2016: A Year of Transition and Transformation

2016 was an exciting year for the Foundation and its community and funder partners. The Foundation has successfully transitioned leadership and 2017 will be a period of transformation and growth for the organization. The work of challenging and overcoming racialized oppression is still front in center as we complete the first full year of our new strategic framework and we’re firing on all cylinders. Here are some key updates as we begin a new year:

New Leadership

On August 29, Jocelyn Sargent became the new executive director for the Foundation; she replaced Beth Smith, who lead Hyams for nearly 30 years and leaves behind an impressive legacy of advancing social justice and equity. Jocelyn brings a wealth of foundation experience and expertise to Hyams and has bold plans in leading the Foundation and serving its community partners. Click here for an in-depth interview with Jocelyn as she discusses the new strategic plan, her vision for the organization, and the current local and national racial justice environment we’re living in.

Hyams Ranks 3rd in Social Justice Funding

Recently, the National Center for Responsive Philanthropy released a report, " Which Foundations Invested Most in Social Justice Strategies," highlighting the top funders in the nation who invested heavily in social justice initiatives from 2003 to 2013. Hyams was proud to come in at #3 on the list!

Beth Smith Earns Professional Achievement Award

Former Hyams Executive Director Beth Smith was given a 2016 Professional Achievement Award by her alma mater, the University of Chicago in November! This event was the 75th anniversary of the alumni awards and Beth was one of five awardees. To learn more, click here. Congratulations, Beth!

…and speaking of Beth...

On October 18, the trustees and staff of the Foundation threw a celebration honoring Beth's legacy.   The event was well-attended, filled with incredible speeches, and was a great opportunity to commemorate Beth’s work and impact on so many communities across Boston and Chelsea!

Honoring Hyams

This fall, Hyams was honored by two community partners for its funding work. Massachusetts Advocates for Children gave a special award to former Executive Director Beth Smith during their Celebrating Voices 2016 Annual Gala. The Foundation was also honored by MassVOTE at its Champions of Democracy Celebration in October.

Facing Race

The Hyams Foundation was a “Change Maker” co-sponsor of the Facing Race Conference in Atlanta this year. Held from November 10-12, the national biennial conference hosted by Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation gathered nonprofits from across the country to collaborate, share best practices, and discuss the pressing issues facing the racial justice movement in this nation.

Community Partners in the Spotlight

Hyams has had three successful grant making cycles under its current strategic plan and we’re proud to highlight the work of our community partners! Click here to read about the work of six community-based organizations doing impactful racial justice work!  Also, stay tuned for a listing of grants made under the most recent grant making cycle!