Immigrants

Neighborhood Response Team (NRT)

Phone: 

617-635-4500

Email: 

Flavio.Daveiga@cityofboston.gov (Bowdoin-Geneva); Walter.Applewhite@cityofboston.gov (Mattapan)

Mission: 

The Neighborhood Response Team (NRT), a cross-departmental group representing Public Works, Transportation, Inspectional Services, and the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, seeks to address the local and specific issues affecting Boston's neighborhoods. Meeting with residents, community organizations, and numerous municipal bodies, the Team will focus on basic city services and improvements such as street lighting and sidewalk repairs, prioritizing trash and debris removal, and cracking down on problem properties and health and safety violations.

As of Nov. 2011, there are three regular NRT meetings, to address Mattapan, Codman Square, and Four Corners; Dudley Square and Blue Hill Ave.; and the Bowdoin-Geneva areas. The meetings are co-chaired, with one chair representing an official body (such as the Office of Health and Human Services) and other representing area residents. 

The Mattapan/Codman Square/Four Corners meeting covers city services, with (as of Nov. 2011) a noted emphasis on foreclosure/absenteeism.

Likewise, the Dudley/Blue Hill Ave. meeting covers city services. Prostitution is seen to be particularly bad problem in the area and many interdepartmental actions have worked to address this issue (as of Nov. 2011).

The Bowdoin-Geneva meeting incorporates human services in addition to city services, with an emphasis on youth development and violence prevention -- specifically, the Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative. See a release on the formation of the Bowdoin-Geneva NRT here.

Key Partners: 

City Agencies:

Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Transportation Department, Boston Center for Youth and Families, Code Enforcement, Department of Neighborhood Development, Inspectional Services, Jobs and Community Services, Office of Human Services, Office of Neighborhood Services, Mayor's Office, Public Works Department, others?

 

Community Organizations and Collaborations:

Bowdoin Geneva Violence Intervention and Prevention, Upham's Corner Violence Intervention and Prevention,
United Neighbors Association (UNA), 4-Street Crime Watch, 

Bird Street Community Center, College Bound Dorchester, Family Nurturing Center, Roxbury Resource Center,

 

Faith-based: First Parish Church in Dorchester, St. Peter's Parish, 

 

Main Streets:

Bowdoin-Geneva Main Street
Four Corners Main Street
 

Healthcare:

Bowdoin Street Health Center
 

Partial list!

Key Programs Offered: 

Biweekly meetings; neighborhood walkthroughts; forum for cross-departmental, cross-sector collaboration and neighborhood improvement.

Created: 
11/21/2011

Haitian Health Institute (Boston Medical Center)

Phone: 

617.414.7702

Fax: 

617.414 3810

Email: 
Mission: 

HHI's mission is to research unmet needs, identify gaps in services and evaluate existing programs for efficiency of service. HHI also links the Haitian Diaspora to public health initiatives and health care resources through translation. Regular activities include research, evaluating existing programs, networking with other organizations, community organizing, and rapid response to community health crises.

Location

Haitian Health Institute, Boston Medical Center
771 Albany Street Dowling 4, Room 4416
Boston, MA 02118
United States
Key Partners: 

Haitian Multi Service Center (HMSC), Haitian American Public Health Initiatives (HAPHI), The Center for Community Health, Education and Research (CCHER)

Key Programs Offered: 

HHI's priority is the development of a common plan through which to improve health care and education in the Haitian community. To do so, we network between health, school, neighborhood, social service, faith-based groups and cultural agencies.

HHI physicians also investigate barriers to health care and the means of removing those barriers by collaborating with like-minded cultural institutions or state initiatives.

HHI has spent the past year researching and assessing the needs of the Haitian community members who access care through BMC and the associated Health Net. The affiliated Neighborhood Health Care (Health Net) centers at Codman Square, Mattapan, Harvard Street, Whittier Street and Upham's Corner often refer Haitian American children and adults to BMC for care that is not available at the clinic locations. Although this extensive network of resources and providers offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop a hub through which to link services and information to Haitian patients using BMC or the neighborhood health care centers, the task of providing culturally and linguistically competent services continues to fall upon a few Haitian health care providers.

The Haitian Health Institute continues to work to meet the health needs of the Haitian community including the organizational and networking requirements of the Haitian community agencies.

