When a child, ages 14 – 18, arrives in New Bedford after a long and dangerous journey from their home country, often without an adult, they can face violence and inconsistent or no place to live. Legally, they are required to attend school, although the pressure to financially support themselves (and, often, the household in which they're living) is in direct conflict with their academic requirements. For example, a student may leave school at 3 p.m. and go directly to work, returning home at 3 a.m. Importantly, when they stay in school, and meet basic attendance requirements, these undocumented minors are protected from deportation.
This program is made possible by funding from an anonymous donor through the Cove Foundation, the Grimshaw-Guidewicz Foundation, and support raised from the Morrissey Blvd Benefit Concert.