Barbosa creates "Assist Program" for local youths

MCLA Beacon- February 26th, 2015
By Kaliegh Hayes 

Captain of the men's basketball team, Anthony Barbosa '15 isn't only guiding his team to victories, but is guiding the youth of the North Adams community to a better future. The 23 year-old created the Assist Program here on campus this year.

The Assist Program is a mentor program for children in low-income families that may not have a good home environment. Barbosa's goal for the program is to provide mentors for troubled youth.

"The goal of the program is to give the kids a leader," said Barbosa. "To give them an opportunity to express themselves to someone who is not a teacher or a parent."

Focused on giving opportunities to the youth of today, Barbosa has planned an event for them on May 2. The event will be held in the quad on campus. Groups like Nexus will be performing, as well as other entertainment.

"My goal is to have the school community come together for the event and be MCLAUnited," said Barbosa. "The kids are going to be junior staff at the festival."

Barbosa traces his leadership skills back to his hometown of Worcester, Mass., where he was a member of the Boys' and Girls' Club.

Similar to the Assist Program, the Boys' and Girls' Club was a place where Barbosa was able to mentor youth.

"In the past, we threw a Christmas party for the children," said Barbosa. "One of the kids in the program came up to me and told me that he hasn't had Christmas in two years. So that brought the idea to me."

Knowing the situations that the children are going through, Barbosa can look back and thank the mentor's he had while growing up.

"I want to shout out and thank Luis Ohjeda, Ike Mcbride and coach Hadley," said Barbosa.

After the end of this year's basketball season, Barbosa plans to become more involved with the program and also plans to pass it down after he graduates to sophomore, Joshua Hall.