Celebrating MPDC's Summer Youth Employment Program!
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On Friday, August 16th, MPDC’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) staff, youth leaders, their families, and supporters joined together to
celebrate their fantastic summer at
The Dewitt Center
. The evening kicked off with remarks from MPDC CEO, Jeanne Pinado, followed by MPDC’s 2019 Scholarship Recipient presentation. Youth leaders and their families enjoyed
dance
,
theater
, &
self-defense performances
from SYEP participants and a
“science fair” style expo
of presentations about what they learned in their enrichment workshops over the summer. Dinner was served by the SYEP Hospitality Team and was followed by ice cream treats from the
Cool Cow
ice cream truck. Guests enjoyed glitter tattoos, a photo booth, and dancing to
DJ Mr. Bajan's
beats.
The annual SYEP closeout is one of MPDC's favorite celebrations of the year!
Just because we closed out our summer programming doesn’t mean the fun is going to stop!
The Youth Workforce program is now recruiting for its academic year programs in the fall.
For more information on our
After- School Youth Employment Program
, contact
Yhinny Matos
/ 617.849.6236
.
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Now that youth participants in MPDC’s Summer Youth Employment Program have completed another great summer,
we want to thank all our SYEP program funders who helped us employ the largest cohort of SYEP youth participants to date:
Thank you all for making an amazing summer happen
!
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An awesome August at The Dewitt Center
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The Dewitt Center continued their fun paint day series with
Teen Paint Day
led by instructor Kristin Chin. Teens left with
their outstanding piece of artwork
after enjoying homemade treats courtesy of senior resident volunteer Ms. Edna Ross & lunch from Yuen BBQ.
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The Dewitt Center was happy to host
METCO INC. Summer School
this year. Over 60 students focused on
advancing their academic skills
in preparation for the upcoming school year. The theme for the five-week program was “Game Changers.” At their
End of Summer Celebration
, each METCO class led a presentation to
show what being a game changer means to them
. The Dewitt Center would like to thank Deborah Ward, Director of Student Services and Brenda Coaston - Lewis, Principal, for making this partnership happen!
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On August 10th,
Violence In Boston
&
Black Lives Matter Cambridge
hosted a conference to
celebrate
,
uplift
,
empower
&
encourage Black Womxn
. The conference featured a variety of break out sessions, including a "real talk" conversations with
District Attorney Rachel Rollins
, and a discussion on healthcare disparities facing black womxn. The event featured a '
Buy Black
' vendor fair, networking hour, and an engaging panel moderated by Marie Free Wright from
BET’s 106 & Park
.
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On August 14th, Madison Park Village hosted a
Back to School Event
for MPV residents. Over 200 residents received
free backpacks
stuffed with school supplies! Guests enjoyed a moon bounce, balloon twisting, pizza, and other fun activities courtesy of
WinnResidential
.
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Stay connected by following the
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Kenilworth Street Annual Cookout
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MPDC & CDC Family Self-Sufficiency Collaborative
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MPDC is excited to partner with
Compass Working Capital
,
WinnResidential,
and four other Boston area CDC’s to expand the availability of the Federal Family Self-Sufficiency program to our residents. The FSS program offers a combination of incentivized savings and individualized financial coaching to support residents of subsidized housing to work toward increased income, credit, and assets.
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Hibernian Hall is ready for Fall!
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TOMORROW!
African Music sensation
TENI THE ENTERTAINER
live in concert at Hibernian Hall! The Afro-beats musician will perform some of her biggest hits like
Case
,
Askamaya
,
Power Rangers
, and many more.
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Stick Fly
premiered in 2010 at the
Arena Stage
in Washington, DC, in a production that then moved to Boston to the Wimberley Theatre at the
Calderwood Pavilion
. In 2010-2011
Stick Fly
enjoyed a run on Broadway
in New York, in a show at the
Cort Theater
produced by
Alicia Keys
.
According to
Dillon Bustin
, Artistic Director for MPDC, “The first play I presented in the ballroom, in 2010, was
Underground Railway Theater
’s production of Lydia Diamond’s
Harriet Jacobs
. I’ve followed her career in the years since and am pleased to have a chance to produce
Stick Fly
at Hibernian Hall.”
