April 2022 @ MPDC!
April Spotlight:
MPDC's Commitment to Expanding Equity in Roxbury
On March 16th, 2022, Madison Park Development Corporation was proud to respond to The Boston Planning and Redevelopment Agency’s request for proposals for Parcel P3. Located on Tremont Street, Parcel P3 is the last vacant portion of a larger site cleared for so-called Urban Renewal in 1988. Working with HYM and another local non-profit My City at Peace, MPDC aims to deliver approximately 165 income-restricted rental homes on the site. Two of the buildings would be primarily for life sciences and health care uses, which would help subsidize the construction of the three residential buildings.

The development concept will "maximize the potential of P3 and serve the needs and desires of the Roxbury community by creating deeply affordable homeownership and rental opportunities, good-paying jobs with viable long-term career tracks, meaningful equity participation in the development process by people of color and women, and beautifully-designed new spaces to live, work, or play."
MPDC's Youth Workforce Attend Boston Planning & Development Agency Meeting!
On March 23rd, Yhinny Matos, MPDC's Youth Workforce Manager, brought a group of MPDC Youth Workforce participants to attend a Boston Planning & Development Agency meeting about an MPDC and Urban League of Massachusetts project located at 84 Warren St in Nubian Square. The youth participants were able to make public comments and advocate directly for issues close to their hearts and minds - the importance of affordable housing and workforce training opportunities in Nubian Square.

After the meeting, the youth had some questions about how the real estate development process really works. On April 5th, the MPDC Real Estate team led a follow-up group conversation to answer their questions and teach more about why MPDC selects the projects we do, and how we work to advance the projects to completion and provide much-needed rent-restricted housing in Roxbury.

We look forward to continuing to inform and involve the youth in the future of their neighborhood!
MPDC's Peer Health Leaders Highlighted in Boston Seniority Magazine's April Issue
MPDC's Peer Health Leaders was highlighted in this month’s Boston Seniority Magazine! The Peer Health Leaders are a group of residents who work together to promote health in the Roxbury community. They do this through outreach, planning health promotion events, spreading information about health topics, educating community members about healthy living, and helping residents engage in health. The Peer Health Leader program was started in 2005 to help reduce cancer disparities that existed in the Roxbury neighborhood.

Shoutout to our Peer Health Leaders for continuing their amazing work! MPDC sends many congratulations to you all!
MPDC's Opportunity Employment Program Begins Makeup Artistry Course with BRCO
This April, OEP introduced a new workforce track, Makeup Artistry, a course led by makeup artist and business owner, Barbara Rodriguez. OEP students get hands-on experience and an introduction to career paths in the makeup artistry industry. BRCO's program also provides OEP students with a chance to learn the most popular makeup looks and specific makeup skills! To learn more about BRCO, click here.
Hibernian Hall Highlights:
Move for Charity & Master Playwriting Class Showcase
In April, Hibernian Hall opened its doors to various organizations that rented the Hall to host their events. From a movie recording to hosting an Easter service on Easter Sunday, the Hall was filled with people, music, and great times. In May, Hibernian Hall will be collaborating with Teen Empowerment to host a series of events that address street violence.
Dewitt Center Hosts Winn Fitness Funday + Elite Vibes Athletics Fundraiser
Over April school Spring break, Elite Vibe Athletics (EVA) rehearsed their performance for the “Official Launch Party Fundraiser” at the Dewitt Center. 30 young ladies are enrolled in the program. They are learning the fundamentals, skills, and strategies needed in sports of competitive cheerleading. Join EVA for the OFFICIAL Launch Party Fundraiser on April 24th from 1 PM to 5 PM at Kay’s Lounge Boston! Enjoy food, music, raffles, and local vendors!

On April 20th, Winn Resident Services Coordinators hosted a fitness fun day for MPDC residents. Over 15 members of the community ranging in all ages joined for smoothies and a yoga class.

