January 2022 @ MPDC!
$40 million of funding for affordable housing announced at The Dewitt Center
On January 25th, Mayor Michelle Wu announced $40 million in new recommended funding from the Mayor’s Office of Housing, the Neighborhood Housing Trust (NHT), and the Community Preservation Fund to create and preserve more than 700 income-restricted units of housing in Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Chinatown, Hyde Park, and Roxbury. This portfolio of projects includes rental housing for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, creating new homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income Bostonians.
Two new grants for MPDC Programs
MPDC is proud to announce our selection as a 2021 Roy A. Hunt Foundation grant recipient through the foundation's Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. This funding will provide important additional resources for the Opportunity Employment Program, which provides out-of-school youth and young adults with comprehensive education, workforce development, mentoring, behavioral health, and case management support. We are also pleased to share that we received funding from the Paul and Edith Babson Foundation to support our community gardens, including the growing Kid's Garden Club summer program. 

We would also like to once again extend a special thank you to all of our funders and donors in 2021, including our 55th Anniversary Sparks for Arts gala supporters, major donors who participate in the Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program, and our dedicated Friends of Hibernian Hall members.

Are you interested in learning more about how to support the Roxbury community in 2022 as a MPDC donor?
Please reach out to Meghan Higgins at mhiggins@madison-park.org.
The Dewitt Center had a joyful January!
Elite Vibe Athletics hosted their “Rock the Bow” Cheer clinic at the Dewitt Center! Youth learned the fundamentals, skills, and strategies needed in the sport of competitive cheerleading.

The Rock the Bow clinic, EV Athletics coaches, and Brand Captains greeted about 20 athletes from all over the city! In the two-day clinic, they learned tumbling techniques, choreography, and stunts! EV Athletics will be hosting their next cheer clinic at Dewitt Center during February vacation.

To register, please visit bit.ly/rockthebowEVA. 
MPDC's January Mental Health Reminder!
MPDC's Community Support Team shares a Mental Health Reminder for January. We urge our MPDC family and community to prioritize their mental health always! As you navigate daily responsibilities, MPDC is here to remind you to practice self-care in every single way, daily. Please be sure to follow along with MPDC's mental health social media pages on Instagram and Facebook! They'll be sharing mental health tips, tricks, check-ins, and skills weekly. 
Thank you to our November 2021
Newsletter Contributors!
Arianna Guiseppone
Carlos Taveras
Erica Davis
Justina Thompson
Kelly Ransom
Leslie Stafford
Meghan Higgins
Yhinny Matos
UPCOMING EVENTS:
MPDC's February Food Pantry
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, February 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
myimso@yahoo.com / 617.442.2805.
MPDC's Hope Community Garden Club is Now Accepting Applications for 2022!

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!

For any additional inquiries, please contact Leslie Stafford via email at: lstafford@madison-park.org.

F.L.Y Presents: No Trauma, No Drama Virtual Youth-Led Summit
WHERE: On Zoom (click the link below to attend and register)

WHEN: February 18th, 2022 (5 pm to 7 pm)

Front Line Youth (F.L.Y) presents No Trauma, No Drama Youth-Led Summit! Join F.L.Y., Teen Empowerment, and MPDC for a discussion about trauma and ways to best support young people as they navigate its effects. Enjoy performances, giveaways, prizes, and so much more!

For any additional inquiries, please contact Arianna Guiseppone via email at: aguiseppone@madison-park.org.
Move for Charity at Hibernian Hall
(NEW DATE ANNOUNCED)
WHERE: Hibernian Hall
(located at 184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)

WHEN: *NEW DATE* February 18th, 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.*

For any additional inquiries, please contact Haris Lefteri via email at: hlefteri@madison-park.org.
Daumos Fashion Show at Hibernian Hall
(NEW DATE ANNOUNCED)
WHERE: Hibernian Hall
(located at 184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)

WHEN: *NEW DATE* February 19th, 2022 (6 pm - 9 pm)

Daumos is a high-end cut-and-sew apparel company that focuses on modern African styles of wear. It was founded by a daughter and mother in 2015 with a combined 30 years of experience in custom-made clothing. The word daumos is a combination of the words daughter and mother. Come watch the runway show, enjoy our live band, sip a drink, and mingle with fellow fashion lovers. The event will start at 8 pm. Doors will open at 6 pm.

*In accordance with the city of Boston's new mandate — proof of vaccination is required to participate.*

For any additional inquiries, please contact Haris Lefteri via email at: hlefteri@madison-park.org.