May 2019 @ MPDC
MPDC celebrates Roxbury street improvements with Mayor Walsh
On Friday, May 24th, residents and students from the John D. O’Bryant School joined Mayor Marty Walsh and officials from the Departments of Public Works and Transportation for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of street improvements and sidewalk reconstruction in Madison Park Village as part of the investments in the Whittier Choice Neighborhood Initiative .
A marvelous May at The Dewitt Center
On April 27th,   The Male Engagement Network  facilitated the  1st Annual Brother’s Building Men Wellness Conference  at The Dewitt Center. The conference focused on men’s holistic health : physical, mental, emotional, and financial. The event offered various resources and featured presentations , breakout sessions , and a speaking program featuring  District Attorney Rachael Rollins , and  State Representative Russell Holmes .
Dewitt Center Security Officer, Peter Alves, hosted an exciting Video Game Tournament in The Teen Zone. After enjoying pizza & snacks, 16 teens competed to see who would emerge victorious in two games; Mortal Kombat X and NBA2k19. In a final nail-biting match between Madison Park Village residents Kouta Inoue & Tariq Smith, Tariq was crowned the champion. Thank you to all the participants & staff who the tournament a success.

But video games weren't the only fun featured at The Dewitt Center! The Dewitt Center staff hosted an energetic kickball game in the gym . Youth from MPDC's After School Program, the Peer Leadership Institute, and Dewitt Center members joined in on the excitement. Don't miss our next kickball game on Wednesday, June 5th at 4 pm!
On a very special day for our seniors, The Dewitt Center hosted a field trip to Madison Park Technical Vocational High School for a day of relaxation and beauty ! A dozen ladies enjoyed a day of pampering , including styling hair and nails from the high school Cosmetology Program seniors.

MPDC resident Pauline Sheridan said, “I have lived in many housing developments and never have I received the special treatment that Madison Park Development Corporation has given to me. It is a wonderful place to live!”

A big thank you to Madison Park High students for making Senior Beauty Day possible and special shout out to Cheauna Brewer , a senior cosmetologist, Orchard Gardens resident and a graduate of MPDC's After School Youth Employment Program!
Captain Holloway and Security Officer Peter Alves of Security Services Specialist, hosted a  Pizza Party for Dewitt Center members in an ongoing   effort to  develop positive relationships with youth . It was a delicious treat enjoyed by all!
Stay connected by following the
Dewitt Center Facebook & Instagram pages!
MPDC represents at Youth Symposium on Juvenile Justice
In April, MPDC Youth attended the Youth Symposium on Juvenile Justice ,  a symposium held to raise awareness of criminal justice issues affecting youth and build knowledge around how juvenile criminal justice systems work. This day-long event included an opportunity to participate in a mock trial with a sitting judge & active attorneys who took part in a criminal proceeding  as prosecutors, defense attorneys, witnesses, and jury members.  After the mock trial, participants enjoyed a panel discussion featuring District Attorney Rachael Rollins , Honorable Helen Brown Bryant , and Leon Smith , Executive Director of Citizens for Juvenile Justice .
Exciting initiatives planned for 2019 thanks to MPDC's funders
MPDC is honored to be selected as a partner by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) for its multi-year  Gun Violence Prevention initiative . This award helps MPDC significantly expand education and workforce development efforts for our young people and to increase community outreach and engagement capacity aimed at reducing neighborhood gun violence . We look forward to working with DPH on this critical work!
MPDC recently received a second year of funding from Santander to support our First Time Home Ownership Program , an innovative project that includes home buying classes for low to moderate income residents of Roxbury. This program also features courses on financial & credit counseling offered by MPDC and Roxbury Financial Empowerment Center , technical assistance in navigating the home buying process, and down payment assistance grants of up to $50,000 . 

Since its launch in May 2018, four families purchased homes in Boston with MPDC's down payment assistance. Thank you, Santander!
We are happy to report that Hibernian Hall recently received a gift of $15,000 for its theater productions and to commemorate Jeanne Pinado’s tenure as CEO. Thank you to Onyx Spectrum Technology for this generous Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC) eligible donation! 

You can be a CITC donor too!  Remember: a donation of $1,000 or more to MPDC comes with the benefit of a 50% state tax rebate through the CITC Program.