To inquire about having an event at the Dewitt Center, please click here.
Mental Health Reminder for April:
Practice Your Grounding Techniques
MPDC's Mental Health Team would like to end the month of April by encouraging our community to continue to nourish and love themselves. We urge our MPDC family to prioritize their mental health always! As you navigate daily responsibilities, MPDC is here to remind you to practice cultivating grounding techniques to better focus on the present moment! Please be sure to follow along with MPDC's mental health social media pages on Instagram and Facebook! They'll be sharing mental health tips, resources, check-ins, and skills weekly. Remember: Every day is an opportunity for growth! You got this, keep going, and do not give up!
Thank you to our April 2022
Newsletter Contributors!
Erica Davis
Arianna Guiseppone
Intiya Ambrogi-Isaza
Carlos Taveras
Justina Thompson
Sandra Sierra
Tahara Samuels
Meghan Higgins
Yhinny Matos
Vinnie Viola
UPCOMING EVENTS:
MPDC's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
(NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS)
MPDC's Summer Soheil Turner Youth Leadership and Workforce Development Program is now accepting applicants!

WHERE: Online and in-person (hybrid)
WHEN: July 5th, 2022 – August 26th, 2022
AGE RANGE: 14 – 19 years old
PRICE RANGE: Free!

ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: May 27th, 2022

MPDC's STYLI Program provides underserved in-school youth, ages 14-19, with career internships, job readiness skills, and educational enrichment. Our training program is intended to provide early workforce experience for young people who might not otherwise have this opportunity while supporting them with completing academics and college readiness. We also provide organized workshops and learning experiences to develop young people's leadership skills.

Please contact Yhinny Matos at [email protected] or call 617.849.6236.

APPLY TODAY!

MPDC's Scholarship Program
(NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS)
MPDC's 2022 Scholarship Program is now accepting applicants!

AGE RANGE: YOUTH, 17 – 19 years old
PRICE RANGE: Free!

ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: June 15th, 2022

MPDC's 2022 Scholarship Program is intended for high school seniors or MPDC participants that are graduating in Spring/Summer 2022. Potential applicants include those who are pursuing post-secondary education, degree, certification or are participating in training programs.  

Please contact Yhinny Matos at [email protected] or call 617.849.6236.

APPLY TODAY!
MPDC x Black Market:
Buy the Block Party 2
Black Market and MPDC are joining forces to celebrate Black Music Month in Roxbury!

AGE RANGE: Open to all!
WHEN: Saturday, June 11th, from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
WHERE: On the Black Lives Matter mural in Nubian Square

Celebrate Black Market's 5th birthday with Buy The Block Party 2! "Buy the Block" aims to combine the atmosphere of a party with the calculated strategy of advancing Black-owned businesses. Local vendors, performers, cultural artisans, and more will be in attendance!

Please contact [email protected] for further inquiries/vendor inquiries.

MPDC's Next Steps Program:
Building Trades Exploration Panel
MPDC's Next Steps Program is hosting a Building Trades Exploration Panel!

AGE RANGE: All are welcome!
WHEN: May 12th, 2022, from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
PRICE RANGE: Free!

MPDC's Opportunity Employment Program invited YouthBuild, Building Pathways, and Local Initiative Support Corp.’s Bridges to Green Jobs Program to serve as panelists to discuss upcoming pre-apprenticeship training, job placement tracks in the clean energy industry, and the subsequent requirements needed for these programs. The idea is to help young adults who are interested in the building/energy trades learn more about how they can get connected in the community.

Please contact Carlos Taveras at [email protected] or call 617. 849.6222 for further inquiries!

MPDC x WORC²:
Electrical and Telecom Opportunities with Wayne J. Griffin
Interested in an Electrical/Telecom career? Listen as Wayne Griffin, President of Wayne J. Griffin Electric explains employment and training opportunities with his company.

WHERE: 2103 Washington St.
Roxbury, MA 02119
WHEN: May 26th, 2022, from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
PRICE RANGE: Free!

Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. is a leading electrical contractor with 40 years of experience working on projects, both large and small, in a wide range of industries. Offering solutions. Adding value. Delivering quality. To learn more, please visit: http://www.waynejgriffinelectric.com/

For further inquiries, please contact Meghan Higgins at [email protected] or call 617.849.6236.
MPDC's April Food Pantry
WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(located at 122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA 02120)
WHEN: Every 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month from 11 AM to 1 PM
(for this month, May 7th and May 21st)

The Dewitt Center and the Islamic Multi-Service Organization (IMSO) host their food pantry monthly. Canned goods, fruit, pasta, spaghetti, and more will be available for pickup! Supplies are limited. Masks and social distancing are required.

For more information, please contact IMSO at
[email protected] or call 617.442.2805.