Kwadwo Abaka came to the Worcester Youth Center for basketball. But beyond developing new skills on the court, he says he’s gained tools for life.

Since the summer of 2023, he’s joined the Ball Is Life and work readiness programs. “The groups are fun, and they’ve taught me a lot,” he says. He’s now a student at South High and has friends from Worcester Tech, North and Doherty.

They’ve taught me a lot”

He credits his new life skills and attitude to the conversations he’s had with Youth Center staff. How to shift his mentality to get going in the morning and work to the next level. How to dress and behave in the workplace, looking people in the eye and learning to work with others.

“I’ve changed a lot,” he said. “I know violence is not normal. You can’t curse here, and I was cussing when I first arrived. I don’t get mad anymore.”