Remembering Reverend Dr.
Michael Haynes
The Roxbury community lost a giant with the passing of Reverend Dr. Michael Haynes on September 12th. He was the longtime pastor of the historic Twelfth Baptist Church on Warren Street and a well known spiritual leader, mentor, community activist, State Representative, and Boston hero. His brother, C. Vincent Haynes, was a founding member of Madison Park Development Corporation in 1966 and continued to serve on the Board of Directors through the 1990s. MPDC's Haynes House is named after Vincent Haynes.
A few years ago, to honor the Haynes family's legacy, MPDC established The Haynes Family Scholarship Program for those seeking college or vocational training.
Reverend Dr. Michael Haynes will truly be missed by the community.
September 2019 @ MPDC
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Melnea Cass Apartments
Ribbon Cutting & Celebration
Join MPDC, Preservation of Affordable Housing , & Boston Housing Authority for a ribbon cutting & celebration

WHEN: Saturday, October 26
12:00pm - 3:00pm

WHERE:   In the parking lots of Melnea Cass Apartments ( across from 34 Sojourner Truth Court) Roxbury, MA

Celebrate the completion of the Melnea Cass Apartments with a ribbon cutting and community housewarming celebration to welcome 76 families to their new homes in Roxbury!
A super September at The Dewitt Center
As The Dewitt Center ends a successful Summer, it is busier than ever with everything from fitness classes ( Premium Fitness ) to hosting the 2019  Boston Book Festival !
 
We have lots of exciting programs , workshops , activities , and events planned at The Dewitt Center during the fall and we are ready to  #DoItAtTheDewitt !
 
Through September, we are looking forward to hosting returning programs such as  EVkids and welcoming new ones such as  Leaders of Tomorrow . We also have lots of special events planned such as  our Holiday Dinner  &  Teen Paint Night . The Dewitt Center is also proud to be a  new polling location  in Roxbury!

You can see a schedule of Dewitt Center programs & events  here .
 
Interested in hosting a community event or program at The Dewitt Center?
Fill out our inquiry form  here  or contact  Erica Davis  / 617.541.3900
for more information.
Elevate Northeast hosted part one of their Cannabis and Me series at The Dewitt Center. The event educated guests on the health benefits of cannabis and why new regulations regarding marijuana have become welcomed in many states. The evening included information about cannabis science , data , medicine , and the economic reasons people are getting involved in this innovative industry.
The Boston Breastfeeding Coalition and the Boston Association for Childbirth Education partnered for a screening of Chocolate Milk at The Dewitt Center in celebration of National Black Breastfeeding Week . Chocolate Milk explores the racial divide in breastfeeding and investigates why more Black families are not breastfeeding their children. Following the screening was a discussion on what can be done by communities to uplift Boston's Black breastfeeding families .
The S.T.A.R (Striving to Achieve Righteousness) Program launched their 1st Annual Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway at The Dewitt Center on September 6th. The family-friendly event included a screening of  Step , a film about a girls' high school step team in Baltimore, and giveaways of free backpacks & school supplies to 125 families donated by The Kids In Need Foundation
On September 14th, the City of Boston Age Strong Commission held Part 1 of their first-ever employment workshop series . Age Strong @ Work is geared towards helping older workers (50+) find employment. The day kicked off with remarks from the Secretary of Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Elizabeth Chen , who encouraged the older workers to see the value in their experience, and to change the conversation on aging. She urged people to see aging as an asset instead of seeing it as a liability. Parts 2 & 3 are scheduled to happen in October at The Dewitt Center!
The Dewitt Center held an Intern Appreciation Lunch for their five Summer Interns, Jamari Howard, Trinity Foster, Kadel Cato, Phillmore Weekes, and Sofia Cabral from MPDC's Summer Youth Employment Program. Each intern received a certificate of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. The interns played many roles over the Summer, including front desk staff , athletic managers , event organizers , and leaders of community outreach .