Please consider making your donation to MPDC through the
CITC Program this year!
For more information, contact Kay Mathew / 617.849.6335.
Sparks for Arts – November 1, 2019 – SAVE THE DATE!
Be sure to mark your calendars for MPDC's Annual Gala celebration where we will celebrate arts , culture , & community and support MPDC . You don’t want to miss it! Watch for information online and in the mail coming soon.
Hibernian Hall
On May 3rd, Hibernian Hall welcomed Fanshen Cox for her one-woman show " One Drop of Love ." Her interactive performance showcased the ever-changing racial categories on the U.S. Census to tell her life's story. The audience engaged as time travelers from the 1700s to the present in cities around the U.S. and Africa as Fanshen explored her family's history , as well as her search for her roots , identity , truth , justice , and, of course, love .
On May 19th, Project STEP celebrated their 26th Annual Spring Recital at Hibernian Hall. A diverse audience of 300 guests enjoyed an afternoon of classical music from the award-winning students of Project STEP.
On May 21st & 28th, participants from Hibernian Hall's Play Writing/Reading presented two free public play readings.

May 21st featured "WALLS" written by Melissa Nussbaum . "WALLS" examines the impact on the lives and psyches of people on both sides of two walls: the US-Mexico Border Wall and the Israeli Separation Wall.

May 28th featured "What Gives?" written by Dillon Bustin . “What Gives?” is set in Roxbury and the South End in 1944; it is inspired by Boston Boy, the autobiography of Nat Hentoff, published in 1986. The script is concerned with the jazz scene in Boston during World War II.

Both presentations were directed by Nerissa Williams Scott of TCGT Entertainment and were followed by a talk-back & discussion with the playwrights.
Stay connected by following Hibernian Hall!
MPDC represents at the State House
In May, Leslie Reid, MPDC VP of Programs, testified in favor of the Housing Choice Bill in front of the Joint Committee on Housing at the State House. Through her role as the Production and Preservation Committee Chair for Citizens Housing and Planning Association , Leslie testified on the need for more housing throughout Greater Boston to relieve the housing crisis affecting many families and individuals. 
Health Equity & Community
Wellness Spotlight:
Lovin' Spoonfuls
Lovin’ Spoonfuls is dedicated to facilitating the rescue and distribution of healthy, fresh food that would otherwise be discarded throughout Greater Boston and beyond every weekday. They connect community resources by linking grocery stores, produce wholesalers, and farms to local meal programs and social service entities serving those in need.

MPDC has proudly partnered with Lovin’ Spoonfuls since 2018 and is grateful for the work they do to promote healthy communities. Lovin' Spoonfuls donates low sodium and low sugar food from supermarkets including, Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Trader Joe’s including meat, canned goods, fruits, vegetables,   and organic foods. Because Roxbury is considered a food desert, MPDC teams up with partners like Lovin' Spoonfuls to ensure that our residents have access to healthy foods, at no charge, delivered right to their front doors. The monthly distributions that take place at various MPDC properties draw close to 90 residents and increase social cohesion among MPDC residents.

Thank you to Lovin' Spoonfuls for making all of this possible in our community!
Community Action gears up for a Summer of Cookouts!
In 1999, MPDC opened the first phase of  Orchard Gardens , which now consists of 331 rental homes ranging from 1-5 bedrooms. Located in an area of Roxbury that was seeing high crime rates, MPDC saw this as an opportunity to rebuild and introduce a new era for the neighborhood. Today,  Orchard Gardens is home to an active resident association and a civic group  which is heralded by a long-standing community member, Val Shelley. This summer, MPDC's Civic Engagement & Resident Leadership Department is celebrating Orchard Gardens with a Cookout Tour dedicated to  bringing neighbors together with food, music, and fun!
 
Join us on Thursday, June 6th and Thursday, July 11th from 4 to 6 pm to celebrate our residents at Orchard Gardens  and the healthy community they have created together. Be sure to keep an eye out for Malik and Beya in the neighborhood as they promote the upcoming cookouts!
Healthy meals on the menu at
The Smith House
At MPDC's Healthy Equity & Community Wellness ' most recent Food Preparation Class held at the Smith House, seniors came together to prepare a healthy meal of eggplant lasagna - yum!
The Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Daily Table partner with MPDC to organize monthly nutrition classes at our properties. These classes teach residents about reducing sodium & sugar , kitchen safety , and understanding nutrition labels .
Ready to buy your first home? MPDC's First Time Homebuyers Class can help!
Buying a home in Massachusetts can seem like an impossible goal but, the good news is with the  proper education ,  coaching ,  counseling , and  access to unbiased information  via MPDC's First Time Homebuyers Class (July 13 & 20th at   The Dewitt Center ) we can help   make the process much easier!

