MYC's October Gratification Post!

Each month we thank an individual, business and/or organization who supports our efforts. This month we would like to recognize our Director, Jen Ward.

Jen is a unique, compassionate, hard-working and dedicated Director, co-worker and friend. Jen was a part of the MYC prior to the renovation, helped get the renovation up and running and stuck it through at the temporary location. Jen also mastered the challenges Covid unveiled, continues to improve the Center wherever necessary and works tirelessly for the Youth of Milford. Despite not growing up in Milford, her passion is for the health, safety and betterment of the youth of Milford, a community that is her second home.

In addition to organizing and planning fundraisers, planning and attending board meetings, her endless daily tasks, joining meetings for the ongoing construction at the Center, Jen continues to push for and plan for the Multi-Media and Music Room renovation to begin, hangs out with the kids and plays basketball during the after-school program and so much more. She answers staff’s endless questions and offers advice. Jen also applies for grants. Without this amazing opportunity of grant writing, there are several things the Center would be without. Jen does research, grant writing and the submittal process. Because of Jen, the Center has an amazing boxing ring, a STEAM curriculum, MAC computers for multi-media space, the air conditioning in the gym, a beautiful dance room, and so much more.

At our most recent fundraiser, on Friday, September 5, 2025, we were honored to have one of the original MYC members speak and share what the MYC meant to her during her time as a member and now years later how it still impacts her life as a wife and a mom of two wonderful daughters. Sabrina also shared a personal message about Jen and after reaching out to her and with her permission, we’d like to share the portion of her speech that reflects how Jen impacted her life. This is just one of the several youth Jen has inspired, connected with, gave hope to and most importantly, shared a kindness that some may not have otherwise experienced. Thank you, Jen, for the endless support to the staff, youth, and commitment to the Center. We are all grateful for all you do.

The following is the speech presented by Sabrina Reynoso:

“Thank you, Momma Ward and good evening, everyone! Many of you may know me as little Sabrina Flores and a small few as Sabrina Reynoso, wife and mom to two beautiful little girls. I don’t say that to boast but to emphasize just how long the Youth Center has been a part of my life. So much so, that I started attending at the age of 8 years old and this past August just achieved level 28 in life.
In all seriousness, I am very honored and humbled to be able to be here speaking to you all about such a huge part of my heart.

Antoniyo, who spoke at another event, and I have a very similar story. Raised by a single mom, we moved to Milford from Brockton, Mass and it was the best decision I believe my mom could have ever made. Growing up as the youngest of 8, we struggled. Between an absent father, crippling family issues, financial burdens and jumping around schools, I craved stability and a place where I could truly be comfortable. For me, my place was the Milford Youth Center. I lived right down the street, and it instantly became my home away from home from the first day.

You may have noticed in the beginning of my speech I called Jen momma Ward. I call her that because it’s exactly what she is, my second mom. And that holds true even to this day. She has treated me like her own from the very first day she started as an AmeriCorps member what feels like a million years ago. Every day since, she’s had such a huge light and positive impact on my life. She and the center have welcomed, comforted, sheltered, fed, clothed and provided more than I could have ever asked for. For myself, my family and my friends. The center has kept me safe, given me a place of entertainment, and more deeply has implanted a love and passion for giving back and serving others. The countless Find Yourself Friday dances, youth Summit retreats, serving at the local food pantries, competitive games of kickball and so much more that I could reminisce forever on, will always be the highs of my childhood!

In my junior year of high school, I started working as the front desk monitor and even though they basically raised me my whole life, they still made me go through 2 rounds of interviews. After graduation, I applied and was promoted to summer camp counselor. I thought, since I could never afford to attend summer camp as a child, I could just get paid to work there as an adult! Also, I was too stubborn then to admit it, I think an apology is long overdue to you Jen for all the times you had to tell me to put my phone away or stop hanging out with my friends while on the clock.

But looking back, I was so excited to pour even a little bit into the very place that poured so much into me. I’ll never forget during my time working there and going to school, I was able to save up my paychecks and purchase my first car that Jen and her family so generously allowed me to have. From experience, Jen and the YC don’t just open their doors from 2 to 6 Monday through Friday. Instead, they work around the clock, truly invested in your wellbeing and character development.

Fast forward to today, that same generosity and love is extended now to my children with Christmas gifts and backpack supplies and random gifts and snacks whenever I pop up out of the blue. Jen even attended my wedding back in October 2023. Her love and care for those around her doesn’t max out when you stop attending the center but carries over into adulthood as well.

Now I know it may seem like I am talking more about Jen than the actual Center itself but if I am being completely honest, Jen is the Youth Center. The building is just 4 walls but it’s her that makes it a home to me and so many others! She is the heart of it and without her and her love for the community and dedication to those around her, the center would be nothing like it is today. I can confidently speak for most when I say she and the amazing staff are the reason why so many keep coming back, even especially myself at 28 years young! We have a home there no matter the distance or time apart.

Thank you to the Milford Youth Center, to Jen and to everyone who has had a part in building it up and creating it into something so special.

With that being said, I have adult money now, so I will catch you all at the raffle table! but really, your donations and support are what give little boys and girls like Antoniyo and me a place to truly call home 💗.

Thank you!”

For the video of Sabrina’s speech, click here.