February Spotlight:
MPDC's Dewitt Center Welcomes New Staff
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The Dewitt Center is thrilled to announce a new addition to their staff this February! Erika "Eka" Leger will be joining the MPDC Community!
She is delighted to assist the Dewitt Center as the new Front Desk Receptionist and is looking forward to meeting Dewitt program parameters and MPDC residents. Erika is Haitian-American and is proud of her Caribbean background.
Ms. Leger is a Boston native and has lived in Roxbury for over a decade. Erika is looking forward to being an active member of her community and is excited to network, meet new people, and contribute to the Center's efforts of prioritizing Boston's youth.
When Erika is not working, she enjoys photography and traveling! Again, all of MPDC is beyond excited to welcome her into the always-growing community and family.
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Resource Development Rundown:
MPDC Awarded Cultural Investment Grant!
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Are you interested in supporting MPDC's comprehensive community development efforts in Roxbury, like the vibrant artistic and cultural work happening at Hibernian Hall? Donate online now or reach out to Meghan Higgins at 617-849-6230 | mhiggins@madison-park.org to learn more about becoming a donor!
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MPDC's Youth Workforce Had a Fruitful February, Check Out Highlights Below! |
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The youth programs of MPDC had a flavorful, fruitful, and feverishly busy February!
YWF began the month by completing their CPR certifications, ServSafe certification, and safety/wellness checks! Additionally, upon returning to in-person programming, YWF also presented 14 new participants with certificates for completing Workforce Academy Training Program. At the end of the month, all but two have been placed at internship sites.
Also, in celebration of Black History Month, youth participated in a field trip to the Museum of African American History, complemented by lunch and a lovely stroll on the Commons and statehouse.
Lastly, in partnership with our longtime collaborative and service partner, Teen Empowerment, MPDC’s Youth Workforce Programs and Opportunity Employment Programs hosted our FOURTH installment of “No Trauma, No Drama 4.0. The online event garnered performances from local artists including Monavelli, SeeFour, Shonnae Virgo, Big Mike, Foreal, and Exoshakeem. Additionally, the planning team of 17 youth + staff from both organizations also delivered compelling discussion “zrooms” about topics relevant to Boston's inner-city community, youth, and trauma. The event generated over 150 RSVPs, enjoyed by all!
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MPDC's Health and Wellness Team Celebrates Healthy Heart Month in February |
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The Health & Wellness Team has delivered over 250 bags to our residents and community in honor of Healthy Heart month. Many of the items were hygiene products, healthy recipes, and PPE. We want to thank our supporters, Hope & Comfort, Thaddeus Miles (Black Joy). Hygiene essentials have been difficult to obtain during the pandemic; like many others, our residents faced unforeseen challenges. The Assistance from Hope & Comfort and Black Joy (Thaddeus Miles) has impacted the many families that have received them, making a massive difference in many lives.
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MPDC's February Mental Health Reminder |
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MPDC's Mental Health Team would like to end this Black History Month by reminding our community of the power you all hold as not only a collective yield but as an individual one, too. We are grateful to our strong, committed, and powerful folx who have worked so hard to create a path towards not only equality but to internal personal, and communal peace. You are capable, you are strong, and you are not alone!
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Thank you to our February 2022
Newsletter Contributors!
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Arianna Guiseppone
Carlos Taveras
Erica Davis
Justina Thompson
Tahara Samuels
Kelly Ransom
Leslie Stafford
Meghan Higgins
Yhinny Matos
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MPDC x BRCO. Makeup Artistry Course:
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
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WHERE: Online and in-person (hybrid)
WHEN: March 24th, 2022 – May 15th, 2022
AGE RANGE: 16 – 24 years old
PRICE RANGE: Free!
ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: March 13th, 2022
MPDC's Opportunity Employment Program is now accepting applications for an 8-week makeup artistry course!
The program includes 8 pre-recorded online classes, a 22 piece makeup kit, a chance to learn the most popular makeup looks, and more! Each class will be dedicated to learning specific makeup skills. Benefits of the program include: certification in makeup artistry, pro-discounts, and an accessible Facebook support group! This is also a paid opportunity.
APPLY TODAY!
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MPDC's Hope Community Garden Club:
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
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APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 15, 2022
MPDC's Hope Community Garden Club is now accepting applications for 2022! Our garden opens in May 2022 and offers a variety of garden-related resources and opportunities. All ages are welcome!
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WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(located at 122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA 02120)
WHEN: Every 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month from 11 AM to 1 PM
(for this month, March 5th and 19th)
The Dewitt Center and the Islamic Multi-Service Organization (IMSO) host their food pantry monthly. Canned goods, fruit, pasta, spaghetti, and more will be available for pickup! Supplies are limited. Masks and social distancing are required.
For more information, please contact IMSO at
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Master Playwriting Class Hosted by Hibernian Hall |
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WHERE: Hibernian Hall
(located at 184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
WHEN: March 18th, 2022 (7:30 pm - 9 pm)
Doors open at 7:00 pm!
Hibernian Hall will be hosting the “Master Playwriting Class Showcase”, a showcase of 6 original short plays written by the playwrights of Hibernian Hall’s “Master Playwriting Class.” The short plays, directed by Jacqui Parker, address various topics. Additionally, there will be a Q&A session with the playwrights and the director after the showcase. The audience is encouraged to attend and vote on their favorite short plays that they would like to see be turned into full-length productions. Enjoy performances, giveaways, prizes, and so much more!
For any additional inquiries, please contact Haris Lefteri via email at:
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Move for Charity at Hibernian Hall
(NEW DATE ANNOUNCED)
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WHERE: Hibernian Hall
(located at 184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)
WHEN: *NEW DATE* March 19th, 2022 (10 am - 11 am)
Hibernian Hall invites you to our epic workout with a cause! Join us for 45 minutes of full-body balanced workout combining cardio, conditioning, and strength training with live music by DJ Rilla Force! Bring water and a yoga mat and join in the fun. All levels welcome!
*Mats will be available to rent for $1 at Hibernian Hall — first come first serve.*
*In accordance with the city of Boston's new mandate — proof of vaccination is required to participate.*
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Madison Park Next Door Homeownership Program Launch Event |
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WHERE: Hibernian Hall
(located at 184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)
WHEN: March 9th, 2022 (11 am - 12 pm)
At the end of 2021, Madison Park Development Corporation announced its plans to launch our first-time homeownership program, Madison Park Next Door. At MPDC, we recognize that homeownership opportunities are necessary gateways to success, equity, and liberation. We are extremely delighted to share our excitement about MPND and how we plan to further support our Roxbury community at our upcoming press event this March.
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