MY TURN is a dropout prevention and intervention program focused on Gateway Cities—small cities with fewer resources and higher needs--in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The program has been active in Fall River and  moved to a new location at 439 Bedford Street in August, 2010. Started in Brockton, the program operates in New Bedford, Lynn , Fitchburg, and Leominster, Massachusetts as well as in Manchester, Nashua and Dover, New Hampshire. The program encompasses G.E.D. preparation as well as work readiness skill training and college preparation. The G.E.D. Plus program leads to credentials in Customer Service for retail sales positions and a in Human Services for positions in mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and child welfare agencies. The Brockton program was awarded a National Youth Employment Coalition grant of over $500,000 in 2009 to identify effective practices that lead to postsecondary attainment for low income and minority youth. For more information, contact Transition Coordinator Anne Bikel at 508-672-1711.

(Top row, left and center) Education Specialist Liz Hamel, Program Director Sherri Nichol, Mass. Executive Director Lorraine Albert, Transition Coordinator Anne Bickel, and Licensed Clinician Glenn Meunier welcomed guests at a recent open house event at their new location at 439 Bedford Street. (Top row, right) Anne and Liz welcome Steven Rondon. (Middle row, left and right) Anne works with Roberto Colon as he prepares for the G.E.D. (Bottom row, left) Anne assists Katherine Golden with some computer training. (Bottom row, right) Liz woks with Tom Haskins as he works with an on-line educational program.