Foundation for New Directions
The Foundation for New Directions mentors low-income adults and youths seeking to find a job or start a new business enterprise. New Directions founded the federal- and state-designated charitable organization in 1998. It has helped 800 people, including many veterans and homeless people, prepare to seek work, obtain interviews and land jobs. Its mentors, all of whom are volunteers, are the executive and professional clients of New Directions, Inc. The Foundation has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Both noted its dual benefits – to its clients and its volunteers, who gain a fresh perspective and a chance to help job seekers who are less fortunate. These articles can be found in Media Coverage. Its partners include the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, YMCA Training Inc., and Year Up, all of them in Boston. It has worked with Boston Cable TV in Roxbury and the Mother Caroline Adult Education Center in Dorchester. "Our mentors know they're making a difference by the smiles on their students' faces when they finish a resume or nail a mock job interview," says Executive Director Mary Westropp. Business executives and professionals interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the Foundation. Tax-exempt donations are also appreciated. For more information, please call 617-624-3355 or email mwestropp@newdirections.com. "It's a good time to lend a hand," says Ms. Westropp. |
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Tim Cabot listens as Shelita, a veteran, says it's hard to get a job without experience, and hard to get experience without a job. Cabot volunteers in the New Directions program linking executives in transition with veterans at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans in Boston.
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Success Stories
"With invaluable coaching at New Directions plus my own sense of mission, I was fortunate to be appointed head of a statewide agency devoted to improving the quality of life in Maine."
"After years of executive leadership posts, I can finally indulge my creative side, designing one-of-a-kind dresses. It feels risky but incredibly rewarding."
"After decades working for large companies, I love the independence of private ownership.
Through New Directions, I realized my life needed more balance and was inspired to embark down this wonderful path."
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