新冠疫苗巨頭莫德納（Moderna) 宣佈裁員500人

            (Boston Orange 編譯)由於新冠病毒疫情而崛起的醫藥研發公司莫德納 （Moderna）週四宣佈裁員，估計佔全公司10%的500多人將失業。

莫德納公司今年以來，已經致力削減研發、製造，以及其他開銷，以期2027年時可以減少15億美元的營運支出。裁員是該公司面對疫苗業務走下坡，川普政府政策不利生醫研發，競爭對手挑戰嚴峻等情況，為降低營運成本的做法之一。

莫德納公司執行長Stéphane Bancel在發給員工並與健康與醫學新聞網站STAT分享的說明中表示，不幸的是，裁員也是實現公司重組目標必需採取的措施。

Bancel寫道：“我們盡了一切努力避免影響工作崗位”，但裁員是必要的，這樣Moderna公司才能使其“成本結構與業務現實相符”。 “我知道這對公司來說是一個艱難的時刻。每當我們不得不與同事告別時，我們都會感到百感交集。”

莫德納表示，預計到今年年底，該公司全球員工總數將少於 5,000 人，低於 2024 年底的 5,800 人。

莫德納的核心疫苗業務在後新冠時代面臨重重挑戰，新冠疫苗的市場需求和銷售量都走下坡，儘管美國食品藥物管理局 (FDA) 已批准更新的疫苗，但有限制。由於競爭激烈，莫德納推出呼吸道合胞病毒 (RSV) 疫苗的難度也超乎預期。

MassDevelopment棕地重建基金撥款650萬元清理20個發展項目土地 越助中心獲40餘萬元

麻州發展局資深社區發展副總裁David Bancroft (左起）向越助中心
房地產項目經理Anna Clements，主任George Huynh 說恭喜。（周菊子攝）

           （Boston Orange 綜合報導）麻州政府經濟發展廳7月30日在多徹斯特（Dorchester）的Talbot Bernard耆英中心宣佈，從「棕地重建基金（Brownfields Redevelopment Fund）」撥款650萬元，資助清理20個麻州受污染土地，期以爲新建和保留700多個住宅單位鋪路。

波士頓房屋長Sheila Dillon(中）也恭喜越助中心獲得補助款。（周菊子攝）

            估計有21.16英畝的土地，將可在清理之後重新發展，並釋放出95萬平方英尺的新開發空間。

麻州發展局（MassDevelopment）管理的「棕地重建基金」，成立於1998年，藉資助環境評估和修復，把受污染和未充分利用的工業或商業地產轉變為住宅和商業開發的有效空間。

            麻州經濟發展廳代理廳長，也是麻州發展局董事會主席的Ashley Stolba這天出席了發佈會。她說明「棕地重建基金」是很重要的州政府資源，幫助地方夥伴清理受污染或空置土地，用來蓋房屋或做商業發展，達到經濟發展目標。

            麻州發展局董事長兼執行長Navjeet Bal，選區在薩福克(Suffolk)第一區的麻州參議員Nick Collins，薩福克第六區的麻州眾議員Russell Holmes都指這筆經費對發展社區十分重要。

            多切斯特的科德曼廣場社區發展公司（Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, NDC）在這一輪撥款中獲得85萬美元，用於再多徹斯特角落救回兩快遞，估計可蓋出42個可負擔住宅。該公司之前在塔爾博特伯納德老年之家（Talbot Bernard Senior Homes）的工作被譽棕地重建基金影響力的成功範例。

            獲得撥款的項目有：

            NewVue Housing (Athol) – $325,000：將一塊3.16英畝的土地（含舊校舍）改造成53個家庭和長者混合收入住宅單位。

Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation (Boston) – $500,000：修復一棟0.335英畝的歷史磚房，翻新33個現有經濟適用房，新增2個，並保留5個底層零售空間。

Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (Boston) – $450,000：將多切斯特0.57英畝的土地用於建造一個23個單位的經濟適用房設施。

Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (Boston) – $400,000：將多切斯特0.283英畝的土地用於建造一個19個單位的經濟適用房設施。

Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center Inc. (Boston) – $118,000：評估波士頓0.46英畝的空地，計畫建造一個49,000平方英尺的社區健康中心。

Lena New Boston (Boston) – $337,000：修復馬塔潘4英畝的舊波士頓州立醫院舊址，計畫建造80個新的混合收入聯排別墅式住宅。

Madison Park Development Corporation (Boston) – $750,000：在羅克斯伯里0.19英畝的土地上建造一個18,031平方英尺的新建築，包含15個新的經濟適用房單位。

Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services (Boston) – $750,000：在羅克斯伯里0.738英畝的土地上建造一個94個單位的經濟適用房設施。

The Community Builders & Pine Street Inn (Boston) – $500,000：已在牙買加平原0.92英畝的土地上建成一個144,000平方英尺的建築，包含202個經濟適用房或支援性住房單位。

Vietnamese American Initiative for Development Inc. (VietAID) (Boston) – $410,000：在波士頓0.44英畝的土地上建造一個36個單位的經濟適用長者住宅設施。

YMCA of the North Shore (Gloucester) – $120,000：已將格洛斯特0.42英畝的舊YMCA分部建築改造並擴建，新增44個經濟適用長者住宅單位。

Town of Hingham (Hingham) – $35,000：評估漢厄姆1.26英畝的土地，探索未來開發經濟適用房的可能性。

Housing Innovations and Programming Inc. (Holyoke) – $35,000：評估霍利奧克0.85英畝的土地，計畫建造一個40個單位的經濟適用房設施。

Esperanza Academy School (Lawrence) – $580,000：修復勞倫斯0.71英畝的土地，計畫搬遷並建造一個31,000平方英尺的新學校建築。

Learn to Lead Foundation of Lowell, Inc. (Lowell) – $51,000：評估洛厄爾0.61英畝的舊磨坊建築地塊。

Lynn Shelter Association, Inc. (Lynn) – $500,000：修復林恩0.25英畝的舊酒店建築及其鄰近的磚石建築，擴建為61個單位，用於林恩緊急庇護所項目，服務無家可歸或有風險的個人和家庭。

City of New Bedford (New Bedford) – $90,000：修復新貝德福德工業園區內2.7英畝的市有土地，計畫建造一個約41,000平方英尺的製造、倉儲和辦公綜合樓。

North Shore Community Development Coalition (Salem) – $440,000：在塞勒姆0.233英畝的土地上建造一個29個單位的經濟適用長者住宅設施，底層設有藝術畫廊。

Montachusett Veterans Outreach (Winchendon) – $80,000：將溫琴登2.44英畝的土地（含舊校舍）改造成44個退伍軍人經濟適用房單位。

Main South Community Development Corporation (Worcester) – $48,000：修復伍斯特0.6英畝的土地，正在建設六個新的經濟適用「租賃-擁有」商業店面單位。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $6.5 Million to Assess & Clean Up Brownfields

BOSTON — Today, the Executive Office of Economic Development and MassDevelopment joined state and local officials in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood to announce $6,519,000 in awards from the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund to support the environmental assessment and cleanup of 20 contaminated sites across Massachusetts for redevelopment. Once complete, the projects are expected to redevelop a combined total of 21.16 acres, unlock more than 950,000 square feet of new development, and create or preserve more than 700 housing units.  

Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba made today’s announcement at the Talbot Bernard Senior Homes, a previous award recipient of a grant through the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund. The organization that manages the Talbot Bernard Senior Homes, Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (NDC), is receiving $850,000 in awards from this round of the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund to support the development of 42 units of affordable housing across two sites in Dorchester.  

“The Brownfields Redevelopment Fund helps local partners meet their economic development goals by bringing blighted or vacant sites back into productive use for housing and commercial development,” said Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors. “This is an important state resource for cleaning up contaminated properties to benefit our residents and communities now and into the future.” 

