Fuel Assistance applications available Nov. 1st
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Steven, a 62-year-old musician living in Hyde Park, is still in disbelief on how much ABCD helped him.
Two years ago,
Steven said he applied for and received over $1,000 worth of fuel from ABCD
. Last year, he said ABCD provided a full energy assessment of his 100-year-old house in Hyde Park.
With energy-efficient installation blown into his walls and a new boiler, fuel tank and fuel line replaced, Steven is not only better prepared to get through the winter but is also eagerly anticipating big savings in his energy and fuel bills.
“It was fantastic,” said Steven. “The money I will save this winter will allow me to buy more food and make ends meet,” he said. “I can’t thank ABCD enough for their help.”
With fall temperatures dropping and the start of the frigid New England winter coming up fast, ABCD is urging struggling families, elders and others to sign up immediately for fuel assistance.
ABCD’s fuel assistance program for oil, propane and kerosene is accepting new applications at 35 fuel assistance in-take sites starting Nov. 1
for residents in Boston, Brookline, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Newton, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn.
ABCD’s fuel and energy programs allow income-eligible residents in those towns to apply for Fuel Assistance which helps households pay their heating bills and provides advocacy for prevention of termination and restoration of utility services for low-income residents.
The need for ABCD fuel assistance has never been higher. In 2018, ABCD received 25,000 applications for fuel assistance.
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Buona Sera: An Evening with Friends raised nearly $40,000
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On October 3, 2019, ABCD’s North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC) 9th annual fundraising event
Buona Sera: An Evening with Friends
r
aised nearly $40,000 to aid low-income and elderly residents of the North End and West End who turn to the center for assistance
.
NE/WE NSC Director Maria Stella Gulla, who grew up in the North End, noted that
since 2011 this innovative event has raised over $350,000 for educational and recreational programs and human services that the center offers
. Here in their neighborhoods, they have hundreds of seniors aging in place who have lived in the North End since their childhood or in the case of the West End, are thrilled to come back after having neighborhood development forced their eviction in the 1950s. In both communities, they see seniors into their 80s, 90s, and beyond.
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The Buona Sera evening commenced with a wine reception at WilmerHale on the 26th floor of 60 State Street, followed by dinner at a table for 10 at one of several premiere North End restaurants. Each table was paired with a local celebrity – an elected or public official, sports figure, media celebrity or other well-known local personality. All who participated enjoyed a mild fall evening on the town (with a final reminder of the string of 80-degree days that week), along with sparkling conversation with their celebrity host!
“This event continues to exceed our expectations, thanks in no small part to our Fundraising Chair, Becky Mattson, and Principal of Sagebrook Development. It really is a high profile event, and we are enthusiastically heading up preparations for year 10. Stay tuned!” said Johannah Malone, NE/WE NSC Event Coordinator and Fundraising Specialist.
The ABCD NE/WE NSC thanks their 2019 donors for the event, some who go back nine years!
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Receive a meal from ABCD’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
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The holiday season can be a stressful time of the year for those in need, especially when they have to worry about if they can afford food.
ABCD’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive provides families in need with complete holiday meal baskets that include a Turkey and all of the fixings
. By receiving these nutritious meals, participating families are able to fully participate in holiday festivities and have some of their stress alleviated.
ABCD’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive sign up list is now open
. If you or someone you know are interested in receiving a holiday meal basket, please contact your local ABCD neighborhood site to sign up.
There are 11 sites serving Boston, Malden, Medford and Everett.
The turkeys and fixings for the baskets are provided through private donations and purchases from the Greater Boston Food Bank.
If you would like to donate or help, please call the ABCD Give line at 617-348-6559 or email
give@bostonabcd.org
.
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WorkSMART expands programming with the support of $10,000 grant from Berkshire Bank
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The ABCD WorkSMART (Support Mentoring Academics Readiness Training) program is a youth development program for high school students that helps them stay in school and lays the cornerstone for future career success.
WorkSMART provides low-income students ages 14–21 with support for academic achievement and persistence, career exploration, paid work experience, and opportunities to earn work-related credentials.
Starting this year, due to a generous grant of $10,000 from the Berkshire Bank Foundation, a freshman level college course will be added to the program offerings
. This program expansion allows for students to earn transferable college credits while still completing their high school studies. For many low-income students, the head start in attaining college credits will reduce the overall cost of college when they are fully enrolled.
In Boston’s low-income neighborhoods, which have high rates of unemployment and scarce job opportunities for youth, it can be nearly impossible for young people to get the all-important first job. Without an entry into the workforce, many youth become discouraged about their future and fail to see the value of school. These young people are at high risk of becoming disengaged and dropping out. With the help of partners like the Berkshire Bank Foundation, ABCD works to illuminate the path to prosperity for these students.
Berkshire Bank is committed to investing in the success and vibrancy of local communities. By providing financial support, it is the bank’s goal to transform possibilities into a brighter reality for the people and places they serve.
ABCD extends its gratitude to the Berkshire Bank Foundation for helping to make this program expansion a reality!
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Ostiguy High School Named a Finalist for Prestigious Program
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Ostiguy High School has been named a finalist for the Social Innovation Forum’s 2019–2020 Social Innovator Accelerator cohort
. Congratulations to the school’s principal, Roger Oser, for this honor.
The Social Innovation Forum
creates positive social change in greater Boston by engaging leaders, strengthening organizations, and building networks. The Social Innovation Forum’s flagship program, the Social Innovator Accelerator, provides a unique opportunity for innovative nonprofits programs to gain visibility, expand their networks, and build capacity.
Each year the Social Innovation Forum identifies several social issue tracks for that year’s Social Innovator Accelerator program. One organization is selected for each track.
Ostiguy High School has been named a finalist for the 2019-2020 track
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic
after an extensive process that included a two-stage application, a presentation, and interviews
.
Organizations selected to participate in the Social Innovator Accelerator receive consulting and executive coaching services, networking and relationship-building support, showcasing via numerous events that attract business leaders, institutional funders, and individual
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Community Heroes Celebration
Friday, November 8th
Boston Marriott Copley Place
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Join us in honoring this year's extraordinary ABCD heroes at our 45th annual celebration!
Featuring
Tony
®
, Grammy
®
& Emmy
®
Award winner
Audra McDonald
in performance.
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Give Today.
Your gift supports ABCD in its mission to empower low-income people by providing them with the tools to overcome poverty, live with dignity, and achieve their full potential. Interested in other ways of giving? Please contact the Planning and Grants Department at 617-348-6559.
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Follow us on Social Media
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Action for Boston Community Development | 617-348-6000 |
bostonabcd.org
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