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A Message from Sharon Scott-Chandler
President and CEO
Dear ABCD family,
As I reflect on the first month as ABCD's new President and CEO, I am both humbled and inspired.
Bob Coard’s passion and determination built ABCD. His longtime deputy, John Drew, succeeded him, leading ABCD to new accomplishments. I feel deeply honored that the torch has been passed to me, after 23 years here, to lead this incredible organization on the next leg of its journey.
Today, we face a daunting world of issues from climate change, global health crises, and disruptive technology, to intractable social justice challenges and widening economic disparities. The good news is that ABCD has a long history of fighting inequities—and succeeding. We stand on a firm foundation; uncommon energy, resilience and innovation are in our DNA.
Our successes are thanks to the extraordinary commitment of our Board, staff and supporters, many of whom have been with us for decades, and others have just joined us, bringing their passion and unique contributions.
I look forward to working with you all as I embrace this new role. Together, we will reach new heights, and deepen the life-changing impacts that we have on our communities.
With gratitude,
Sharon
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John J. Drew retires after 51 years, life in service
| Longtime ABCD President and CEO John J. Drew retired on June 30th, closing the chapter on a career of service that spanned 51 years at ABCD, 13 as its leader. Read Boston Globe columnist Adrian Walker’s homage to John’s work and legacy here, and discover other tributes in the news section of the ABCD website. | | | |
Batter Up! Field of Dreams Baseball Fundraiser Is Back | |
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The June Field of Dreams summertime fundraiser at Fenway Park was rained out, but not before some of our incredible sponsors got a few games in for a great cause, including Boston Children’s Hospital, Mass General Brigham, DMB Financial and Ropes & Gray LLP. Co-chairs included Tom Caron, journalist, New England Sports Network, Lewis Eisenberg, partner, Cosgrove, Eisenberg and Kiley PC and Peter Damato, CEO Merchant Resource Group.
Absence still makes the heart fonder. Field of Dreams participant, Matthew Holland, representing Boston Children’s Hospital said, “This is our first year back after two years due to COVID. I can't imagine anything better than being here for the kids."
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Twenty-two teens learned about civic engagement at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate, and about entrepreneurship at the Junior Achievement Innovation Center as part of the Youth Engaged In Action (YEA!) summer program for income-eligible 13 year olds in Boston, Malden, Medford and Everett.
Thirteen is a tween stage -- too old for summer camp, but too young to qualify for a youth jobs program like ABCD’s SummerWorks. YEA! seeks to fill this gap. Research shows that the middle school years are a critical time for young people.
This hybrid program included online sessions and two field trips culminating with a graduation ceremony on July 29th.
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Participants in our Youth Engaged in Action (YEA!) program had the opportunity to become senators for a day at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the US Senate, which features the nation’s only full-scale replica of the United States Senate Chamber! |
Two youth work on the digital design for their team’s mental health-related business idea. | |
On July 29th, we celebrated the Youth Engaged in Action Class of 2022. | |
Suffolk County DA Grant Helps Fund ABCD's WORKSMART: Interagency Partnership Provides Opportunities and Interventions for Youth | Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden presented ABCD President and CEO, Sharon Scott-Chandler, Esq. with a $2,500 Community Reinvestment Grant at the Temple Street office. This grant will help fund our WORKSMART career readiness and mentorship program. | |
L-R Yazmin Rodriguez, program manager, WorkSMART, Monique Mitchell, program manager, SummerWorks, Jessica Rosario, deputy director workforce development, Kevin Hayden, Suffolk County district attorney, Sharon Scott-Chandler, Esq., ABCD president and CEO, Ron Marlow, director workforce development and alternative education, Ally Richards, senior grant writer, Jennifer Williams, ABCD general counsel. | |
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Beginning your career in early education is a breeze with our First Steps Into Childcare early educator training program.
At First Steps, income-eligible Greater Boston residents obtain the education, skills, and job placement support they need to thrive as early educators at no cost.
Call 617.348.6728 or email firststeps@bostonabcd.org to apply for our August session.
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Commonwealth Corporation Awards $500,000 Toward Early Education Teacher Training
Enrollment is Now Open
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Commonwealth Corporation, through the Workforce Competitive Trust Fund, awarded ABCD $500,000 to support 90 participants in the agency’s First Steps early educator training program. The grant runs from July 1, 2022 - July 1, 2024. Applicants must meet income requirements.
Participants receive college credits through the Urban College of Boston or other partner community colleges. Upon completion, alumni will have the opportunity to interview with ABCD Head Start or a childcare provider in ABCD’s extended network. First Steps offers job placement assistance and career counseling at all stages of the program: pre-employment, during employment and post-employment. For more information, please click here.
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ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler Reaffirms Agency's Commitment to Reproductive Rights | |
As we all continue to advocate against the Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, ABCD is proactively trying to do its part to minimize the effects of this devastating decision. We are gravely concerned about the disproportionate impact it will have on under-resourced communities, particularly those of color - it is only the latest threat to our fight to achieve health equity. ABCD firmly believes that choice is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution and remains committed to providing women, in collaboration with our network of health centers and other partners, with access to emergency contraceptives and family planning counseling, which includes counseling on pregnancy termination. | |
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2022 Election Cycle Underway
ABCD Offers Early Voting Site
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ABCD is committed to empowering underserved and underrepresented people in Greater Boston through civic engagement – by encouraging use of their voices and votes to make a difference in the community and in society at-large. That’s why we want to share up-to-date information about the Massachusetts State Primary Election on Tuesday, September 6th, 2022. The State Primary Election determines which candidates will appear on the ballot for governor and other offices on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022.
Last month, the City of Boston added 20 new voting precincts for the upcoming election to improve access and equity in voting. The voter registration deadline is Saturday, August 27th. Register here. Find your local polling location across the state by visiting sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/WhereDoIVote.
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ABCD in Action: Featured Videos
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University High Graduation 2022 | |
Ostiguy High Graduation 2022 | |
Contact ABCD Connect for information about programs and services. | |
Insight Editor: Jamie McIver Layout: Darren Szeto | |
Action for Boston Community Development | 617.348.6000 | bostonabcd.org | | | | | |
