This past summer, Ikeoluwa Opayemi was brought on as an intern at Milford’s Beth-El Center, with the goal of getting the youth of Milford involved with Beth-El’s goal of tackling of homelessness. Noticing a lack of spaces for students to be involved in community organizing and meet new people, Opayemi worked with Beth-El executive director Jennifer Paradis to create a space to both benefit Milford students and the homeless community.
With a grant from CIRCLE’s Young Leaders Learning Community program, Opayemi founded Beth-El Youth United, a group that brings together high school students from Joseph A. Foran High School and Jonathan Law High School to work together to help the homeless. Though Opayemi is no longer as involved in the group as she once was, others continue her hard work.
“I have learned a lot about homelessness as an issue through being a part of this group. I have also met amazing people and made so many important connections.” Says Beth-El Youth United member Dabi Lee, a senior at Foran.
Beth-El Youth United allows students to gain a new understanding of homelessness and the experiences of those who struggle with it. The group hopes to break the stigma surrounding homelessness while allowing students to become more involved in their community.
“I have a friend who is homeless and I have gotten to know more about her experience with it and has opened my eyes to another perspective about this issue,” says Law senior Sarah Gutierrez.
Beth-El Youth United also organizes events to benefit the homeless. This January, Beth-El Youth United plans to have a “launch party” where they officially introduce and fundraise for their group Project Warmth. Through Project Warmth, the Beth-El Youth United Members intend to use money from various fundraisers to create care packages for homeless people in Milford.
Now Beth-El Youth United Advisor, Paradis says “The power of young people is like a magnet… I want to help clear any barriers that get in the way of youth leaders, being the change they want to see in their community.”
Paradis hopes to grow Beth-El Youth United’s membership in the future. Current members love the sense of community and friendship, education, and volunteer opportunities the group offers.
Foran senior Rema Maarouf says “My favorite part of being involved in Youth United is knowing the action I’m taking will make our community a better place. Each meeting ends with a sense of fulfillment, as we are one step closer to our goals.”
Beth-El Youth United believes fixing homelessness is possible, both with the help of its members and the citizens of Milford.
Students looking to get involved in Beth-El Youth United can reach out to Dabi Lee or email [email protected], as well as follow their instagram @bethelyouthunited.
