Community/Neighborhood Improvement

Dorchester Coalition for Great Neighborhoods

Phone: 

617-929-0925

Email: 

paul@tbpm.org

Mission: 

Formerly known as The Washington Corridor Weed & Seed site. The Dorchester Coalition for Great Neighborhoods convenes residents, neighborhood associations, public safety, and community development partners, and supports them in collaborative work for the improvement of the neighborhoods within the Washington Street Corridor. The association aims to: convene a monthly daytime public safety meeting for their target area, to raise money and other resources to support youth employment and youth development programs as a means to reduce youth violence, and to work with resident groups to identify neighborhood revitalization projects which result in increased greenspace or cultural opportunities for neighborhoods.

 

The monthly meetings are held at different locations each month on the fourth Tuesday.

Peabody Slope Neighborhood Association

Location

Dorchester Academy
18 Croftland Ave.
Dorchester, MA
United States
42° 16' 51.3696" N, 71° 4' 11.1108" W
Phone: 

617.533.8123

Email: 

lirba.carrion@comcast.net

Website: 

www.peabodyslope.org

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Meets every first Monday of the month at Dorchester Academy at 7:00 pm.

Mission: 

Peabody Slope Neighborhood Association's mission is to help preserve and enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood.  As a non-profit civic organization it:

 

  • Acts as a unified voice for residents and facilitates on issues and activities affecting our neighborhood.
  • Identifies and represents the best interest of the neighborhood while serving as a community link with City government agencies on matters affecting our residents and neighborhood.
  • Facilitates neighborhood social activities.
  • Fosters relationships with organizations within the Dorchester to promote improvements within its district.
Also (or Previously) Known As...: 

Previously Mercier Ave. Crime Watch.

Friends of Peabody Square

Location

Peabody Square
Dorchester Avenue Ashmont Street
Dorchester, 02124
United States
42° 17' 5.1864" N, 71° 3' 52.452" W
Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

St Mark's Area Main Street's office is at 1914 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester MA 02124

Phone: 

(617) 825-3846

Website: 

https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofPeabodySquare

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

(Please check the facebook page.)

Mission: 

The Friends of Peabody Square seeks to:

-Serve as local liaison between community businesses, residents and city and state authorities to ensure the present (2011) traffic infrastructure construction project is completed according to community's wishes 
-Develop a maintenance-savvy volunteer group to help manage ongoing basic cleanup and maintenance efforts
-Develop various creative programming to activate the three public spaces, and
-Help raise money to support the group's work.
Key Partners: 

St Mark's Area Main Street

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Check the facebook page.

Charge for services: 

no

Scholarships available: 

n/a

Vouchers accepted: 

n/a

Transportation provided: 

n/a

Number of people served each year: 

entire Dorchester community

Community Meeting Space Available: 

at SMAMS office 1900 Dorchester Ave.

Last Updated: 
12/02/2011

Neighborhood Response Team (NRT)

Phone: 

Call Office of Neighborhood Services Liaisons for appopriate area

Email: 

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

Website: 

Contact Your Neighborhood Liaison

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.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other: 

Contact your Neighborhood Liaison. As of Nov. 2011, Darryl Smith, ISD co-chairs Mattapan mtg; Adalberto Teixeira of Health and Human Services co-chairs Bowdoin Geneva mtg.

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.

Last Updated: 
11/21/2011

Upham's Corner Improvement Association

Email: 

ucimprove@gmail.com

Website: 

http://www.uphamscornernews.com/uphams-corner-improvement-association.html

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Mission: 

The Upham's Corner Improvement Association is an organization from many cultures whose membership seeks to improve the:

1. The image of our community
2. The quality of life in our community
3. The relationships we have with our neighboring communities
 
  • Our motto is "Upham's Corner Shines" and is meant to suggest cleanliness, beauty and an attractive community where everyone feels important and welcome.
  • We believe that cooperation begins with effective relationships.  We will be developing our relationships through an attitude of thoughtfulness, love and respect.
  • We will seek to effect change by demonstrating through our own actions and by engaging others in active participation.
  • We are an organization committed to action.  Every "meeting" will be an opportunity to make progress, not just talk.
  • By taking one small step every day/week, and by encouraging the people around us to do the same, we can make a big difference.
Key Partners: 

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Key Programs Offered: 

Dorchester Community Food Co-op

Location

(to be determined) in Dorchester
United States
Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

Email: 

dotcommcoop [at] gmail.com

Website: 

http://dotcommcoop.wordpress.com/

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Mission: 

The Dorchester Community Co-op is an organization currently in formation by residents of Dorchester, MA and surrounding communities, who are in the process of creating a food cooperative - a community-owned business that will bring healthy food into the community and make it accessible to all.