“MassDevelopment is proud to administer the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund on behalf of the Commonwealth and partner closely with municipalities, community development corporations, and other nonprofit organizations as they work to revitalize challenging properties in their communities,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “Today’s awards will clear the way for hundreds of new housing units, new commercial spaces, and more, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects bring for families, seniors, and neighborhoods across Massachusetts. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and our partners in the legislature for their support of this key program.” 

MassDevelopment oversees the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, which was created in 1998 to transform contaminated and underused industrial or commercial properties by funding or financing their environmental assessment and remediation towards redevelopment.  

Today’s awards were provided as rolling round grants, which are available year-round on a case-by-case basis to eligible community development corporations, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities seeking environmental assessment or remediation of sites with active projects. MassDevelopment’s website features a Notice of Funding Availability with details on how to apply for this category of assistance.  

“The Talbot Bernard Senior Housing and Homes community, where today’s event was held, demonstrates the important role the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund has played over the past 25-plus years in helping organizations like ours unlock key parcels for housing,” said Gail Latimore, Executive Director of the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. “We are glad to be receiving $850,000 in awards today to remediate two additional sites and bring 42 new affordable apartments to our corner of Dorchester.” 

“Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for prioritizing these important investments in creating housing. I am proud to support the Brownfields Redevelopment Fund grant in the state budget as I know the impact these grants make in our communities,” said Senator Nick Collins, First Suffolk. “Congratulations to the recipients. Your work is a vital step toward transforming underused properties into vibrant, sustainable spaces that benefit communities and the environment. We look forward to seeing the impact of your efforts.” 

“I am thankful to the Governor and her team for continuing to build more affordable housing. The redevelopment of sites creates healthier and more vibrant communities while expanding opportunities for job creation,” said Representative Russell Holmes, 6^th Suffolk. 

Awarded projects: 

NewVue Housing (Athol) – $325,000
NewVue Housing is using this award to remediate 129 Allen St. in Athol, a 3.16-acre site where the organization plans to create 53 units of mixed-income housing for seniors and families. The project includes redeveloping 44,416 square feet of existing former elementary school buildings and constructing a new 24,065-square-foot building on the site.  

Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation (Boston) – $500,000
Allston Brighton CDC is using this award to remediate 329 Washington St. in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood, a .335-acre site home to an existing 35,936-square-foot historic brick building. The organization plans to renovate 33 existing affordable housing units on the site and build two new additional affordable housing units. The building also includes five ground-floor retail spaces. 

Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (Boston) – $450,000
Codman Square NDC is using this award to remediate 25 New England Ave. in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, a .57-acre site where the organization plans to build a new 23-unit affordable housing facility.  

Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (Boston) – $400,000
Codman Square NDC is using this award to remediate 151 Spencer St. in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, a .283-acre site where the organization plans to build a new 19-unit affordable housing facility.  

Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center Inc. (Boston) – $118,000 
Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center Inc. is using this award to assess 8 Old Rd. and 14-16 Ellington St. in Boston, a primarily vacant .46-acre site across from the entrance to Franklin Park and the Franklin Park Zoo where the organization plans to build a new 49,000-square-foot community-based health center. 

Lena New Boston (Boston) – $337,000
Lena New Boston is using this award to remediate 91 West Main St. in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood, a four-acre site that formerly served as the Boston State Hospital site where the organization plans to build 80 new mixed-income homeownership units in a connected townhouse-style neighborhood. 

Madison Park Development Corporation (Boston) – $750,000
Madison Park Development Corporation is using this award to remediate 75 Dudley St. in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, a .19-acre site where the organization plans to build a new 18,031-square-foot building featuring 15 new affordable homeownership units.   

Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services (Boston) – $750,000
Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services is using this award to remediate 1R Gurney St. in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, a .738-acre site where the organization plans build a new 94-unit affordable housing facility.  

The Community Builders & Pine Street Inn (Boston) – $500,000
The Community Builders & Pine Street Inn used this award to remediate 3368 Washington St. in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood, a .92-acre site where the organizations built a new 144,000-square-foot building featuring 202 units of affordable or supportive housing. MassDevelopment previously issued a $53.5 million tax-exempt bond to support construction of this building.  

