March 2019 @ MPDC
Celebrating Roxbury art & history
at The Dewitt Center
On Thursday, March 28, nearly 200 people joined MPDC for The Dewitt Center Art Gallery Reception and Celebration . The evening was jam-packed with activities including music by Fulani Live Jazz , guided tours of the gallery with MPDC youth participants, yummy food from Ethnica Catering , and an engaging speaking program with a presentation by gallery curator, Lolita Parker, Jr.

Since July,  The Dewitt Center  has been filled with programming and events but also fabulous art & photography representing 110 years of imagery in Roxbury . Most of the pieces at the Center were taken or created within a half-mile of 122 Dewitt Drive and, artists of color created 80% of the pieces .

Missed the event? Want to take a tour of the gallery?
 Stop by The Dewitt Center Monday through Friday from 10 am to 8 pm or Saturday 10 am to 6 pm and take a self-guided tour with one of our handy ‘ Self Guided Tour Companions .’
Want to learn more about the gallery at The Dewitt? Contact  Erica Davis .
A delightful 'Doughnuts with Delegates'
On March 26, MPDC partnered with Nuestra Comunidad CDC for our annual 'Donuts with Delegates' event. The morning brought together local and state elected officials with a stake in the Roxbury neighborhood to discuss ways to support equitable solutions for our current affordable housing and community development efforts .

The event was well attended by residents of the community, staff from both organizations, along with State Rep. Russell Holmes , State Rep. Liz Miranda , State Rep. Nika Elugardo , City Councilor At-Large Althea Garrison , City Councilor Kim Janey , and staff from City Councilor At-Large Michelle Wu ’s office and City Councilor At-Large Annissa Essaibi-George ’s office.

MPDC CEO, Jeanne Pinado shared highlights from MPDC's workforce diversity program and  mentioned the growing momentum to increase state matching dollars  for increased support for the  Community Preservation Act  and concluded by  urging our elected representatives to take a broader view of our affordable housing needs  by supporting statewide zoning reform.
MPDC leadership takes a trip to Washington!
MPDC CEO, Jeanne Pinado, and VP of Programs, Leslie Reid, were in Washington DC i n March with  NeighborWorks organization colleagues from around the country   advocating for an increase in federal investment for community development . Jeanne visited Capitol Hill and watched Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley  attend a public hearing where the committee heard testimony from  Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross .
Poetry & community discussion fill
The Dewitt Center
The Boston Public Health Commission Neighborhood Trauma Team hosted a 'Share Out and Community Discussion' on February 27 at The Dewitt Center. At this event, 50  residents shared their concerns  about violence  in the community   and  discussed strategies  to address neighborhood issues.
Boston Pulse Poetry hosted their 'Black History Open Mic Potluck' to close out Black History Month on February 28. Students from Boston Public Schools gathered together to perform self-identifying art through spoken word poetry . Creative Program Director, D-Ruff, opened the event by stating “If black history started at slavery, it’ll look like we progressed. So, it’s time to reveal our crowns and give their history a rest.”
Stay connected by following the
Dewitt Center Facebook & Instagram pages!
Dewitt Center Spotlight:
One Love Sports Academy
One Love Sports Academy (OLSA) serves youth ages 7 to 16 at The Dewitt Center gymnasium and focuses on sports, physical activity, & academic success. Students at OLSA spend time on the basketball court and in mentorship workshops . OLSA students receive the necessary training to advance academically and athletically . Jamaal Wornum , OLSA Founder & Executive Director, enjoys empowering teens and bridging the gap to help them become successful young men.

One of OLSA's participants, Kamaur Fulks ( pictured here with his father & MPDC Public Safety Coordinator, Lavell Fulks ), is nine years old and joined OLSA because of his love for sports . He aspires to be a professional athlete someday. When he isn't on the court, he is a student at Neighborhood House Charter School and enjoys reading & watching movies. OLSA provides youth like Kamaur the tools needed to excel in sports , build self-esteem , develop leadership skills , and engage with positive role models . 

