Language Services

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

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

Newcomers Academy

Phone: 

617-635-7993

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

M-F: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Mission: 

* Deliver high-quality education
* Accelerate English language acquisition
* Develop academic content vocabulary and higher level thinking skills
* Promote the development of social and academic skills students will need when entering district high schools
* Build a foundation for long-term academic and socio-cultural success
* Serve as a learning site for best practices in educating secondary school English language learners with interrupted schooling or gaps in their formal education.

Location

100 Maxwell St.
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
Key Partners: 

* University of Massachusetts Boston
* Boston University
* Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians
* Local social service agencies

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

All students new to the Boston Public Schools must visit a Family Resource Center with the appropriate paperwork to begin the registration process. English Language Learners are identified through a home language survey and testing provided at the Newcomer Assessment and Counseling Center. Students who meet the criteria for Newcomers Academy will be informed about the program. All students will complete a choice form to select a diploma-granting high school as well.

Students may attend Newcomers Academy for one semester or up to two calendar years, depending on the academic need, before enrolling in a diploma-granting high school. Newcomers Academy staff will continue to monitor students’ progress after they have left the program.

Key Programs Offered: 

All students engage in rigorous coursework, including:
* Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) and Literacy development; and
* Sheltered instruction in English, Math, Science, Technology, Social Studies, Arts and Physical Education.

Students participate in field trips and community service to support their transition to life in Boston. Instruction takes place during the school day (8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.), with additional support available on Saturdays and during the summer.

Student progress is assessed through a variety of measures, including:
* MCAS exams, such as MELA-O and MEPA to assess reading, writing, speaking and listening skills;
* Math notebooks;
* Reading and writing assignments;
* Community service participation; and
* Exit portfolio.

Created: 
04/16/2010

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.

Perkins Community Center

Phone: 

617-635-5146

Email: 

perkinscc@cityofboston.gov

Website: 

www.cityofboston.gov/bcyf

Location

Perkins Community Center
155 Talbot Ave
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
Key Partners: 

Boston Centers for Youth & Families Joseph Lee Elementary School Lee Academy Pilot School Codman Square Library DotWell

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

For Adult Education, including GED and ESOL classes, contact Papa Diop at (617) 635-1894. Drop-in registration every first and third Wednesday of the month. For all other after-school, summer, and recreation programs: call the front desk at (617) 635-1895.

Key Programs Offered: 

School Age Child Care After-School and Summer Program Piranhas After-School Program: Meets M-F, 3:20 - 6. 4 - 5pm writing. 5 - 6pm pool. $150/year. 1st month: Deposit and &35. Then: $35 every 3 months. Piranhas Swim Team: Membership overlaps with After-School Program, but open to others also. Swim meets 6pm Fridays.** Open Swimming: Saturdays. 10:15 - 11 Children, 11 - 12 Lap Swimming, 1 - 2:30 Community/Open Swim, 2-4:30 Adults.** Fire Star Homework Drop-in: Call center for more info Boston Raider's Mentoring: Academic help for youth aged 7-18. M-F, 3-8pm. $20/month. Strong Women, Strong Girls: Mentoring for girls in grades 3, 4 and 5 at Perkins on Thursdays, 4 - 5:30pm. Open Gym Peewee Basketball: Saturdays, 9am - 1pm. $65/season. Season runs approximately October - April. Self-Defense: Free self-defense classes taught on Saturdays from 9 - 11:30 am. 16 years and up. Karate: Classes offered for ages 5 and up, adults included, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 6-8. Call center for pricing information. Dorchester Adult Literacy Coalition site

Community Meeting Space Available: 

Yes

Created: 
11/29/2011

La Alianza Hispana, Inc.

Phone: 

(617) 427-7175

Mission: 

La Alianza Hispana, Inc. is a community based organization providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health and education programs to the Latino Community of Greater Boston.

Founded in 1971, La Alianza Hispana has become the starting point for over 2,000 Latinos annually who seek support at all stages of life. La Alianza Hispana strenghthens individuals, families and communitites for ongoing success.

Location

La Alianza Hispana Headquarters
409 Dudley Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
United States
Key Programs Offered: 

Workforce and Education Center for Success
409 Dudley Street
Roxbury, MA 02119
Tel. 617-427-7175

Senior Social and Recreation Center
63 Parker Hill Avenue
Boston, MA 02120
Tel. 617-232-0634

La Alianza Hispana's Family Counseling Center
78 Forest St
Roxbury, MA 02119
Tel. 617-427-7175

Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)

Phone: 

(617) 825-5897

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Mon, Tues, Thurs: 9:00 - 5:00
Wed, Fri: 9:00 - 8:00 PM (for youth program activities)

Mission: 

To improve the lives of Portuguese-speaking individuals and families from Massachusetts and help them become contributing, active participants in American society while maintaining strong ethnic identity and a sense of community.