Jeanne Pinado, MPDC CEO, says, “As someone who spends time on Martha’s Vineyard,
I’ve wondered about what goes on in those big fancy summer houses on the beach
. I’m looking forward to enjoying Lydia Diamond’s
Stick Fly
and watching her portrayal of that lifestyle.”
Hibernian Hall’s original production of Lydia Diamond’s “
Stick Fly
” will run two weekends:
October 17 - 20 and 24 - 27
. Performances are scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 3:30 pm on Sunday.
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Stay connected by following Hibernian Hall!
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MPDC celebrates our 2019
Scholarship Recipients
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MPDC awarded 15 scholarships this year totaling
$49,500!
2019 marks the scholarship program’s fourth cycle. This year's recipients are attending schools such as
Boston University
,
Simmons College
, and
Suffolk University
. Fourteen youth received the Danette Jones Scholarship, a
$500 scholarship
to use for school supplies & books. The Haynes Family Scholarship is awarded to program participants, volunteers, and people affiliated with MPDC and the Ralph D. Smith Community Scholarship is designated for Roxbury residents.
Congratulations!
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Resource Development stays
busy in the Summer
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We’re delighted to announce MPDC has received an
Opportunity Zone Impact Grant
from
Boston LISC
(Local Initiatives Support Corporation) in support of community engagement and review of upcoming city-generated Lower Roxbury development projects happening within the Lower Roxbury Opportunity Zone.
We look forward to this partnership with Boston LISC!
Thank you also to
Berkshire Bank
for providing
80 young people with financial literacy training
during MPDC's Summer Youth Employment Program.
And...MPDC was recently selected to be part of a
NeighborWorks America 2019 Peer Learning Communities
cohort! This year, MPDC will join six Neighborworks Organizations from across the country to explore
how to engage the health sector
in strategic partnerships that advance health equity and comprehensive community development goals.
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Save the Date!
Don’t miss MPDC’s Sparks for Arts Masquerade Gala on Friday, November 1, 2019
at Hibernian Hall where we’ll
celebrate MPDC accomplishments
and, look to a future with new horizons and new leadership.
Become a Gala Sponsor
!
Help us raise funds for the upcoming year by supporting this fabulous event! Your sponsorship is CITC eligible (50% state tax rebate on gifts of $1000 or more). Contact
Kay Mathew
/ 617.849.6335 to learn more.
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Community Action in action!
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In August, MPDC's Civic Engagement team hosted a workshop with the
MA Area Planning Council
(MAPC) on
their upcoming regional plan,
MetroCommon 2050
, at The Dewitt Center. The workshop asked Roxbury residents about
their vision for the neighborhood
and discussed strategies to ensure that their voices are heard. We hope to continue working with MAPC and find ways to include local voices as we move towards
making our communities more livable and equitable
in the future!
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Also in August, our Resident & Civic Engagement Manager,
Beyazmin Jimenez
, represented MPDC at
Haley House
’s
Community Tables
event featuring local vendors and partners from the Roxbury neighborhood. The all-ages celebration featured great food, music and lots of fun!
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RoxHealth makes summer fun at MPDC
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The members of the MPDC RoxHealth Committee have been busy this summer! During August, committee members planned and
implemented a Summer Wellness Series
that included activities like lunchtime
salad bars
,
smoothie stations
and, a staff favorite, '
Trail Mix Tuesdays
.' Staff also participated in an
MPDC Property Walking Tour
, led by Real Estate Resident Engagement Coordinator and RoxHealth Committee Member
Dwayne Watts
!
RoxHealth
is an internal committee focused on
promoting health and wellness
among MPDC’s staff. The committee meets bi-weekly to plan initiatives and activities that encourage physical,
mental and emotional wellness.