Created: 
04/29/2011

Haitian American Public Health Initiatives

Phone: 

(617) 298-8076

Fax: 

(617) 296-1570

Website: 
Mission: 

HAPHI is a minority run, non-profit agency dedicated to providing members of the Haitian-American community in Metro Boston with culturally and linguistically accessible information and services to improve their health and wellbeing. Located in Mattapan, HAPHI was founded in 1989 by a group of Haitian-American health care professionals to address pressing public health issues confronting Boston's Haitian community. HAPHI has grown tremendously and today provides a comprehensive range of prevention, education, and direct service programs to Haitian-Americans from the greater metropolitan area of Boston. Several of its programs serve Haitian Americans throughout New England.

Location

1464 Blue Hill Ave
Mattapan, MA 02126
United States
Key Partners: 

 

New Routes/Twa Zanmi

The Twa Zanmi (Three Friends) Project brings together three partners to address stigma associated with mental illness in the Haitian community. The partners include the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI), a joint program of the University of Massachusetts Boston and the world-renowned Children’s Hospital Boston, the Haitian American Public Health Initiative (HAPHI) and Camera Mosaique, a weekly educational TV Show produced by the Haitian Media Network. Twa Zanmi is conceived as a community-directed television program) that will follow the lives of three recent Haitian immigrants who experience depression and anxiety as a result of relocation and the accompanying social isolation, loss of identity, and separation from family and friends.

Mutual Assistance Association (MAA Coalition)
The MAA coalition is made up of over 12 Community Based Minority Organizations. The mission of the coalition is to promote solidarity and collaboration among grassroots Community Based Minority Organizations (Combs) serving refugees and immigrants to provide and strengthen a voice for these communities in Massachusetts.  The MAA Coalition is committed to advocating for their communities through capacity building,  leadership development, and addressing needs through the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

Key Programs Offered: 

 

English as a Second Language (ESL)
The adult Education Program currently serves 40 students in any given day through 2 classes from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The low intermediate level meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the intermediate level meets Tuesday and Thursday. The lack of available adult education classes is very obvious in Mattapan. The Adult Education Program emphasizes the establishment of linkages with local adult education and skills training programs, employers, colleges and universities, to ensure a continuum of services for learners and to facilitate "next steps" for program graduates. This includes developing referral relationships and formal collaborations.

Citizenship project
Currently HAPHI is providing citizenship classes on Tuesdays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The current citizenship class has a bilingual curriculum that includes a naturalization process overview and units on personal, application, and general questions; American History; Government; Elected Officials; how to fill out the N400 application form; the interview process; and civic participation. 

HAPHI assists students through the entire process providing class instruction,  advocacy with the INS or referral to legal services, and mock interview tutoring. Student materials include a bilingual textbook, N400 application forms, and an interview practice audiotape. We encourage students to be independent and take charge of their naturalization. In class, students are instructed on how to complete the N-400 application forms and then they fill out their own N-400's. Audiotapes make it possible for students to practice at home on their own.

Civic Engagement Initiative (CEI)
The goal of CEI is to integrate voter education into HAPHI’s current programs, register participants to vote; solicit volunteers to conduct Voter registration drives; design neighborhood campaign; hold workshops on voting and educate on why it is important to vote; conduct drives at supermarkets, stores, intersections and community events; and continue to recruit and train volunteers. The project also provides training for community residents, staff and volunteers on civic engagement during annual meeting.

Program to Enhance Elder Services (PEERS)

PEERS Program conducts community outreach, advocacy, referral and others education and support services for elders. The overall program objectives are to strengthen the existing coordination and collaboration between refugee and elder services providers in Boston to address unmet needs of refugees and asylees  60 years of age or older who have not yet attained citizenship status. 

Services Objectives:

  • To identify refugee elders who have lost, are at risk of losing, or are ineligible for SSI and/or other federal benefits;
  • To assess their service needs;
  • To develop individualized service plans in conjunction with these refugees;
  • To provide them with transitional social services including access to emergency food, shelter and medical care as needed;
  • To promote intergeneration  connection between refugee elders and their grandchildren;
  • To link the refugee elders to employment and volunteer opportunities that promote leadership and enhance independent living;
  • To refer them to other needed services; and,
  • To provide them with naturalization services in order to maintain their eligibility for benefits and address long-term self-sufficiency nee

MA Medicare/Medicaid Outreach and Education (MORE) Program 
The program is designed to improve access to quality health care services among limited English proficiency (LEP) Haitian elders by increasing knowledge, awareness among LEP Haitian elders. The general goal of the program is to make hard to reach LEP Haitian elders aware of their eligibility for benefits and provide them with information about Medicare and Medicaid: abuse, fraud and errors.

