Happy Juneteenth and greetings from USES’s Co-Executive Directors

Dear USES Community,

We hope this communication finds you healthy and managing this transition from the pandemic well. We are so excited to be sending our first communication on the day after

 President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. Our wish is for you to have a meaningful observance- both celebrating the liberation this day represents and reflecting on the ongoing need and work for racial justice in our society.

As the first-ever Co-Executive Directors of United South End Settlements (USES), we are honored to be leading this incredible organization that holds a profound legacy of impact and community in the heart of Boston. We are fortunate to inherit a strong and stable USES thanks to Maicharia Weir Lytle’s extraordinary leadership, and we wish her all the best in her new endeavor. As we approach our 130th year, we are inspired by those who came before us and will work tirelessly to continue to impact families and communities in the Great Boston Area for generations to come.

We are thrilled to be collaborating closely as co-leaders to:

• Continue to build on USES’s stability and strength to be a sustained resource for children and families in the community.
• Deepen our ties to better address the needs of the community through strengthened partnerships and engagement while growing awareness of our programs.
• Elevate the role of USES across the city as a Black-led organization fighting for better opportunities for those facing poverty and the ongoing work of racial justice.

Additionally, this is an inspiring time for USES as we prepare for a fun, educational, and exciting summer. Camp Hale is reopening on Squam Lake in New Hampshire for the first time since the pandemic; we are eager to welcome everyone back to completely renewed facilities that match the quality of our programming. In Boston, we are busy planning for a summer full of STEAM-focused activities and enrichment opportunities. Summer 2021 is going to be bigger and better than ever before!

We look forward to partnering with you in the coming weeks and months as we settle into our new shared role. Every member of our community is a valued part of our work together; we sincerely appreciate your continued support of USES and dedication to our important mission. Thank you, and Happy Juneteenth!

In community,

Jerrell Cox & José Massó