May 2018 News @ MPDC
UPDATES
After School Youth Employment Program Completion Ceremony
On May 1st we celebrated the culmination of our after school employment program recognizing 21 young people who work with 21 MPDC partner organizations. All five seniors in the program will graduate from high school and attend college in the fall. Wentworth Institute and Simmons College granted full scholarships to two seniors. During the year, in addition to working at their site, youth leaders advocated for summer job funding on Beacon Hill and completed community service and academic enrichment programs.
Smith House
Renovations Complete
Smith House, a 132-unit senior housing building, has a new expanded lobby and ground floor with more windows, outdoor patio, and gathering space. As part of the building renovation, MPDC upgraded building systems, modernized the units, reconfigured the common areas and added universal design features. To celebrate the renovations, a residents' reception was held in the newly added lobby common area.
Dewitt Community Center Opening Soon
The Dewitt Community Center, located in the Madison Park Village, will open in June. The center is a new hub for MPDC programming including: youth development and education, workforce development and employment skills training, physical fitness and wellness, sports, and arts.
 
Ellis Memorial will run a summer camp program beginning in July and Timothy Smith Network’s Public Internet Center will open in mid-June.
Hibernian Hall presents "I M Possible" Closing Night
I M Possible, written by Visiting Playwright Juanita Peters and directed by Vincent Siders, held a successful run at Hibernian Hall from May 11th - 20th . The audience enjoyed a moving story of three young African-Canadian men who immigrate from Nova Scotia to Massachusetts and New York. Friends of Hibernian Hall enjoyed a reception and conversation with the playwright and director on Sunday, May 20 th and met Hibernian Hall’s new Artistic Director D. Farai Williams.
EVENTS
"What A Difference A D.A. Makes"
Suffolk County D.A. Candidates Debate
On June 7, 2018 the RoxVote Coalition in partnership with ACLU Massachusetts, will hold a forum for the four candidates running for Suffolk County District Attorney at Hibernian Hall from 6:00 - 8:30 PM .

RoxVote is a non-partisan coalition of community organizations working together to educate voters, increase civic participation and voter turnout and influence issues that matter to Roxbury residents. This event will be moderated by broadcast journalist, Callie Crossley.