Neighborhood Walk Program
The Neighborhood Walk Program is designed to encourage community members to walk together to improve their health.

Food Distribution Services

HAPHI works with Greater Boston Food Bank and provides limited food distribution to its clients and the larger community.

Created: 
04/29/2011

Haitian-Americans United

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

P.O. Box 260440
Mattapan, MA 02126 

Phone: 

(617)298-2976

Email: 
Mission: 

The Haitian-Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) is a non-profit organization founded in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to improve the quality of life for Haitians and Haitian-Americans through education, Community Empowerment and cultural development, using an approach where participation and unity are strongly favored.

Location

10 Fairway Street, Suite 218
Mattapan, MA 02126
United States
Key Partners: 

Haitian American Public Health Initiatives, 

Key Programs Offered: 

 

Gala Photos

Haitian Independence Day Gala

The Haitian Independence Day Gala is an annual event organized by the Haitian-Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) 

[More]


Gala Photos

Toussaint Louverture Scholarship Fund

Haitian General Louverture (1743- 1803) rose from slavery to become one of the most accomplished military genius and diplomat of his time. This fund helps promising Haitian and Haitian-American students to achieve a higher level of education. 

[More]


Haitian Heritage Month

Haitian Heritage Month

Visit the Haitian Heritage Month website click link below. 

[www.haitianheritagemonth.net]


Flag Photos

Flag Raising Ceremony

Every year on May 18th, the H.A.U. inc. is proud to raise the Haitian flag in front of Boston's City Hall in remembrance of our freedom. 

[More]


Parade Photos

Haitian-American Unity Parade

The Haitian-American Unity Parade is one of several events celebrating the Haitian Heritage Month (May 1-31.) It's a multi-block procession that travels straight up Blue Hill Avenue and ends on Talbot Avenue . 

[More]

Also (or Previously) Known As...: 

HAU

Created: 
04/29/2011

Boston REACH Coalition

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

Erline Achille 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 6th Floor Boston, MA 02118

Phone: 

(617) 534-2291

Fax: 

(617) 534-2563

Email: 
Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Meets 1st Monday of every month, 5:30 p.m., at the Grove Hall Community Center, 51 Geneva Ave., Dorchester.

Mission: 

The mission of the Boston REACH Coalition is to promote health equity and eliminate racial and health inequities in Boston. REACH: Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health. The 200-member coalition has met monthly for ten years. The coalition has earned an outstanding reputation in the local and public health community for its work in raising awareness of racial and ethnic health disparities, educating the public about health issues that affect the Black community in Boston, and for its credible partnerships with community members, policymakers, faith-based leaders, and academic institutions. The coalition includes community members, community groups, health care providers, business and faith leaders, and academic partners. With new funding as a Center of Excellence in the Elimination of Disparities (CEED), the coalition will expand its scope of work to address cardiovascular disease and public health issues related to men’s health, adolescent wellness, community advocacy, public policy, and environmental health. A strategic plan will ensure that community efforts to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities can be sustained.

Location

Center for Health Equity and Social Justice
1010 Mass Ave
Boston, MA 02118
United States
Key Partners: 

Boston Public Health Commission (Center for Health Equity and Social Justice)

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Come to a meeting!

Key Programs Offered: 

Ongoing advocacy & community organizing. Community Voices The Coalition has worked with community member to identify factors that can promote or negate the health of the community. Please take a look at their projects and videos. Annual Retreat REACH Coalition members participate in this annual retreat to review and strengthen Coalition objectives and activities. Pink and Black Team: American Cancer Society Making Strides During breast cancer awareness month in October, join the Pink and Black Team to raise money for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Walk. More>> HPV Pilot Project The Boston REACH Coalition in partnership with Mass CONECT is conducting a pilot project aiming to understand better the communication barriers for underserved women with respect to the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer awareness.