Vietnamese American Initiative for Development Inc. (VietAID) (Boston) – $410,000
VietAID is using this award to remediate 25-33 Hamilton St. in Boston, a .44-acre site where the organization plans to build a new 36-unit affordable senior housing facility.  

YMCA of the North Shore (Gloucester) – $120,000
YMCA of the North Shore used this award to remediate 71 Middle St. in Gloucester, a .42-acre site home to the organization’s former Cape Ann YMCA branch. The organization has redeveloped the former building and built a 22,444-square-foot addition featuring 44 units of affordable senior housing. MassDevelopment previously issued a $13 million tax-exempt bond to support construction of the organization’s new Cape Ann YMCA at the former Fuller School in Gloucester.  

Town of Hingham (Hingham) – $35,000 
The Town of Hingham is using this award to assess 96 Central St. in Hingham, a 1.26-acre site which the town is exploring for future development of affordable housing. 

Housing Innovations and Programming Inc. (Holyoke) – $35,000
Housing Innovations and Programming Inc. is using this grant to assess 662 South East St. in Holyoke, a .85-acre site where the organization plans to build a new 40-unit affordable housing facility.  

Esperanza Academy School (Lawrence) – $580,000
Esperanza Academy School is using this award to remediate 440 North Canal in Lawrence, a .71-acre site on which the school plans to relocate and build a new 31,000-square-foot school building serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade.  

Learn to Lead Foundation of Lowell, Inc. (Lowell) – $51,000 
Learn to Lead Foundation of Lowell, Inc. is using this award to assess 225 Middlesex St. in Lowell, a .61-acre site that includes a former mill building. 

Lynn Shelter Association, Inc. (Lynn) – $500,000
Lynn Shelter Association, Inc. is using this award to remediate 87-103 Liberty St. in Lynn, a .25-acre site where the organization is working to restore and rehab the vacant former Hotel Osmond building and an adjacent brick masonry building for expansion and use by the Lynn Emergency Shelter Program as 61 housing units serving individuals or families who are formerly homeless or at-risk of homelessness. 

City of New Bedford (New Bedford) – $90,000
The City of New Bedford is using this award to remediate 241 Duchaine Blvd., a 2.7-acre city-owned parcel within the New Bedford Industrial Park where a developer plans to build an approximately 41,000-square-foot manufacturing, warehouse, and office building. MassDevelopment previously provided about $1.4 million in Brownfields Redevelopment Fund awards to support this project.  

North Shore Community Development Coalition (Salem) – $440,000
North Shore CDC is using this award to remediate 9 Peabody St. in Salem, a .233-acre site where the organization plans to build a 29-unit affordable senior housing facility featuring a first-floor art gallery.  

Montachusett Veterans Outreach (Winchendon) – $80,000
Montachusett Veterans Outreach is using this award to remediate 21 Murdock Ave. in Winchendon, a 2.44-acre site where the organization plans to create 44 units of affordable housing for Veterans. The project includes redeveloping 22,175 square feet of existing school buildings and constructing a new 16,230-square-foot building on the site.  

Main South Community Development Corporation (Worcester) – $48,000
Main South Community Development Corporation is using this award to remediate 807-815 Main St. in Worcester, a .6-acre site where the organization is constructing six new affordable “lease to own” commercial storefront units. MassDevelopment previously supported construction of these storefronts, including by providing $1.3 million in Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Equity Investment grants, a prior $251,000 Brownfields Redevelopment Fund award, and a $1.3 million construction loan (in partnership with UMass Memorial Health Care) to Main South CDC. 

