Smart From the Start, 960 Parker St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, US

This vibrant youth development organization works with young people who live or go to school in Hyde Square or Jackson Square. These youth leaders in turn carry on a wide range of community-building activities, from teaching literacy in elementary schools like John F. Kennedy Elementary to creating dance programs that have garnered national attention. Many of the group's programs take place around the corner from their 375 Centre St. storefront office. The group purchased the former Cheverus School on the former Blessed Sacrament campus, and the two-story school's rooms have been converted into, among other things, a dance studio and well-equipped music center complete with recording studio. Youth leaders from the Hyde Square Task Force have made a difference in the neighborhood in many ways, including successfully arguing for public use of the former Blessed Sacrament campus. For public transportation: Out of Jackson Square station (Orange line), turn right on Centre and walk six blocks.