Also (or Previously) Known As...: 

REACH 2010

Created: 
02/15/2011

Washington Heights Tenants' Association

Phone: 

617-445-8731

Email: 

jalvira78@yahoo.com

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Office hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Computer classes: Monday and Wednesday 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Blood pressure clinic: every first Thursday of the month 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Girls program (partnership with Girl Scouts): Fridays 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Location

Washington Heights Tenants Association
220 Harold St
Dorchester , MA 02121
United States
Key Partners: 

Mass Impact

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Stop by or call Jessie Alvira for more information

Key Programs Offered: 

Free computer classes for MS Office and typing, drop-ins welcome. Registration required. NSTAR forgiveness program workshops one day a month ESL classes Blood pressure clinic Give turkeys and toys to residents during the holidays Girls group meets weekly for girls grades 6-12 Computer lab (can be rented for trainings) Tax assistance BYF jobs in summer for teens

Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes

Created: 
01/12/2011

C & M Educational Connections and Consulting

Phone: 

(617) 282-9700

Email: 

info@cmecclearninginstitute.org

Mission: 

CMECC is committed to developing higher thinking skills for young and older minds alike; named in part in memory of founder's mother, Mrs. Willemae Polk, who was an avid supporter of education, and in recognition of her admiration for family and community values. Founded August 10, 2006 by Paula Nelson, a former inclusion and transitional teacher with a Masters degree in Education, CMECC has always used proven educational techniques to instruct students. Paula Nelson believe, like many forward-thinking educators of the 21st Century frame of mind that, although many teachers did an admirable job in the classroom, many children did not learn well in traditional institutions, which explains why many children don't respond to the assembly line nature of most institutions. She believes that a child's strengths and natural ability needs to be the foundation of learning. For this cause, Paula Nelson warns against a "Cookie cutter" approach to educating children.

Location

1500 Dorchester Avenue Suite 2
Dorchester, MA 02122
United States
Key Programs Offered: 

At CMECC, your child is seen as an individual, and natural strengths are identified by pretesting and built upon by goals outlined in his or her Student Individual Learning Plan (SILP); and post testing after the completion of the tutorial program, to aid in the development of ongoing learning. In 2008, CMECC adopted the name T.H.R.I.V.E., Teaching, Helping, Reaching, Inspiring, Visioning, Educating (for social equality), to better illustrate its mission to help at-risk children, youth and families achieve, to their fullest potential. The T.H.R.I.V.E. Program is a rigorous, engaging, and student-directed tutorial-based curriculum, offered year-round for remediation and enrichment in reading, ELA (English Language Arts), math and phonemic awareness via computer-assisted instruction, one-on-one and small group instruction to Grades K1-7, ESL (English as a Second Language), and now, Adult (English for Speakers of Other Languages) ESOL/GED (General Education Development) direct instruction, at your choice of location. Special Needs Our techniques for supporting students with learning disabilities have a remarkable success rate. We begin by defining what a successful outcome is, and design strategies to achieve your desired outcome. From students with reading problems, ADD/ADHD, auditory processing problems to those who are formally diagnosed as learning disabled, we will find the right tutor and right plan for each child. ESL and Phonemic Awareness for Educational Advancement and Reinforcement We offer an opportunity to children to gain greater understanding of subject matter through application of skills. We can build on knowledge that children bring with them into the tutoring environment. Study Skill Development/Test Preparation We can develop successful skills and strategies for critical study skill to test taking that are appropriate for simple spelling tests to rigorous standardized tests to lifelong learning techniques. We provide opportunities to apply skills learned so students will feel confident, prepared, and familiar with everyday classroom learning and a testing situation. Relaxation and concentration techniques are central building blocks of the T.H.R.I.V.E., program. Adult Basic Education (ABE) - ESL/GED/Career Enhancement/Development We offer ESL/ESOL and ABE/GED classes by appointment for serious individuals. We can help you build on your knowledge, confidence and self-esteem, communication and effectiveness in your area of work or business. Department of Education Approved Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Provider We use proven instructional strategies and curricula to enhance classroom learning for Grades 1-6 students with local schools and districts; and in the comfort of student's home, community center, local library, church or the Center. Parent Involvement/Educational Guidance Consultant for The 21st Century and Beyond Community CMECC is honored to be an approved provider of Supplemental Educational Services in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the added capacity to foster student improvement by linking curriculum and instruction to Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System relative to language and literacy across the content areas. This allows CMECC to provide FREE tutoring services to students at eligible schools through the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), 2001 to improve their grades, raise their test scores, learn effective study skills, build academic self-esteem, and reach their greatest potential. CMECC offers engaging professional services to guide, educate and assist families in the parent, family and community involvement process in a user-friendly way. Paula Nelson: Endorsed by National ParentNet Association as a Parent Trainer, ParentNet/Local Speaker, Parenting Education, National Speaker. Notary Public We offer notary services at a reduced rate to clients and the local community. Business Certification/Educational Consulting/Career Development Training Certified by the Supplier Diveristy Office (SDO formerly SOMWBA) as (MBE and WBE) with the business description, EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT: ADVOCACY AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR AT RISK CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES; ADULT BASIC EDUCATION AND NOTARY PUBLIC.