MP DC’s  workshop  takes  a comprehensive approach to home buying to  assist local residents reach home-ownership goals . Our eight-hour workshops are designed to help you to identify the team needed to purchase a home, such as  a  counseling agenc y , real estate broker, home inspector, insurance agent, mortgage lender, and real estate attorney. The workshops help you  understand each step in the home buying process , the pros and cons of ownership, the impact of your credit, and how specialized mortgage products can work for you.

Are you Interested in starting your first time home buying journey?
To learn more or to register for the upcoming First Time Homebuyers Class contact Dwayne Watts / 617.849.6326.
A Spring filled with success for MPDC's Youth Employment Programs
MPDC's  After School Youth Employment Program (AYEP)  closed out the academic season by  celebrating 22 youth leaders   ages 14 to 19 years old who completed internships in various fields of interest. The celebration held on May 2nd, welcomed over   65 attendees . Guests enjoyed a jam-packed speaking program featuring many MPDC staff including CEO,  Jeanne Pinado ,  Leslie Reid ,  Lyndon Vincent ,   Russ Tanner ,  Yaritsa Sanchez , as well as AYEP parent & MPDC resident,   Latara Owens , AYEP alum  LeFaith Massaquoi , and a dozen youth who spoke about the importance of the program and highlighted their accomplishments.
 
Just because the academic year is over doesn't mean the Youth Development Team's work stops!  Later in May, MPDC’s Youth Workforce Team  interviewed over 150 youth  for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). SYEP serves 70 youth who are Boston residents ages 14 to 19 for seven weeks over the summer.
 
This summer,   MPDC will employ 75 young people  at meaningful internship sites. Thank you to MPDC staff who helped with the interview process!
Goodbyes & Hellos @ MPDC
A heartfelt  thank you and farewell to Marah Holland , Health Equity and Wellness Coordinator who is moving on to a position with the MBTA and to  Amy Winter , Real Estate Project Manager who will be joining the staff at the  MA Division of Capital Asset Management . Please join us in acknowledging their important contributions to MPDC’s work and wishing them the best in their next endeavors.
 
A warm welcome to Javier Gutierrez , who will be joining the Madison Park Development Corporation Community Action team in June as the new Director of Health Equity and Resident Engagement. Javier will oversee our health equity and resident and civic engagement programs and increase our capacity to develop new resources and institutional partnerships focusing on addressing disparities in the social determinants of health. Please join us in welcoming him!
Remembering Beryl Roach
The MPDC family sends our condolences and remembrance to the family of Beryl Roach , who was a life-long resident of Roxbury. 

In 1969 as a result of the City of Boston’s urban renewal plans for Lower Roxbury, she became a  founding member of the Lower Roxbury Community Corporation   which later became MPDC. For over 60 years she was a member, serving on the board for over 20 years fighting for   not only better, affordable housing but also home ownership  for residents displaced as a result of urban renewal.
 
In 1997,  MPDC honored her by naming the 20-unit Beryl Gardens property after her . Beryl received an award from Boston’s former Mayor, Thomas Menino, for her work with MPDC along with MPDC’s Legacy Award and an Ambassador of Peace award from the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace.
UPCOMING EVENTS
I AM A MAN 2019
Castle of Our Skins present a week-long series of events at Hibernian Hall

WHEN: Sunday, June 2 -
Saturday, June 8
Various times

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

TICKETS : $0 - 120




Through film, spoken word, dance, history, community, and music,  Castle of Our Skins ‘ “I AM A MAN 2019” project is an educational and artistic examination of this famous civil rights declaration. As human dignity continues to be challenged throughout the world, “I AM A MAN 2019” serves as a reminder that such challenges have been overcome in the past, and will be overcome in the future. Encouraging people to have strength to stand up to injustice, “I AM A MAN 2019” discusses contemporary concerns of Black masculinity and human dignity while celebrating the past and present contributions of men fighting for equality.
826 Book Release & Open Mic Party
Celebrate the authors of 826 Boston at The Dewitt Center

WHEN: Wednesday, June 5
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Student authors from  826 Boston  have written a powerful book about identity, home, and self-love. Join them at their book release to celebrate their art with an open mic and Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola.
Kickball @ The Dewitt
Enjoy a game of kickball with your neighbors!