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This summer, MPDC's Health Equity & Wellness Organizer,
Leslie Stafford
, had the opportunity to work with 20 participants & mentors
Madison Park Technical Vocational School
's
Strive Program
at the Hope Community Garden. This partnership allowed MPDC to provide
education on gardening and healthy eating
, the benefits of vegetables & herbs, and creating healthy recipes. Healthy snacks were always the highlight of the day! The youth spent their mornings
watering plots
,
pulling weeds
, raking, removing rubbish, and
planting seeds
. We are excited to continue this partnership in 2020!
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Harvard Pilgrim Foundation
at the Garden!
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On August 5th, MPDC’s
Health Equity and Community Wellness
team hosted members of the
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation
’s Board and program staff at MPDC’s community gardens. During their visit, they heard from our gardeners about
why access to fresh produce is important
to them and
sampled delicious recipes
made with produce harvested from the gardens.
A sincere thank you to Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation for their investment in MPDC’s work!
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MPDC Staff Spotlight:
5 Questions with Leslie Reid
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As a way for our community to learn more about our staff members, we have started the '5 Questions' series. These monthly interviews in our newsletters feature five random questions with an MPDC staff member.
This month we are chatting with
Vice President of Programs,
Leslie Reid.
1. What role does the VP of Programs play at MPDC?
LR
:
As Vice President of Programs, I have the incredible opportunity to support the dedicated MPDC staff that work directly on a broad range of program initiatives in the community and to work collaboratively with Communications and Fundraising staff that share with funders and stakeholders the important stories that distinguish the Roxbury community. From supporting resident leaders at Madison Park Village, Orchard Gardens and beyond to voter engagement, arts, cultural and community programming at Hibernian Hall and the Dewitt Center, to trauma-informed response to violent incidents, community gardens and healthy food distribution, and creating work opportunities for young people, MPDC programs are reaching into every corner of our neighborhood to foster a vibrant and healthy neighborhood.
2. What are some MPDC initiatives you are excited about?
LR
:
I am especially excited about our work to reach out to marginalized young people, who may be out of school and or court-involved, to offer support and paths to stability, work, and educational opportunities. I’m also inspired by MPDC’s investments in workforce, financial development, and homeownership opportunities for current residents, which contributes substantially to our mission of a vibrant and diverse community that leverages resources for all.
3. Where is your favorite place to visit in Roxbury?
LR
:
I have always loved Dudley Square. Since I was a little girl waiting with my mom on the old elevated Orange Line, Dudley Square has been a place where I experienced Boston in a really special and unique way. Today, that experience continues from the
Silver Slipper
to Hibernian Hall to
Suya Joint
,
Tropical Foods
and
Black Market
, plus the newer
Fasika Café
. Dudley Square continues to be a unique showcase of the experience of Black Americans, African Diaspora, and new immigrants in the City of Boston.
4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
LR
:
In my spare time, I most enjoy spending time with my three kids. I also enjoy reading, cooking, knitting, and exploring local communities.
5. What do you hope for the future of Roxbury?
LR
:
I hope that we can continue to invest in initiatives that leverage resources and create a spotlight that celebrates the history of activism and culture that distinguishes Roxbury as a unique Boston neighborhood.
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Ruggles Street Reconstruction
Public Meeting
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Join the
City of Boston
for a Public Meeting at The Dewitt Center about the Ruggles Street Reconstruction
WHEN:
Wednesday, September 4
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)
Join your neighbors as the City provides an update on the proposed roadway and urban design improvements for Ruggles Street between Tremont Street & Washington Street.
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Meet the 2019 At-Large Candidates before the Primary!
WHEN:
Friday, September 6
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
Meet the Boston City Council At-Large candidates & incumbents while enjoying a meal with your neighbors!
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AfroBeat Fit - Fierce Urgency of Now Festival
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Join
AfroBeat Fit
at Hibernian Hall as part of the Fierce Urgency of Now Festival!
WHEN:
Saturday, September 7
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
Join Afrobeat Fit as they guide you through a 60 minutes session with trained Sweat Coaches & an Afrobeat DJ, photo booth, giveaways, and a sense of solidarity among attendees.