We wish them a successful school year!
Stay connected by following The
Dewitt Center Facebook & Instagram pages!
Cookout with Candidates 2019
On Friday, September 6th, MPDC RoxVote hosted a Cookout with Candidates in Roxbury to share the importance of the Boston City Council At-Large Primary Election which happened on September 24th. The candidates in attendance included incumbents At-Large City Councilors Michael Flaherty & Annissa Essaibi-George along with At-Large candidates Herb Lozano , Alejandra St. Guillen , David Halbert , Domingos Da Rosa , Julia Mejia , and Priscilla St. Banks . The cookout included food from Boyce Slayman Catering, music by DJ KNSZWRTH, face painting, and children's activities. RoxVote is excited to continue raising awareness this Fall about the importance of civic engagement through canvassing and phone banking along with our Speed-Dating Candidate Forum on October 22nd at The Dewitt Center .
A lot happening in Fall at Hibernian Hall!
On September 7th,  Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and City Awake celebrated their second annual Fierce Urgency of Now Festival at Hibernian Hall. The three segments featured at Hibernian Hall included an Afrobeat Fit workshop, Queer People of Color Art Showcase , and the Transgender Emergency Fund Back to School Ball co-sponsored by Mass Now, Inc .
On September 14th, Hibernian Hall, in collaboration with BAMS Fest, hosted a Roxbury Love Concert featuring local music artists. We were honored to have two emerging Boston artists perform in the ballroom! Mark Merren set the stage with his massive love for Roxbury and 2019 Boston Music Awards nominee, Oompa , headlined the show with her original charm and lyrical wiz.
MPDC & Hibernian Hall are proud to be neighborhood partners with Boston Children’s Chorus (BCC) . The BCC Neighborhood Choirs bring diverse singers  from partner neighborhoods, and they also draw singers from the suburbs into these urban communities. Through these collaborations, BCC  increases access to their arts education program by deepening their presence in these neighborhoods. Boston Children's Chorus continued their residency at Hibernian Hall on September 16th,  rehearsing with their Roxbury choir. Welcome back!
How does a wealthy man host a reunion at his summer house on Martha's Vineyard, even though both his wife and housekeeper are too ill to attend? He hires the housekeeper's young daughter as a substitute maid, and the gathering begins with the arrival of his two sons and their girlfriends. But old family secrets have been suppressed too long , and before the weekend is over, all the dirty linen has been laundered and hung out to dry.

Stay connected by following Hibernian Hall!
Ready to buy your first home? MPDC's First Time Homebuyers Class can help!
On Wednesdays, October 9, 16, 23, and 30,  MPDC is hosting a First Time Homebuyers Class at Hibernian Hall co-sponsored by Financial Education Associates .
 
This eight-hour class takes a comprehensive approach to home buying to  assist local residents in reaching their home-ownership goals . These workshops are designed to help you to identify the team needed to purchase a home, such as a counseling agency, real estate broker, home inspector, insurance agent, mortgage lender, and real estate attorney. These workshops will 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 contact  Dwayne Watts  / 617.849.6326.
A successful September for MPDC Resource Development
MPDC welcomes our new Resource Development-Communications Associate , Valerie Basnight, who brings vast experience to her new position working with both departments. Val is a development and events professional who has 15 years experience supporting nonprofit organizations in the Boston area and owns her own business. Valerie is originally from Pasadena, CA, and she graduated from Simmons College, where she studied Psychology and Gender & Cultural Studies. Welcome, Val!
The Friends of Hibernian Hall House Party will be held in Dudley Square on Sunday, October 13th. Come on over for food , wine , and entertainment by Hibernian Hall & Roxbury artists. You’ll hear about Hibernian Hall’s upcoming production of Stickfly and the exciting production schedule for 2020.  Become a Friend of Hibernian Hall today so that you can take full advantage of Hibernian Hall’s exciting upcoming events! 

Interested in attending the House Party?
Contact Kay Mathew / 617.849.6335 for more information.
We are proud to announce the following recent grant awards :

As always, we are grateful to all of our funders for their support and their consistent confidence in the important and broad-based work of MPDC and Hibernian Hall!
The countdown to Sparks for Arts 2019 has begun ! We’re looking forward to our biggest gala yet with bites from Roxbury restaurants , entertainment from Roxbury artists , and beverages from local breweries . Be sure to dress to impress for this year's masquerade ball theme! Tickets are on sale now and be sure to watch for your official invitation in the mail. 

