May Spotlight:
Interview with Everything Is Real Barbershop Co-Owner, Joanne Carrasquillo!
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On March 16th, 2022, Madison Park Development Corporation was proud to respond to The Boston Planning and Redevelopment Agency’s request for proposals for Parcel P3. Located on Tremont Street, Parcel P3 is the last vacant portion of a larger site cleared for so-called Urban Renewal in 1988. Working with HYM and another local non-profit My City at Peace, MPDC aims to deliver approximately 165 income-restricted rental homes on the site. Two of the buildings would be primarily for life sciences and health care uses, which would help subsidize the construction of the three residential buildings.
The development concept will "maximize the potential of P3 and serve the needs and desires of the Roxbury community by creating deeply affordable homeownership and rental opportunities, good-paying jobs with viable long-term career tracks, meaningful equity participation in the development process by people of color and women, and beautifully-designed new spaces to live, work, or play."
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MPDC's Youth Workforce Attend Boston Planning & Development Agency Meeting! |
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After the meeting, the youth had some questions about how the real estate development process really works. On April 5th, the MPDC Real Estate team led a follow-up group conversation to answer their questions and teach more about why MPDC selects the projects we do, and how we work to advance the projects to completion and provide much-needed rent-restricted housing in Roxbury.
We look forward to continuing to inform and involve the youth in the future of their neighborhood!
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MPDC's Health and Wellness Department Partners with
YouthBuild Boston!
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In May, MPDC's Health & Wellness Coordinator, Leslie Stafford, partnered up with YouthBuild Boston to build raised beds in the Hope Community Garden. The team of builders built six raised beds to accommodate the needs of participants. MPDC supports the well-being of the people we serve, and having these raised beds in the garden will help the participants save money on produce, exercise while gardening, and increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables while enduring social connectivity.
We want to thank the hard workers of YouthBuild who worked diligently in the Hope Community Garden!
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MPDC's Opportunity Employment Program Makeup Artistry Program Concludes 1st Cycle! |
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On May 18th, 2022, OEP’s Makeup Artistry Course concluded, with the showcase graduation for our 10 student artists in training. For the last 8 weeks, our students worked closely with make-up artist, Barbara Rodriguez, mastering various looks. During the showcase, our students had one hour to put together a style of their choice on their models. The results truly exemplified their hard work and dedication to their craft. We could not be any prouder of our graduates! To learn more about BRCO, click here.
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Hibernian Hall Highlights:
"MINDSHIFT" Exhibit by
Nikolai Alexander
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In May, Hibernian Hall hosted its first-ever Photo Exhibit, titled “MINDSHIFT”, by award-winning photographer Nikolai Alexander. The exhibit featured a curated selection of 10 of Alexander's most distinguished photographs. The exhibit lasted for 2 days and it was a success! Those who attended thoroughly enjoyed the viewing event!
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Dewitt Center Hosts Winn Fitness Funday + Elite Vibes Athletics Fundraiser |
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Over April school Spring break, Elite Vibe Athletics (EVA) rehearsed their performance for the “Official Launch Party Fundraiser” at the Dewitt Center. 30 young ladies are enrolled in the program. They are learning the fundamentals, skills, and strategies needed in sports of competitive cheerleading. Join EVA for the OFFICIAL Launch Party Fundraiser on April 24th from 1 PM to 5 PM at Kay’s Lounge Boston! Enjoy food, music, raffles, and local vendors!
On April 20th, Winn Resident Services Coordinators hosted a fitness fun day for MPDC residents. Over 15 members of the community ranging in all ages joined for smoothies and a yoga class.
To inquire about having an event at the Dewitt Center, please click here.
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Mental Health Reminder for May:
Practice Your Grounding Techniques
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MPDC's Mental Health Team would like to end the month of April by encouraging our community to continue to nourish and love themselves. We urge our MPDC family to prioritize their mental health always! As you navigate daily responsibilities, MPDC is here to remind you to practice cultivating grounding techniques to better focus on the present moment! 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, resources, check-ins, and skills weekly. Remember: Every day is an opportunity for growth! You got this, keep going, and do not give up!
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Thank you to our May 2022
Newsletter Contributors!
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Joanne Carrasquillo
Erica Davis
Arianna Guiseppone
Intiya Ambrogi-Isaza
Carlos Taveras
Justina Thompson
Sandra Sierra
Leslie Stafford
Tahara Samuels
Meghan Higgins
Yhinny Matos
Kyle Miller
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MPDC x Black Market:
Buy the Block Party 2
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Black Market and MPDC are joining forces to celebrate Black Music Month in Roxbury!
AGE RANGE: Open to all!
WHEN: Saturday, June 11th, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
WHERE: On the Black Lives Matter mural in Nubian Square
Celebrate Black Market's 5th birthday with Buy The Block Party 2! "Buy the Block" aims to combine the atmosphere of a party with the calculated strategy of advancing Black-owned businesses. Local vendors, performers, cultural artisans, and more will be in attendance!
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MPDC's June Food Pantry @ The Dewitt Center! |
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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, May 7th and May 21st)
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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