Ms. Boston Berries 

The MPDC/Boston Children's Hospital Healthcare Support Service Training Program held its orientation on Tuesday, October 25th, with an attendance of twelve students. During the orientation session, they covered an overview of the class objectives and the reasons behind our collective purpose. Additionally, students completed the necessary orientation paperwork and set up their ServSafe accounts.

MPDC and the OEP team are excited to embark on this journey with this cohort of dedicated students and look forward to their educational and professional growth in the MPDC/BCH Healthcare Support Service Training Program.

MPDC was pleased to join neighbors at the Community Movement Commons (CMC) end-of-season Block Party at 14 Winthrop Street on Sunday, October 29th. It was an enjoyable afternoon filled with food, music, games, and a shared sense of community.

The CMC is a collective effort comprising partner organizations such as the Neighborhood Birth Center, Resist, City Life Vida Urbana, Center for Economic Democracy, Movement Sustainability Commons, and Sisters Unchained. Together, they have acquired this piece of land with exciting plans for its future use. Their vision includes a new Birth Center, a community space, and a headquarters for their members.

During the event, these organizations generously shared their new plans and design concepts for the land they collectively steward. Despite the rain, the day was a delightful celebration of our neighborhood and a testament to the power of community-building. MPDC looks forward to seeing these developments' positive impact on the community.

During a week filled with community spirit, WORC², NEI General Contracting, and MPDC proudly sponsored Construction Inclusion Week 2023. This initiative resulted in the installation of a garden shed at The Roxbury Sunflower Project at MPDC's site in Grove Hall, at 639 Warren Street.

 Construction Inclusion Week embodies the values of inclusivity and diversity within the construction industry. Its purpose is to share valuable information and resources while fostering a sense of unity creating safe, inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. The ultimate goal is to instigate positive, long-lasting changes within the construction industry to benefit workers for future generations.

In recognition of the remarkable contributions of local artist Ekua Holmes to the Roxbury Sunflower Project, WORC² collaborated with esteemed companies like NEI General Contracting, JKA Construction, Hurst Landscaping, OBJane Construction, Boston Carpentry, DPR Construction, and Shawmut Construction & Design. Together, they recruited dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to construct a welcoming center for The Roxbury Sunflower Project.

Their unwavering commitment, support, and dedication made this week truly special. Together, they built a structure that the community can enjoy within the sunflower garden in Roxbury.

The Kids' Garden Club wrapped up this year with a heartwarming celebration dedicated to MPDC children and families. The event was filled with stories, lessons learned, and a delightful dinner. Throughout the year, participants have been on a journey of growth, acquiring valuable social-emotional skills, learning the art of weighing vegetables, honing team leadership abilities, and experiencing the wonders of gardening through the Kids' Garden Club.

As MPDC continues cultivating community gardens and the Kids' Garden Club, participants have enthusiastically shared their garden adventures with their families and classmates. One parent, Mr. Velazquez, shared his transformational experience: "I used to playfully tease my wife and kids by calling them 'farmers.' But now, I see them coming home every Saturday, talking passionately about what they've learned, the bountiful harvest they've reaped, and the giant zucchinis, squash, and other veggies they've weighed. I can't believe how much my kids adore this program in the city. Where else can you find something like this?"

Roxbury Open Studios is a community-driven initiative led by artists with a clear mission: to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their work. This collaborative recently hosted its two-day annual event at The Dewitt Center on October 7th and 8th. Visitors could explore and purchase various items during this vibrant gathering, ranging from handcrafted shea butter and soaps to Christmas ornaments, art pieces, and clothing.

Roxbury Open Studios is more than just a marketplace; it celebrates creativity and a unique opportunity for the community and artists. Through this event, community members can discover and acquire one-of-a-kind handmade items and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible talent residing in their midst.

Dorchester Art Project (DAP) is at the forefront of activating Dorchester as a vibrant cultural district, attracting tourism and promoting commerce for the entire community. On Thursday, October 12th, Dorchester Art Project hosted a welcoming dinner at The Dewitt Center. The event was a gathering that brought participants together for an evening filled with music, a captivating rap performance, and a delicious dinner.

This welcome dinner began a three-part event series, including a panel discussion, networking opportunities, and more exciting activities.

WINNResidential hosted its annual Multicultural Day at The Dewitt Center on Saturday, October 14th. Multicultural Day is a celebration filled with live entertainment, diverse food options from food trucks and vendors, and a sense of community that brings people together.