Become a Gala Sponsor Help us raise funds for the upcoming year by supporting this fabulous event! Your sponsorship is CITC eligible (50% state tax rebate on gifts of $1000 or more). Contact Kay Mathew / 617.849.6335 to learn more.
MPDC CEO Search Update
MPDC’s Board of Directors is excited to announce that final candidates for the CEO position have been identified.

Although Jeanne Pinado’s departure in December 2019 is bittersweet, the Board has accepted this is an opportunity to welcome a new visionary leader with creativity, energy, compassion, and drive that will lead MPDC towards a bright future. As always, we thank Jeanne for her tremendous leadership and ability to establish a solid foundation for the organization.
 
During the executive search process, the Board engaged Ann L Silverman Consulting to help guide, support, and ensure all stakeholders – including staff, residents, board, and external partners – provided necessary information that shaped the scope of the search. 

Through these efforts and how we engaged folks, the Board is confident that the next MPDC CEO will emerge from the pool of innovative, final candidates. A decision regarding the identity of the next CEO will be officially announced towards the end of October 2019. 

We look forward to the future and hope you are as excited as we are!
Kids grow at MPDC's
Community Gardens!
This Summer, MPDC had the opportunity to work with a fantastic volunteer from Lola , one of our partners, Katie Paugh. Katie volunteered her time to educate the participants of the Kids Garden Club (KGC). She taught them team-building skills , garden preparation , and how to harvest & weigh vegetables grown in the garden. KGC members were given a homework assignment to go to the supermarket and compare the prices of the vegetables they grew with the ones at the store. This exercise was one of their favorites of the summer! Toya, a parent involved with KGC, says, " I love this garden and what MPDC teaches my daughter and grandson . They are learning so much about team-building and how to grow the vegetables!"

MPDC wants to thank the children and families involved in Kids Garden Club, Katie for all of her hard work, and our Community Gardens funding partner, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation , for making this program possible!
Youth Workforce gears up for the Fall
An exciting October is in store for the Youth Workforce Programs at MPDC!

MPDC's After School Youth Employment Program is currently in the process of interviewing participants for the 2019-20 school year. This year's AYEP theme is Youth Social Justice . The theme's focus is intended to educate youth while raising awareness of the root causes of injustices and social issues in our society.

Also this Fall, MPDC is excited to partner with Teen Empowerment to coordinate trauma-informed forums for the community. The first forum will be held this November, followed by another in the Spring. Stay tuned for more details!

Along with a paid internship, AYEP meets weekly for professional development and enrichment . We are always seeking community partners to serve as work-sites for our interns.  If you are interested in hosting an intern for up to 10 hours a week, contact Yhinny Matos / 617-849-6236.
MPDC Staff Spotlight:
5 Questions with Lyndon Vincent
As a way for our community to learn more about our staff members, we have started the '5 Questions' series. These monthly interviews in our newsletters feature five random questions with an MPDC staff member.
This month we are chatting with Director of Youth Development and Community Support, Lydon Vincent .

 1. What role does the Director of Youth Development & Community Support play at MPDC?
 
LV : The Director of Youth Development & Community Support works as a collaborative leader for the Youth Workforce and Public Safety initiatives at MPDC. Youth Workforce Development initiatives include job readiness training, internships, life skills training, mentorship, HiSET instruction and college/ vocational training scholarships for youth ages 14 to 24 under four programs: Out of School Youth Employment Program (OYEP), Afterschool Youth Employment Program (AYEP) , Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and Opportunity Employment Program (OEP)

Community Support initiatives include coordinating & attending community public safety meetings, community outreach to promote community building as part of the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) .
 
Additional responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of a multi-year grant to expand programming in the area of community trauma response to MPDC residents, community members, and program participants.
  
2. What are some MPDC initiatives you are excited about?

 
3. Where is your favorite place to visit in Roxbury?
 
LV : I enjoy visiting local organizations and agencies that provide safe spaces to promote positive youth development and experiences.  
 
4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
 
LV : I spend my t ime with family and loved ones. I also enjoy traveling and watching sports.
 