Join One Love Sports Academy at The Dewitt Center every Tuesday & Thursday from 6 to 8 pm!
For more information on OLSA contact Erica Davis , Dewitt Center Director.
Boston Children's Chorus 'Persist' at Hibernian Hall
On February 28, the Boston Children’s Chorus (BCC), Black History Month concert, ' She Persisted ' filled Hibernian Hall with music and joy . BCC Artistic Director Robbie Jacobs said “ The entire event was lovely! There was a good crowd and, it was great to work with the Hibernian Hall Team."
We look forward to our continued partnership with BCC and their future performances at Hibernian Hall!
Stay connected by following Hibernian Hall!
A family of first-time homebuyers
Congratulations to Madison Park Village (MPV) & Haynes House residents, Latara & Henrietta! They are MPDC’s most recent first-time home-buyers!

This mother and daughter team are the 3 rd  and 4 th  MPDC residents to receive $50,000 of aid from MPDC's First Time Home-Buyers Down Payment Assistance Pilot Program Funded in part by Santander Bank N.A. Charitable Contributions Program . Together, they purchased a three-family home in Roslindale.

Latara and Henrietta have been Madison Park residents for ten years and 20+ years respectively. Both Latara and Henrietta are graduates of the  City of Boston’s First Time Home-Buyer Program . They diligently worked together to find a home that their family of four could afford. Latara faced numerous roadblocks throughout the process but, she wouldn't allow it to affect her. She was eager to become a homeowner and, it was an honor for Dwayne Watts, MPDC Resident Engagement Coordinator, to help  realize her home-ownership dreams and connect her with the assistance she needed to buy her first home .
 
“ Home-ownership can be a reality for families.  Sometimes, all it takes is a little assistance and some homework to make your home-buying dreams a reality. I can't wait to attend Latara and Henrietta's house warming party!” says Dwayne.
MPDC participants celebrate
certifications, employment, & internships
On March 11 & 12, MPDC held the first session of our 2019 OSHA-10 training at Hibernian Hall. MPDC trained 19 local residents and staff members in workplace safety and the reduction of job-site hazards. Several of the trainees had job offers pending as a result of the February MPDC Job Fair. Congratulations to them for receiving their OSHA-10 certification!

Don't miss MPDC’s next OSHA-10 training on April 29  & 30!
For more information or to register, contact Katrina Conrad , MPDC Workforce Diversity Manager.
MPDC’s Real Estate & Community Action Departments teamed up and successfully placed three Workforce Development Participants in great jobs !
 
Thanks to MPDC's engagement with construction contractors, David Hurst, owner of Hurst Landscaping , recently made job offers to three individuals that participated in our group interview sessions held over the last four weeks.

Congratulations to the following Boston residents & MPDC program participants:
 
Gabrielle , MPDC Opportunity Youth Employment Program participant
 
Damond , MPDC Community Action participant
 
Ruben , MPDC OSHA-10 training graduate & MPDC Job Fair participant
The MPDC Youth Workforce Development team has been working hard this March to enroll several of our youth participants in meaningful internships throughout the city!

Congratulations to:


Jael , Sophomore at Cristo Rey High School & intern at  The American City Coalition


Ephraim , Junior at Roxbury Prep High School & intern at the  Perkins Community Center
Steady progress at 2451 Washington
2451 Washington Street is an exciting  MPDC home-ownership project   in Dudley Square that involves the construction of  16 mixed-income housing units . Construction of these  future homes for families  began in September 2018 and is estimated to be complete in early 2020. The development is comprised of 3  one-bedroom ,  8 two-bedroom , and  5 three-bedroom  units and features handsome contemporary designs along with parking.  Four units are dedicated to households earning 80 percent of  area median income  (AMI),  3 units at 100 percent of AMI ,   and  9 units priced at market rates .
 
The general contractor for the project,  Essex Builders , has finished digging and pouring the building’s footings & foundations and has started forming the concrete walls.  Essex Builders is currently accepting walk-on applications located in the job box on the construction fence near the  Washington Street gate .
Many milestones in March for
MPDC Resource Development
MPDC's Resource Development team received a number of grants in March, and we are excited to tell you about them!

