten odds that are stacked against them. The Bridge Program supports students by offering assistance with post- secondary educational options and career goals, exams, internships, job placement and apprenticeships. Mentors continue to support the students as they head to college or vocational training: they walk with them through campus, visit the cafeteria, help move them into dorms, and shop for lamps, comforters and other living essentials. The mentor-student relationship is a mutually rewarding one, reflective of commitment and kindness. Bridge Program Director Jonathon Vincent says that the program's students are often the first in their families to pursue a post-secondary degree. There are few moments more fulfilling for the School on Wheels staff and volunteers than watching their students achieve a post-secondary degree or certification. Its students have graduated from numerous colleges and universities including Boston University, UMass-Amherst, UMass-Lowell, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Fitchburg State University, Salem State, Massasoit Community College, Elms College School on Nursing, New England College and more. For more information, contact Jonathan Vincent at jvincent@sowma. org or call 508.587.9091. GETTING INVOLVED In addition to the backpack, tutoring and mentoring programs, there are so many ways to provide support. School on Wheels will hold its annual Gala fundraiser virtually in February. Dogs and humans alike Run, Walk or Wag at the annual Outrunning Homelessness event in May. Although the event could not be held in person last spring due to COVID-19, the event went virtual and its committed supporters helped SOWMA exceed its fundraising goal. Also, each year SOWMA holds a 100 Families Challenge in June, asking 100 families to donate $100. Funds are then matched through the generosity of the Weed family, bringing the total gift to $20,000. In August, 2021, runners will represent SOWMA at the Falmouth Road Race, whether live or virtual. "Kindness is everywhere. One person can make a significant difference; every donation, volunteer and act of kindness opens up opportunities for homeless students who may not otherwise find them," says McCunney. "We have a long way to go to combat homelessness, but the good news is that people are showing up to support these students in many ways." To learn more, get involved, volunteer or donate, visit sowma.org. TheSouthShoreMagazine.com 11 School on Wheels of Massachusetts welcomes its new Chief Executive Officer, Steve Telesmanick. Steve attended Johnson & Wales University where he received a BS in Business and an MBA in Organizational Leadership. He began his career at Marriott International Hospitality Company, where he became principled in the foundations of leadership within varying management roles. He became actively involved in Marriott's volunteer initiatives, most notably with the local YMCA. Volunteering at the YMCA led Steve to transition to nonprofit leadership, becoming the Executive Director at Boston's Charlestown YMCA. One of the unique programs there was the Dennis McLaughlin House, a shelter for women and their families that were experiencing homelessness. Steve and his leadership team developed and implemented wraparound services designed to foster independence and self-sufficiency for the women and families in the shelter. Steve later became the Chief Operating Officer at YMCA Cape Cod, where he was part of their growth strategy that opened new youth programs, including early education centers, school-aged after school programs, summer camps and college preparation programs for at-risk youth. Steve lives in Whitman with his wife Mary (an educator) and their two school-aged sons, Mason and Michael, and their ShihTzu, Remy. Steve looks forward to helping SOWMA meet the growing need to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of students impacted by homelessness. 100 Laurel St #121, East Bridgewater 508.587.9091 Steve Telesmanick Chief Executive Officer School on Wheels of Massachusetts January, 2021