5. What do you hope for the future of Roxbury?
 
 LV : I hope Roxbury continues to become a safer community for all residents! 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Narratives of Home: Roxbury Community Meeting on Gentrification
Join The Theater Offensive (TTO) for an oral history project and devised play about what home means

WHEN:  Wednesday, October 2
6:30pm - 9:00p m

WHERE:  Hibernian Hall
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

TTO Resident Artists Tatiana Gil and Eddie Maisonet want to bear witness to the stories of community members experiencing the effects of Boston’s rapid gentrification process through interviews. In Summer 2020, they will be presenting a brand-new play based off of these interviews.
Age Strong @ Work Series
Age Strong presents an Employment Workshop Series for people 50+

WHEN:  Day 2: Saturday, October 5
10:00am - 2:00p m

  Day 3: Saturday, October 19
9:00am - 1:00pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Join the City of Boston's Age Strong Commission for an overview of employment opportunities for older workers.
Hub New Music
Join Hub New Music for a performance at Hibernian Hall!

WHEN:   Saturday, October 5
3:00 pm - 5:00pm

WHERE:  Hibernian Hall
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

TICKETS :   $5 (to benefit Urbanity Dance youth programs)

Hub New Music showcases 21st-century composers, including Robert Honstein’s “Soul House” with Urbanity Dance & choreography by Haley Day performed by Urbanity dancers Meg Anderson, Haley Day, and Jacob Regan.
Homebuying 101 Class
Looking to buy your first home? MPDC can help!

WHEN: Wednesdays,
October 9, 16, 23, 30
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

WHERE:  Hibernian Hall
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

REGISTRATION FEE:  $25


Are you Interested in starting your first time home buying journey?
Contact   Dwayne Watts   / 617.849.6326.
Teen Paint Day @ The Dewitt Center
Teens are invited to join us for a creative day of painting!

WHEN: Thursday, October 17
4:30 pm - 7:30 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.
Stick Fly
How does a wealthy man host a reunion at his summer house on Martha's Vineyard, even though both his wife and housekeeper are too ill to attend? He hires the housekeeper's young daughter as a substitute maid, and the gathering begins with the arrival of his two sons and their girlfriends. But old family secrets have been suppressed too long , and before the weekend is over, all the dirty linen has been laundered and hung out to dry.



See it all unfold in 'Stick Fly' written by Lydia Diamond and directed by Ciera-Sadé Wade at Hibernian Hall.

WHEN: October 17 - 27
Various times

WHERE:   Hibernian Hall
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury)

TICKETS :  $15 - 30
The Blue Rose: Healing Through Art
Break the silence on violence with The Blue Rose .

WHEN: Saturday, October 19
2:00 pm - 6:00 am

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

The Blue Rose focuses on the traumas and taboos around domestic and street violence, sexual abuse, bullying and
mental health while empowering others to find their voice, break their silence and heal through art.
2019 Boston Book Festival
The Boston Book Festival presents a full day of free activities and discussions celebrating books and book lovers! 

WHEN:  Sunday, October 20
12:00 pm - 5:30 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

There’s something for everyone including writing workshops for children and teens, a comic book tutorial, spoken word performances, and immigrant fiction panel discussions; as well as featured presentations by romance writer Jasmine Guillory, poet Dwayne Betts, Newbury Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly and more!
2020 Census Information Events
@ The Dewitt
Apply for a job with the 2020 Census!

WHEN: Every Tuesday October 1 - October 29
10:00 am - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Learn more about jobs with the U.S. Census Bureau every Tuesday in October at The Dewitt Center.
MPDC Speed-Dating Candidate Forum
Meet the 2019 At-Large Candidates before the election! Join us for some speed "candi-dating!"

WHEN:  Tuesday, October 22
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)

Join the At-Large candidates participating in the General Election for a speed-dating style forum to ask questions about their plans for the future of our city!
Halloween Party @ The Dewitt Center
Celebrate Halloween at The Dewitt Center!

WHEN:  Wednesday, October 30
5:00pm - 8:00pm

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury)


Come celebrate Halloween at The Dewitt Center with Julia Mejia. Enjoy music, candy, free giveaways, and a costume contest!
Sparks for Arts
MPDC Holiday Hours
Madison Park Development Corporation offices, The Dewitt Center & Hibernian Hall will be 
closed on Monday, October 14, 2019 .
We apologize for any inconvenience.