Published by the Church of Scientology International

Growing Community Support

Andre is now an avid reader — moving two years ahead in five months, according to an occupational therapist.

Results such as that have brought great satisfaction to a key sponsor of the project and the president of the local Neighborhood Development Council, Amad Onujiogu. A Boston businessman who assisted in establishing the center, Onujiogu told Freedom, "The Scientology Ministry's program is what the community needs so that we can reduce the rate of dropouts from school."

Less dropouts means less violent crime for the beleaguered Boston community and the Volunteer Ministry is helping to make that a reality by placing young people on the path to literacy and success. One of its goals is to turn no one away, but to help every single person in need. The Ministry's programs are available to all Boston residents, no matter their age, gender, ethnicity or creed. In fact, the Volunteer Ministry staff encourages all who attend to strengthen their ties to their own religious affiliations, whatever faith that may be.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministry is giving parents hope for their children's future." — Caroline Boles, parent

Said one parent, Caroline Boles, whose young son's study has improved by reading and applying the book, Learning How to Learn by L. Ron Hubbard, "The Scientology Volunteer Ministry is giving parents hope for their children's future. It is instilling in children — as well as adults — self-confidence [showing them] that they can improve their reading skills and thereby have the capability to excel and feel proud of the gift that God has given them."

The Volunteer Ministry in Boston has had a major impact on the local community, say area leaders. One of them, the Rev. Nicholas Homicil of the Voices of the Gospel Tabernacle, wrote of their actions: "[The ministry] is very healthy for the community and shines on every corner — people can see it and come together. It is very passionate in the eyes of the community."

The recently retired citywide night commander of the Boston police force, Bobby Johnson, is another supporter. He has not only taken notice of the Ministry's results, but has attended several of the Volunteer Ministers' outreach efforts, lending his support to such events as the "How to Reduce the Violence with Effective Education" workshop and other community events.

The positive outcomes of the Boston Volunteer Ministry's literacy program follow a familiar pattern laid down in other American cities where similar volunteer outposts have been established, including Miami, the Tampa Bay area, Los Angeles and elsewhere. In Florida, for instance, the average reading grade level has, in just seven weeks of part-time tutoring, increased by eight months. Math tests have improved 10 percentage points in the same period.

Creating a Saner Future

The problems of failed education and the lack of a moral upbringing shout out to us every day from the headlines of every newspaper," said Castagna, pointing to a sampling of newspaper headlines in recent Boston newspapers.

"'Youth Violence Is Sharply on the Rise' or 'Four Dead in Weekend of No Respect,'" he read. "I don't like to have to confront the reality as reflected in these headlines any more than the next guy, but the difference is, I have the tools and skills to be able to do something about it. And let's face it: the only way we're going to change the rotten conditions in society is with responsible citizens stepping up, taking action and equipping our youth with the tools so they can build their own better, saner future."

For more information,
call (617) 927-2247 or visit
www.bostonvolunteerministers.org.