Every year, when the temperatures start to drop, Stetson School students are given a wonderful opportunity to spread their wings into the community and to give to those in need, all while having the experience of a lifetime. They do this by volunteering to sell 50/50 raffle tickets during Boston Bruins and Celtics games. The raffles are held by the Bruins Foundation and the Celtics Shamrock Foundation respectively. The proceeds are donated to a different charity or charitable organization after each game.
Community service is an essential way for Stetson youth to explore their interestes and to develop empathy for others. This program not only accomplishes these goals but it affords these youth opportunites to utilize, practice and master the skills that they are learning in treatment. Some of these include, but are not limited to, a sense of social responsibility, building relationships and social connections, critical thinking skills and to have fun. The last goal is accomplished throughout the entire event, but is enhanced exponentially before the game and during the third period of Bruins games and the fourth quarter of Celtics games. Before the games, the group gets to welcome the players arriving to the arena, and during the last period/quarter of each game, the group gets to sit back and cheer on the home team from prime seating locations.
Lisa Ouimette, Stetson's Scheduler, who created and developed this program from its inception, reports "Each trip has its own wonderful experiences. The youth are extremely grateful and continously thank staff on the ride home. For most youth, who've never had a pro sports experience before, these trips are priceless and forever memorable."
About the Stetson School
Stetson School is a COA accredited, SEVIS-approved, Residential and Education Treatment program, which is fully licensed by the Massachusetts Departments of Early Education and Care, and Elementary and Secondary Education. Stetson serves young men and transgender individuals, ages 9-22, who have problematic behaviors, sexually reactive behaviors, complex developmental difficulties, chronic mental illness and other behavioral issues. Stetson supports young men who have suffered from severe trauma, have histories of physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse and who may have had disrupted living arrangements or placements.