The Dorchester Community Co-op is committed to:

  • Inclusivity: The co-op will celebrate the diversity of our neighborhoods and reach out to the different ethnic groups, age range, and mixed income groups that make up our community.
  • Healthy Food:  Access to healthy, affordable, and nutritious food is essential to creating a healthy community.
  • Building Community: The coop will serve as a dynamic space to bring people together.
  • Sustainability: Social, economic and environmental sustainability are the cornerstones of the co-op business model.
  • New Economic Model: An economy controlled by its local residents provides stability.
  • Youth: Engaging our youth is important for building our future.
  • Jobs for our Community: Money spent in our community creates more local jobs and supports the Dorchester community.
Key Partners: 

GreenDorchester

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Please help by:

  • Joining the mailing list.
  • Pledging to become a member-owner.
  • Volunteering to help organize the co-op.
  • Follow DotCommCoop on twitter @DotCommCoop and on Facebook.
  • Telling neighbors and friends about the co-op.

Please contact Dorchester Community Food Coop via e-mail dotcommcoop@gmail.com - help, support and ideas welcomed!

Key Programs Offered: 

Dorchester Winter Farmers' Market 2012 - 6 Norfolk Street, Codman Square, every Sunday 12-3, January through March

Last Updated: 
07/14/2011

The Community Food Coop is in the preliminary phases of planning which means that now is a great time to get involved and have your voice heard!

Current primary goals are spreading the word about the co-op and involving as many people as possible now, in the beginning stages.

Activities planned for the coming months: location research, a neighborhood resident survey, and completion of feasibility and marketing studies. The community's help and input is essential to move this process forward! The co-op will need a minimum of 500 paid members-owners to break ground.

Friends of the Blue Hills

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

PO Box 416
Milton, MA 02186

Phone: 

781-828-1805

Email: 

info@FriendsoftheBlueHills.org

Website: 

http://www.friendsofthebluehills.org/

Mission: 

The Friends of the Blue Hills was formed in the mid-1970s by a group of people that recognized the vulnerability of the Reservation. For over 30 years, FBH has engaged the public in activities that protect the park by preventing encroachments, increasing park resources and improving park management. FBH’s mission has remained intact over the last 30 years: to protect and preserve the Blue Hills Reservation in its natural state. To accomplish this mission FBH acts to:

 

  1. Advocate for actions that will enhance the Reservation and serve as watchdog of activities that might adversely affect it.
  2. Guide enthusiasts in exploring the nearby remoteness of the Blue Hills Reservation through educational, historical, and nature hikes.
  3. Encourage involvement in the protection and preservation of the Reservation by all users.
  4. Work with the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to maintain the quality of the Reservation and provide public input for its management.
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

http://www.friendsofthebluehills.org/membership/

$25 - Individual
$45 - Family
$20 - Senior

 

  • Become part of a larger coalition of environmental organizations working on similar issues in and around the Blue Hills Reservation.
  • Play a part in working to protect and preserve the quality of life, sense of place, natural beauty, and ecological value that is contained within the Blue Hills Reservation.
Last Updated: 
07/14/2011

Boston Park Advocates (BPA)

Phone: 

617-442-4141

Email: 

mail@bostonparks.org

Website: 

http://www.bostonparks.org/

Mission: 

The mission of the network is to connect and unify Boston’s diverse park and community stakeholders. We aim to build our capacity, share resources and information, raise public awareness, and strengthen the collective impact of our network members to influence public park policy and increase support for the range of urban parks and open spaces.