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Queer People of Color Art Showcase - Fierce Urgency of Now Festival
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Celebrate queer artists of color at Hibernian Hall!
WHEN:
Saturday, September 7
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
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The Transgender Emergency Fund Ball - Fierce Urgency of Now Festival
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WHEN:
Saturday, September 7
9:00 pm - 12:00 am
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
Join The Legendary Athena Mona Lisa &
Mass NOW
for a back to school ball at Hibernian Hall!
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HubWeek Open Doors Reception
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Join HubWeek as the celebrate & explore Dudley Square!
WHEN:
Monday, September 9
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
HubWeek
Open Doors is a monthly celebration of the innovation happening in different corners of the city – a curation of the most creative minds, artists, and disruptors making a difference in some of Boston’s most vibrant neighborhoods with new ideas, new businesses, and growing communities. Their next stop is Roxbury!
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2020 Census Information Events
@ The Dewitt
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Apply for a job with the 2020 Census!
WHEN:
Every Tuesday from September 10 - October 29
10:00 am - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)
Learn more about jobs with the
U.S. Census Bureau
every Tuesday in September at The Dewitt Center.
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Sign up for MPDC's Fall 2019 OSHA-10 class at Hibernian Hall
WHEN:
September 12 - 13
8:00 am - 3:30 pm
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
Learn all about workplace safety and reduce job site hazards by receiving your OSHA-10 Card with MPDC.
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Age Strong
presents an Employment Workshop Series for people 50+
WHEN:
Day 1: Saturday, September 14
10:00am - 2:00p
m
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)
Join the City of Boston's Age Strong Commission for an overview of employment opportunities for older workers.
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Join Hibernian Hall &
BAMS Fest
for a night of celebrating Roxbury Love!
WHEN:
Saturday, September 14
7:00pm - 11:00pm
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
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Fall into Your New Career - MPDC's Construction Job Fair
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Fall into your new career this autumn!
WHEN:
Tuesday, September 17
2:00pm - 6:00pm
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
Meet with a variety of employers from construction & building trades about employment opportunities.
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Madison Melnea Cass Apartments
Ribbon Cutting & Celebration
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WHEN:
Saturday, September 21
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Celebrate the completion of the Melnea Cass Apartments with a ribbon cutting and community housewarming celebration to welcome 76 families to their new homes in Roxbury!
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Bikes Not Bombs 35th Anniversary Party
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Bikes Not Bombs celebrates their 25th anniversary at Hibernian Hall!
WHEN:
Thursday, September 19
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
Enjoy dinner, drinks, entertainment & a silent bike auction, while honoring
Bikes Not Bombs
' alumni & community partners.
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STEPRox Recovery Month: All Pathways Lead to Recovery Panel
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Join STEPRox for an engaging panel about recovery
WHEN:
Saturday, September 21
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)
All pathways lead to recovery! Come celebrate Recover Month with
STEPRox
at the Dewitt Center.
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Network, shop, eat, and be empowered to fulfill your purpose and set your path to greatness!
WHEN:
Saturday, September 28
11:00am - 3:00pm
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
Join 23 empowered female of color entrepreneurs as they showcase their passions turned into profitable businesses in various industries.
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STEPRox Recovery Month: Recovery Dance
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Join
STEPRox
for their Recovery Dance at The Dewitt Center!
WHEN:
Saturday, September 28
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)
The STEPRox Recovery Support Center's mission is to provide a safe place for the recovery community their family, friends, and those interested in recovery to engage in activities beneficial to the individual and the community.
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How does a wealthy man host a reunion at his summer house on Martha's Vineyard, even though both his wife and housekeeper are too ill to attend?
He hires the housekeeper's young daughter as a substitute maid, and the gathering begins with the arrival of his two sons and their girlfriends. But
old family secrets have been suppressed too long
, and before the weekend is over, all the dirty linen has been laundered and hung out to dry.
See it all unfold in 'Stick Fly' written by Lydia Diamond and directed by Ciera-Sadé Wade at Hibernian Hall.
WHEN:
October 17 - 27
Various times
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)
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SAVE THE DATE: Sparks for Arts
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