WHEN: Wednesday, June 5
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Join us for another energetic evening of kickball at The Dewitt Center.
Orchard Gardens Resident Engagement Cookout Tour
Join us for food, fun, and learn about MPDC's Resident Engagement work!

WHEN: Thursday, June 6
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

WHERE: Edna Bynoe Park on Dubois St.

Madison Park Development Corporation invites all Orchard Gardens residents for a fun cookout series. Learn about MPDC's civic and resident engagement work and share a meal with your neighbors!
Whittier Choice Community Open House
Join the Whittier Choice Neighborhood Initiative for a community meeting

WHEN: Friday, June 7
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)


The  Whittier Choice Neighborhood Initiative  received a $30 million HUD grant awarded to the  Boston Housing Authority  and the residents of the Whittier Street housing development. With the first phase of construction underway, the initiative is focused on three strategies – Housing, Neighborhood, and People. Join them for a discussion and update on the project.
Garden Tea Party
You’re invited to an afternoon Garden Tea Party!

WHEN: Saturday, June 8
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

WHERE: Hope Community Garden
(55 Malcolm X Boulevard, Roxbury)


Prize for best hat, pocketbook scavenge hunt, ‘Create Your Own Smoothie’ contest, and more!
Interaction Institute for Social Change
25th Anniversary Celebration
The Interaction Institute for Social Change is thrilled to be celebrating their 25th anniversary this year!


WHEN: Tuesday, June 11
6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

TICKETS : $75 - 150


Join the Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC) at their anniversary celebration with nonprofit, foundation, business, government, education, and community leaders. Together they will gather to learn from one another’s stories, celebrate, and enjoy local cuisine.
Karaoke Night @ The Dewitt
Do you think you have what it takes to be crowned the Karaoke Champion?

WHEN: Thursday, June 13
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)


Join us for an entertaining evening of karaoke to find out!
2020 Census: Roxbury Counts Kick-Off
Join us as we fight for a fair count of Roxbury!

WHEN: Friday, June 14
9:00 am - 11:00 am

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)


The neighborhood of Roxbury saw only a 63% return rate
(in comparison to 78% from other Boston neighborhoods) during the 2010 Census.


We want to ensure our community is counted fairly and represented as we understand the impact this will have on various social service programs moving forward. MPDC will commit resources and work with area partners to mount a strong effort to prepare for the upcoming Census in 2020.
The State of Black Music & The Arts Across Greater Boston
Discuss the current condition & future of Black music and the arts at a local and national level

WHEN: Friday, June 14
6:00 pm - 8:45 pm

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

TICKETS : $20


Join BAMS Fest & Hibernian Hall for a two-part conversation: a one-on-one discussion with Co-Founder of Black Music Month,  Dyana Williams , and a lively panel discussion with music historians, arts educators and practicing artists of color who discuss the current condition and future of Black music and the arts at a local and national level.
MPDC Unity Day
MPDC invites you for a day of fun celebrating our neighborhood!

WHEN: Saturday, June 15
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)


Free food & refreshments, live music, wellness activities & exercises, games, face painting & more!
Bilal Live at Hibernian Hall
Join Hibernian Hall for their SOLSTONE Neo-Soul Concert featuring Bilal.

WHEN: Saturday, June 15
8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)


TICKETS : $50

Through evangelism from his peers and word of mouth from his early fans, Bilal gained an insatiable following and was supported by sympathetic independent labels, where he was finally able to thrive creatively.
Senior Paint Day & The Dewitt
Seniors are invited to join us for a creative day of painting!

WHEN: Monday, June 17
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Everyone will leave with their own one of a kind masterpiece – no experience needed! Space is limited, first come first serve.
Annual MPV Father's Day Dinner Celebration
Celebrate Father's Day with your family, neighbors & friends!

WHEN: Thursday, June 20
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)


Annual MPV Mother’s Day Dinner Celebration for residents of Haynes House, Smith House, Madison Park III, Madison Park IV, Beryl Gardens, Ruggles Shawmut, Dudley Greenville, 9 Williams Street, and St. Botolph.

Please RSVP by calling Marcus @ 617-238-2313 or
Etai @ 617-427-9242.
1st Annual Empower Our Crown
Women's Brunch
Join Empower Our Crown for their official launch at The Dewitt Center

WHEN: Saturday, June 22
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

TICKETS : $30

J oin Empower Our Crown for the launch of their organization which promotes and encourages women to love and inspire one another through walking in their truth, faith, and sisterhood.