Key Partners: 

Dorchester Environmental Health Coalition

Franklin Park Coalition

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Application: http://bostonparks.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=79

Last Updated: 
06/29/2011

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

Location

Boston Fish Pier
212 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA, 02210
United States
42° 21' 6.4476" N, 71° 2' 15.3852" W
Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

212 Northern Avenue, Suite 304 West, Boston, MA 02210

Phone: 

(617) 451-2860

Fax: 

(617) 451-0496

Email: 

info@savetheharbor.org

Website: 

http://savetheharbor.org/

Mission: 

Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s mission is to restore and protect the harbor and the bay, and to reconnect Bostonians from every neighborhood, regional residents and visitors alike, so that we can all enjoy the benefits of the enormous public and private investment in our revitalized harbor and waterfront.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other: 

Patricia Foley

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

To apply, please e-mail your cover letter and resume to info@savetheharbor.org . Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Key Programs Offered: 

 

  • All Access Boston Harbor - Area groups learn about the marine environment and maritime history during these day trips to Georges Island and Spectacle Island.

  • Boston Harbor Explorers - A daily hands-on environmental education program in partnership with Boston’s youth sailing centers.

  • Marine Mammal Safaris - Our annual cruises launch the summer season, providing the unique opportunity to spot harbor seals and porpoises.

  • Our funding partners - Youth programs are made possible by these generous sponsors.

Last Updated: 
06/27/2011

Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) Initiative

Location

BPHC Violence Intervention & Prevention Initiative
1010 Massachusetts Avenue 2nd Floor
Boston, MA, 02118
United States
42° 19' 39.234" N, 71° 4' 2.9496" W
Phone: 

BPHC VIP: (617) 534-2304

Fax: 

BPHC VIP: (617) 534-4688

Email: 

violenceprevention@bphc.org

Website: 

http://www.cityofboston.gov/vip/; http://www.bphc.org/programs/cafh/violenceprevention/violenceinterventionandprevention/Pages/Home.aspx; http://www.bidmc.org/CentersandDepartments/Departments/CommunityHealthCenters/BowdoinStreetHealthCenter/BestofBowdoinEnewsletter/BowdoinGenevaViolenceInterventionandPrevention.aspx;

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Grove Hall Peace Council: Meets last Wednesday of every month, except on holidays, August and December. 
Meets 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Family Resource Room at the Lilia G. Fredrick Pilot Middle School. For further info contact Nicole N. Flynt at Project R.I.G.H.T. (617)-541-5454 ext 105

Bowdoin Geneva VIP: Meets 1st Wednesday of every month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Bowdoin Street Health Center. Call Susan Young, Bowdoin/Geneva VIP coordinator at (617) 754-0023 for more information or email Syoung4@bidmc.harvard.edu.

Mission: 

The Violence Intervention & Prevention (VIP) Initiative aims to prevent violence and promote positive youth development in the City of Boston through a commitment to active and genuine collaboration between youth, residents, community organizations, and city agencies. VIP seeks to implement conflict resolution and peer mediation skills training in schools and community centers, develop a youth-driven social marketing campaign, support community mobilization efforts in five high-need neighborhoods, and ensure access to out-of-school time opportunities for youth.

The neighborhoods are: Bowdoin St. / Geneva Ave.; Grove Hall; Morton St. / Norfolk St.; Orchard Gardens and ----? 

Key Partners: 

City of Boston, Boston Public Health Commission, Bowdoin Street Health Center (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center), Dorchester Safe Neighborhood Initiative (SNI), 

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Contact the Office of Neighborhood Services to learn about Violence Prevention in your community. 

Do you want to get your child into safe after school programs?

Are you concerned about a student who is skipping school or has dropped out?

Are you looking for a job for youth or adults?

Do you need health insurance, want to find a doctor or have a health question?

  • Call The Mayor's Health Line  at 617-534-5050. We speak your language and the call is confidential.

Do you want to make your streets clean and safe?

Do you want help with a tight budget?

  • If you are at risk for homelessness or if you are having trouble providing food for your household, call the Shelter Commission at (617)-635-4507.
  • If you are at risk of having no heat in your home, call the No Heat Line at (617)-635-5322.
  • If you are a homeowner facing foreclosure on your home, contact theDepartment of Neighborhood Development at (617)-635-3880
  • If you are a renter and are having major difficulties with your landlord, contact the Rental Housing Resource Center at (617)-635-4200
  • If you need help with your taxes, call Boston Tax Help at 617-918-5275
Key Programs Offered: 
  • Neighborhood Peace Councils: Residents can join with local business, community leaders and city department staff to identify and address safety concerns
  • BPHC youth development specialists in each neighborhood assist w/ the coordination of social support services for youth and their families
  • Health Centers in targeted communities serve as nexuses for anti-violence programming
  • Liasions at various city departments respond to identified community concerns.
Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes

Last Updated: 
05/17/2011
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