From Stop-Gap Measures to Long-Term Solutions: |
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ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew urges vision, collaboration |
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After 18 months of a global health crisis, our country and the world have been conditioned to respond. We train our focus on the next milestone in the hope that it will lead to a meaningful turnaround.
But it’s time for leaders to transition from a reactive to a proactive mindset in order to make urgent matters manageable and, crucially, to work together to develop long-term solutions to poverty and suffering.
Case in point: days after the federal eviction moratorium expired on July 31st, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ordered its extension through October 3rd. On August 26th, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected that order stating that the CDC had exceeded its authority. Consequently, evictions can resume.
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NCAF Marks 40th Anniversary of CSGB
ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew offers perspective on fighting poverty at the local level
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The National Community Action Foundation (NCAF) celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the poverty-fighting Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program with a virtual event livestreamed on August 13, 2021. ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew, a longtime community action advocate, joined NCAF CEO David Bradley, a primary architect of CSBG, to reflect on the challenges and triumphs. |
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Children’s Hospital Physician Joins ABCD for Virtual Q&A About Children and Covid-19 |
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With school approaching and the pandemic sparking uncertainty and anxiety, ABCD continued its vaccine education and outreach efforts by hosting “Your Children and COVID-19,” a webinar Q & A featuring Frinny Polanco Walters, MD.
On August 26th, Dr. Walters, attending physician at Boston Children’s Hospital’s Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, once again joined ABCD Executive Vice President/COO Sharon Scott-Chandler, Esq. ABCD staff and the broader community to share her expertise and the latest medical findings. Learn more at the ABCD website’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information page.
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ABCD Neighborhood Block Parties Celebrate Community |
ABCD is rooted in the neighborhoods of Boston and the surrounding cities we serve. This summer and fall, many ABCD centers are hosting block parties to celebrate and connect neighbors – and to welcome friends like Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia. |
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Statewide Virtual Job Fair Brings Employers and Job Seekers Together |
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Although the unemployment rate in Massachusetts is just 4.9 percent, that figure fails to signal the uneven challenges of the economic recovery. In the first two quarters of 2021 nationwide, Hispanics were still nearly 70 percent more likely to face unemployment than white workers, while Black workers were twice as likely to face unemployment as whites.
To address the misalignment of workers and available jobs, the MassHire Department of Career Services and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development held a virtual job fair August 16 – 20th that brought together jobseekers and employers to fill positions in such fields as healthcare, education, information technology, and building services.
Ready for your next career move? ABCD operates the MassHire Metro North Career Center, part of the statewide system.
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Signing bonuses, paid training & development, and a pathway to leadership attract current and future educators |
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ABCD Head Start & Early Head Start are Enrolling! |
Calling all families with children from birth to age 5 who are ready to learn and grow – who are ready for a Head Start. This successful program gives income-eligible families access to quality early education and comprehensive services including health, dental, nutrition and family services. |
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Register to Vote, Vote by Mail, Vote Early |
ABCD hosts early voting in Boston on September 4 & 5
Your vote counts – perhaps now more than ever. Historically, municipal elections don’t drive big voter turnout, but in truth, the people who become mayors, city councilors, school committee members, and so on, have a very real impact on your day-to-day life. They determine policy and budgets for education, police, construction, and more.
ABCD urges everyone to vote!
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Vote by mail
In July 2021, a state law was passed allowing voting by mail in all state and local elections through December 15, 2021.
Vote early
Some cities and towns will also allow early voting in person – including Boston, where it takes place September 4 – 10 (except on Labor Day).
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September 4 & 5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
ABCD will once again host early voting at the
Thelma D. Burns building, 575 Warren Street, Dorchester, MA
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The pandemic made clear that millions of people don’t have access to or can’t afford high speed internet. For many, laptops or tablets are also out of reach. These are essential resources, which is why the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has launched the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
The program offers up to $50/month discount for broadband services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. See if you’re eligible! Visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org.
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Looking for information about COVID-19 vaccination?
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Boston Herald, Op-Ed, August 17, 2021
Boston Globe, Katie Johnston, August 28,2021
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Recommended Reading:
ABCD's Work in Context
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Boston Globe, August 17, 2021
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Subscribe to ABCD’s YouTube channel. Recent videos include: |
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Clothing Distribution
at ABCD's Roxbury/North Dorchester NOC
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Don't Just Work.
Make an Impact. Teach at ABCD Head Start
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Questions about programs and services?
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Want to be an ABCD Insider?
Join us on social media and get to know the people who keep ABCD in motion every day.
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Action for Boston Community Development | 617-348-6000 | bostonabcd.org
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