This event is just one of the many initiatives organized by WinnResidential for the Madison Park Village Community. Multicultural Day is a unifying event, allowing residents of all backgrounds and ages within the MPDC community to celebrate.

The Somali Development Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering consistently excellent and accessible community services to immigrants and refugees in Boston. As part of its commitment to empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, the Somali Development Center has joined The Dewitt Center to offer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes.

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning at the Dewitt Center, individuals from various cultural backgrounds come together to learn the fundamentals of the English language. These ESOL classes provide the support and skills for individuals to pursue new opportunities and enhance their ability to provide for themselves and their families.

Through this collaboration, the Somali Development Center and The Dewitt Center are working together to empower immigrants and refugees in Boston by facilitating their integration into the community through language acquisition and skill development.

Lisa and Christian, first-time homebuyers, achieved their dream of owning a 2-family property in Dorchester, valued at just under $800,000. They closed on this dream home in September 2023, a testament to their determination.

Dorchester's rich history, diversity, and community drew them in. Though needing some TLC, their property offered two separate homes on one lot, providing rental income potential to offset their mortgage payments.

To navigate the challenging path to homeownership, they utilized multiple down payment assistance programs, accumulating over $200,000 in support. These programs were crucial, including Madison Park Next Door, Massachusetts Housing Project, Boston Housing Authority, and the City of Boston's ONE+Boston program.

Their lender, The Cooperative Bank in Roslindale, and Loan Officer VP Renee Owens were instrumental in accessing these opportunities, making their homeownership dream a reality.

In October, Hibernian Hall proudly presented two original world-premiere productions, "Grace" and "Blind Date." These captivating plays delved into the complexities of life, love, friendship, and the human condition. Both plays emerged from the Hibernian Hall Playwriting Workshop held in 2022, where six talented playwrights crafted six short plays. Audiences voted for their favorites, and "Grace" and "Blind Date" were chosen. Hibernian Hall collaborated with the two playwrights to expand these plays into 45-minute productions, resulting in a year-and-a-half-long project that yielded two remarkable original productions. All four shows sold out!

Join MPDC for an upcoming original production, "For Nina," presented in partnership with VLA Dance and the Multicultural Arts Center. This performance is a heartfelt tribute and celebration of the incredible Nina Simone, a remarkable Freedom Seeker and trailblazing artist. Nina Simone's work paved the way for Black artists and underrepresented voices to claim their liberation.

In "For Nina," we come together to exhale in remembrance and perform to call in the spirit of freedom that Nina Simone embodied. This production will showcase the songs of Nina Simone through a mesmerizing dance performance choreographed by Victoria Lynn Awkward, accompanied by the soulful vocals of Desiré Graham and enchanting piano melodies by Hua Ye (Jane). The visual and atmospheric elements will be brought to life with lighting design by Elmer Martinez and sets designed by Mikayla Williams. Additionally, we are delighted to have guest youth dancers joining us for this special event.

"For Nina" premieres on November 30th at 7:30 pm at Hibernian Hall. Don't miss this opportunity to pay homage to Nina Simone's legacy and experience a unique blend of performing arts that celebrates the power of music, dance, and freedom.

WHEN: Every 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY of each month

WHERE: The Dewitt Center

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

myimso@yahoo.com or call 617.442.2805.

WHEN: Thursdays

WHERE: MPDC Offices

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)

Get ready to share stories and advice with like-minded young women. These sessions are designed to be a platform to empower young women.

WHEN: Thursdays

WHERE: MPDC Offices

(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119)

Engage in transparent communication on health disparities, sexual health, and mental health. Black and Brown, as well as the Migrant community, but everyone is encouraged to join the space and the “SHOP” Table Talk conversation!

WHEN: Friday, November 17th

WHERE: The Dewitt Center

This group aims to create a safe and supportive space for girls to share their stories and inspire one another. Whether you want to make new friends, gain confidence, or have a great time, this meet and greet is the perfect opportunity!

Open to girls ages 13 to 19.

Did YOU know you could qualify for a $5/a-year membership for Bluebikes in Boston? There are several different ways you might be eligible for a discounted membership.

WHEN: Monthly on the third Wednesday

WHERE: The Dewitt Center

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)

 Participation is free, and everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a regular visitor to The Dewitt Center or it’s your first time, we look forward to sharing this fun afternoon with you.

WHEN: Saturday, November 18th

WHERE: The Dewitt Center

(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)

Face painting, games, music, and snacks will be provided. PLUS, there'll be FREE giveaways of diapers, toiletries, toys, clothing, and so much more.