First, we are thrilled to announce that MPDC has been selected as a Boston Children’s Hospital funded partner . This grant is part of Boston Children’s Hospital’s distribution of $5 million to 16 funded partners through its Collaboration for Community Health . MPDC will receive $75,000 per year for the next three years to expand opportunities for MPDC residents and other community members to receive trauma supports in trusted community spaces, like The Dewitt Center , and strengthen MPDC’s community trauma response capacity. We are excited about this opportunity to work with Boston Children’s to improve the health and well-being of children, youth, and families!
 
We are also pleased to announce an additional year of funding from the People’s United Community Foundation ! This $3,500 renewal award will support youth participating in 2019 Summer Youth Employment Program as well as 2019-2020 After School Youth Employment Program.
 
In addition to these two funding allocations, MPDC is looking forward to another year of partnership with Boston Centers for Youth & Families through its SuccessLink Summer Youth Employment Program . This partnership will allow MPDC to provide 30 young people with meaningful employment in Roxbury this summer!

Lastly, on Monday, March 18, MPDC participated in the grantee orientation hosted by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation for its new cohort of 2019 Healthy Food Fund partner organizations . We look forward to the next three years of partnership with the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation as we grow the impact of our community gardens and the capacity of residents and volunteers.
 
Are you interested in joining the partners above in supporting the amazing work happening at MPDC?
Consider becoming a donor today!
Contact Resource Development Manager, Kay Mathew , to learn more about the impact your gift can have.
Summer Youth Employment Program
MPDC is now accepting applications for our 2019 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) !
Our unique summer youth employment program is designed to train youth in work readiness , life skills , personal development , finance , and more while they are on their journey towards viable employment. Youth attend weekly workshops at MPDC to ensure that they are fully engaged in their professional training and development. With over 50 employment sites , youth have a variety of choices that align with their desired career, creative, educational, or recreational goals. Whether its health, sports, education, retail, or arts, we have a job suitable for all youth!
UPCOMING EVENTS
We Create Festival
Join Danza Orgánica for an unparalleled feast of music, dance, film, circus arts, & media arts!

WHEN: April 5 - 6
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)


We Create has become a favorite in the Massachusetts arts community! The first week of April, Boston comes alive as a vibrant city committed to the support of self-identified women and gender non-conforming artists.
14th Annual Cape Verdean - Jewish Passover Seder
Enjoy an evening celebrating the Cape Verdean and the Jewish community.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 10
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

At this special Seder share the liberation stories and songs of both Jews and Kabuverdianus and explore the histories & cultures of both groups.
Fair Housing Free Open House
Join the City of Boston for a day of connecting constituents and Boston housing service providers.

WHEN: Saturday, April 13
10:00 am - 3:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)


At this event, you can connect with Boston’s housing service providers and learn about Boston’s affordable housing, home buying options, credit building, housing discrimination, and much more!
Celebrity Series Boston presents:
The Jason Palmer Quintet with FunkAcademy
Boston Celebrity Series hosts an afternoon of music for all at Hibernian Hall!

WHEN: Sunday, April 13
3:00 pm

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)


Internationally-acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and educator Jason Palmer has played with many all-time greats and current stars and has appeared on over forty albums as a sideman and eight as a leader.
Aging in Community: Senior Resource Fair
A special day for our senior community!

WHEN: Tuesday, April 23
8:30 am - 11:30 am

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)


Join MPDC, Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation , Central Boston Elder Services & Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center for our annual FREE Senior Resource Fair at Hibernian Hall featuring delicious healthy food, resources for seniors, bingo with prizes, health screenings, & other exciting activities.
Men of Color Wellness Summit
Join the  Male Engagement Network (MEN)  for their Men of Color Wellness Summit.

WHEN: Saturday, April 27
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

This event is to raise awareness in black and brown communities about mental health; as it pertains to men of color. 
MPDC's 2019 OSHA-10 Classes
Need your OSHA-10 Certification? MPDC can help!

WHEN: April 29 - 30
8:30 am - 3:30 pm

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

Sign up for training with MPDC to receive your OSHA-10 certification for only $10.
Space is limited.