Also (or Previously) Known As...: 

CMECC

Haitian Women of Boston (AFAB - Asosiyasyon Fanm Ayisyen nan Boston)

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

330 Fuller Street Dorchester, Massachusetts, 02124

Phone: 

(617) 287-0096

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST

Mission: 

AFAB's mission is to empower Haitian women by helping them develop their individual and collective capacity to improve social, economic and political status and thus be able to effect positive changes in their life and their families' lives.

Location

330 Fuller Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
Key Partners: 

Community Works

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Call AFAB at (617)287-0096. For information regarding the annual regarding the Domestic Violence program, please contact Carmelle Bonhomètre, Program Director at (617) 287-0096 or cbonhometre@afab-kafanm.org.

Key Programs Offered: 

AFAB's programs include: Housing: affordable housing, transitional housing, and housing advocacy; Domestic Violence: advocacy, education, and outreach; Haitian Round Table on Domestic Violence (1st Wednesdays); Adult Education: ESL and literacy classes, workshops, computer training, and personal finance and economic literacy classes; Radio Program (3rd Sundays 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.); Youth Development including a Ayiti Demen cultural group (Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.), math tutoring with the Haitian Scientific Society (Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and Young Women's Leadership Development; and a French class (Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m). In addition to the activities at our community center in Dorchester, AFAB conducts workshops and makes presentations throughout Boston, and in communities including Cambridge, Somerville, and Brockton. 


Annual Events:

  • International Women's Day (March)
  • Clergy Breakfast (June)
  • Domestic Violence Forum (August)
  • Fundraising Dinner (October)
Created: 
12/15/2010

Centro del Cardenal (Cardinal Cushing Center)

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

Phone: 

(617) 506-6600

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Mission: 

Centro del Cardenal is committed to providing young men and women, ages 14-20, with the opportunity to earn either a high school diploma or a GED in a nurturing environment that values and supports them.

Location

185 Columbia Road
Dorchester, MA 02121
United States
Key Partners: 

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Key Programs Offered: 

Created: 
11/10/2010

This GED program helps out-of-school and high-risk youth—who did not thrive in the public school system—earn earn their GED

Greater Boston Nazarene Compassionate Center, Inc.

Phone: 

617-296-7450

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Afterschool programming: 2pm - 6pm

Mission: 

The mission of the Greater Boston Nazarene Compassionate Center (GBNCC ) is to provide relief to the most vulnerable, distressed and underprivileged people of the Boston area, with particular emphasis on the Haitian community and the youth in Dorchester, Mattapan, Roslindale and the surrounding communities.

As faith leaders, we explore the root causes of factors that are jeopardizing the health and welfare of our congregations, and take a vested interest in building the capacity of our community through outreach and education. The Dorchester Nazarene Church was among the first Haitian congregations in Boston to openly address the issue of HIV/AIDS prevention and education. We strongly embrace the idea of reaching out and addressing the needs of the whole individual in a culturally complete and sensitive way. Our aim is to promote the health and welfare of our community and also to serve as a supportive link to the wider U.S. social and economic system.

For the past 7 years, the GBNCC has been home to many successful programs and activities that have significantly impacted the lives of many thousands of individuals. GBNCC ’s main program areas are Adult Basic Education (ESL/Computer Literacy), Youth Services (including the Higher Education Resource Center), Health Education, and Food and Nutrition Services.

We have attracted funding from local foundations and corporations, including the Boston Foundation, CCHER, Boston Capacity Tank, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Clippership Foundation, English for New Bostonians, BMA, Komen Foundation, the Boston Foundation and many others. We combine grants, donations, volunteer efforts, church support, and professional services to cover our expenses, and are continually developing relationships with new funders.

Location

130 River Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Call for more information.

Key Programs Offered: 

CREW (Counseling, Recreation, Education and Work) Afterschool Program, Higher Education Resource Center for Teens

Also (or Previously) Known As...: 

Dorchester Nazarene Compassionate Center, Inc.

Created: 
02/22/2010

Counseling, Recreation, Education and Work Program for 9-13 year-olds (CREW)
Higher Education Resource Center Program for 13-18 year-olds. (HERC)

College counseling and tutoring offered through these programs.

English for Speakers of Other Languages program available at no cost Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm. Classes are tailored toward speakers of Haitian Creole.

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