MAPS works with and for the Brazilian, Cape Verdean, Portuguese and other Portuguese-speaking communities to increase access and remove barriers to health, education and social services through direct services, advocacy, leadership and community development.

Location

Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, Dorchester Branch
1 Stoughton Street
Dorchester, MA 02125
United States
Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Created: 
11/22/2010

Catholic Charities Greater Boston at the Yawkey Center

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

Phone: 

(617) 506-6600 (ESOL Counselor)/ (617)506-6627 (ABEGED Counselor)

Email: 

sara_jorgensen@ccab.org/christine_doret@ccab.org/michelle_perry@ccab.org

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Day care opens at 7 a.m. and building at 8 p.m. Haitian Multi-Service Center open 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Yawkey Konbit Creole open 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Mission: 

Catholic Charities Greater Boston is a community service center of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Boston. Catholic Charities Greater Boston provides direct service in Dorchester at the Yawkey Center, in Somerville, and in other Boston neighborhoods through an array of programs and services including Basic Needs Services, parenting programs, an after-school program for teens, a summer camp for inner-city children, elder social services, and a variety of residential programs. All are designed to address the complex issues that many individuals and families face today. More than 38,000 are served each year.

Location

Catholic Charities Greater Boston at the Yawkey Center
185 Columbia Rd.
Dorchester, MA 02121
United States
Key Partners: 

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Call or visit.

Key Programs Offered: 

ABE/ESOL-Program offers Pre-ESOL Literacy Classes for Haitian Creole Speakers. All Students receive employment and computer skills training.

Basic Needs Emergency Services Sunset Point Camp Foster Grandparents Program Friendly Visitor and Elderly Outreach Program Healthy Families Intensive Asian Adolescent Services Intensive Haitian Family Intervention Shelters and Transitional Housing <a href="%3Cb%3EHaitian%20Multi-Service%20Center%3C/b%3E:%20The%20Haitian%20Multi-Service%20Center,%20the%20largest%20social%20service%20agency%20serving%20the%20Haitian%20population%20in%20Massachusetts,%20is%20a%20non-profit%20agency%20founded%20in%201978%20to%20meet%20the%20needs%20of%20the%20rapidly%20increasing%20number%20of%20Haitian%20refugees%20coming%20to%20the%20area.%20It%20joined%20the%20Catholic%20Charities%20network%20in%201984.%20Its%20mission%20is%20to%20serve,%20in%20a%20linguistically%20and%20culturally%20sensitive%20manner,%20the%20health,%20education,%20day%20care%20and%20the%20immigration/settlement/food%20needs%20of%20the%20Haitian%20community,%20numbered%20at%20about%2020-25,000,%20and%20to%20foster%20economic%20and%20social%20self-sufficiency.%20Today%20it%20serves%205,000%20families%20annually.%20On-site%20programs%20include:%20Adult%20Education%20%28literacy,%20ESL,%20EDP-External%20Diploma%20Program%29,%20Citizenship,%20Computer%20Literacy,%20Education%20for%20Employment,%20Day%20Care,%20Pregnancy%20and%20Parenting%20Support%20Programs,%20Immigration%20and%20Refugee%20assistance,%20Food%20Pantry,%20and%20Haitian%20Elders.%20The%20Center%20serves%20clients%20primarily%20from%20Dorchester,%20Mattapan,%20Hyde%20Park,%20Jamaica%20Plain,%20and%20Roxbury.%20Hours:%208:30%20a.m.%20-%207:30%20p.m.%0A%0A%0A%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EYawkey%20Konbit-Kreyol%20Center%20for%20Early%20Education%20&%20Care%3C/b%3E:%20Offered%20from%207:30%20-%205:30p.m.%20Open%20to%20children%20ages%202%20months%20to%209%20years.%20Financial%20Aid:%20-Vouchers%20accepted%20-HeadStart%20-Sliding%20scale%0A%0A%3Ca%20%20data-cke-saved-href=" http:="" www.ccab.org="" el_centro.html"="" target="0">El Centro del Cardenal Youth Education at Yawkey: This GED program helps out-of-school and high-risk youth—who did not thrive in the public school system—earn earn their GED. Students are generally between the ages of 14 and 21. These youth may be referrals from courts or the Department of Family and Children Services. GED and alternative education programs are bilingual. Career Pathways: The Career Pathways program supports both youth and adult programs with next-step options through career exploration, internships, job shadowing opportunities, and employment. It may also include individual case management.

Community Meeting Space Available: 

No

Created: 
11/29/2011

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