紐英崙客家鄉親會講座談退休金怎麼領最安心

紐英倫客家鄉親會退休理財講座部分出席者合影。(.周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英倫客家鄉親會(NEHAKKA) 7月27日下午在波士頓僑教中心辦免費理財講座，請保險理財專員暨自僱顧問陳愛蓮談「退休金怎麼領最安心」，出席人數高達五、六十人。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富致詞。(.周菊子攝)

          波士頓僑教中心主任高家富表示，退休規劃的一個重點是風險控管，臺灣現在也越來越重視，謝謝宋玉琴會長為社區大眾舉辦這很有用的講座。

在金融服務業有15年經驗，持有保險與投資相關執照的陳愛蓮以簡報片說明 各種退休帳戶（401k、IRA、Roth IRA）的正確使用方式 ，年金的類型、優缺點、適合什麼樣的人，提領順序與稅務小技巧，如何避免繳多餘的稅 ，什麼是Roth轉換？什麼時候做最好？ 如何做到「錢夠用、用得久、領得安心」。

紐英崙客家鄉親會會長宋玉琴提問。(.周菊子攝)

陳愛蓮指出，人們通常會以退休帳戶，根據工作年資和收入來決定領取額的社會安全福利金，透過投資組合配置來決定購買提供終生收入的年金產品，人壽保險和長期照護保險，或出售房屋或以房養老等方式，為退休做準備。這些方式各有優缺點，市面上並沒有哪種同時兼具漲得多，又可以用很多，用很久，還費用低，死後可留給子孫等全是優點的退休規劃產品。

紐英崙客家鄉親會退休理財講座出席者眾。(.周菊子攝）

她建議各人可根據錢的來源，放錢的方式，理財產品可以應用的功能，例如收入型，累積型，傳承行，護理型等，再來做退休規劃的產品挑選，關鍵是要降低風險，平衡稅負，提高靈活度。

在提領退休金順序上，她以個人經驗建議，首先要關注減少稅金負擔，其次研究如何可增加資產壽命，也就是錢可以用多久，然後是爭取政府提供的補助與優惠，例如退稅資格，醫療補助等，還要衡量一下強制提領退休金的政府規定，研究退休帳戶和資產的傳承稅務影響等。

講座簡報片。

紐英崙客家鄉親會的理事周健男，會員曾泰明，前會長黃淑英等，當天有許多人提問，會後還有人索要陳愛蓮的聯絡資訊，要私下繼續問。

當天出席聽講的人，有不少人並不是紐英倫客家鄉親會的會員。紐英崙客家鄉親會會長宋玉琴表示，很高興有這麼多人來聽講，該會將繼續對有益會員身心的各種知識性，聯誼性活動。

波士頓市撥款170萬元資助BCNC等 14 機構辦理就業培訓

(Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）和市府人力發展局（OWD）今（30）日宣佈，將從「鄰里就業信託基金（NJT）」撥款170萬元，給14個社區機構，幫助大約600市民進入波士頓市所需人力的職業培訓管道，獲得高薪工作。

這些獲得補助的社區機構，將來還有機會得到大約1000萬元的額外資金。

「鄰里就業信託基金」成立於1987年，經費來自波士頓市內大規模商業項目發展商支付的“連鎖金”。這些年來該基金共收到5500萬元以上的連鎖金，用於支持波士頓居民的人力培訓與教育。這次的資助撥款，重點放在市民最需要的醫療護理，清潔能源及托兒照顧等領域，和「都會波士頓好工作聯盟（Good Jobs Metro Boston Coalition）」倡議的目標一致。

            波士頓市長吳弭和人力發展賦權長Trinh Nguyen表示，成立「鄰里就業信託基金」的主要目的是解決弱勢族群所面對的就業障礙問題。

            這些弱勢群體包括還在學英語者、移民、有色人種居民、經歷住房不穩定或無家可歸的人、有司法前科的居民以及殘疾人士等。

「鄰里就業信託基金」在2026會計年度中，還撥款 35,750 美元給波士頓公立學校（BPS），啟動一項收取25名學生的駕駛教育試點計畫，幫這他們克服交通障礙，將來能夠從事建築、醫療保健和汽車等行業的工作。

            獲得資助的組織包括 Mujeres Unidas Avanzando、Friends of the Rafael Hernandez School、African Bridge Network、Per Scholas、St. Stephen's Youth Programs、Operation ABLE、English for New Bostonians (ENB)、Tech Goes Home、YMCA Greater Boston、JRI/Strive、Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)、Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center、Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) 和 Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (Franklin Cummings Tech)。

            其中波士頓華埠社區中心(BCNC)是華埠社區獲得撥款的唯一機構。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES $1.7 MILLION IN NEIGHBORHOOD JOBS TRUST FUNDING AWARDED TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS EXPANDING JOB TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR BOSTON RESIDENTS

Funding will prepare eligible residents to enter new careers in healthcare, clean energy, and childcare

BOSTON - Wednesday, July 30, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) today announced the allocation of $1.7 million of Neighborhood Jobs Trust (NJT) funding to 14 community-based organizations in Boston. NJT funding supports local organizations that provide residents with job training and support services that address the needs of Boston’s workforce, enabling them to enter career pathways and obtain higher-paying jobs. The grants will serve approximately 600 residents while allowing the organizations to leverage approximately $10 million in additional funding. 

“The Neighborhood Jobs Trust is critical in our work to make Boston a home for everyone. This funding will better connect our residents to crucial job training, support services and opportunities” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thrilled to support these 14 excellent community organizations and look forward to their efforts that empower our residents across neighborhoods to enter new career pathways, build wealth and strengthen our economy.”

“The Neighborhood Jobs Trust has been a long-standing source of vital funding for organizations dedicated to equipping Boston residents with the skills they need to access career opportunities and improve their lives,” said Chief of Worker Empowerment Trinh Nguyen. “With this round of NJT funding, the City of Boston is investing in high-quality training for those facing multiple barriers to employment, leading to good jobs in three crucial sectors of our economy. This investment will benefit both residents participating in the programs and employers seeking skilled talent. The City of Boston also benefits when its residents thrive, and we’re thankful for the contributions these organizations will make toward that goal.”

Since its creation in 1987, the Neighborhood Jobs Trust ensures that residents directly benefit from real estate development in Boston through quality jobs, job training, and related services. Funding in the trust is replenished by Jobs Linkage fees paid by developers of large-scale commercial projects in the city. NJT has received over $55 million in Linkage funds to support Boston’s education and workforce development efforts. Led by the Worker Empowerment Cabinet, the Office of Workforce Development manages this funding.

NJT proudly funds special projects with long-range impact that ultimately put low-to-moderate income residents on career pathways that lead to economic security. This year, the trust awarded Boston Public Schools (BPS) $35,750 to launch a driver's education program. Through the pilot program, BPS will support twenty-five students or recent graduates, particularly those in vocational programs and alternative education settings, who are job-ready but face transportation barriers due to not having a driver’s license. The funds will help cover RMV fees, driving school costs, permit preparation, and road test support. Students who obtain a driver’s license are positioned to access jobs in construction, healthcare, automotive, and other in-demand sectors that often require travel beyond public transit routes. This initiative is part of a broader workforce readiness strategy by BPS aimed at increasing access, independence, and long-term employment outcomes for young people.

“The Neighborhood Jobs Trust (NJT) is crucial to ensuring that our students have the tools and resources they need to access high-quality jobs after the completion of their secondary or post-secondary education,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “I am grateful to the BPS Student Support team who is working to design and implement the Driver Education pilot program, which will increase independence and long-term employment outcomes for our students.”

For Fiscal Year 2026, NJT recipients were selected through a public Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) process administered by the Office of Workforce Development. The organizations will provide programming that prepares eligible residents for in-demand careers in three key sectors: Healthcare, Clean Energy, and Childcare. The sectoral focus of this RFGA builds on the work of the Good Jobs Metro Boston Coalition, a City initiative that supports the training and placement of over 4,000 Boston-area residents in these target industries. Leveraging NJT funding deepens support for training providers and pathways in these key sectors while meeting the needs of Boston's employers to fill roles in critically important fields. The NJT-funded programs target their services to the needs of underserved populations facing barriers to employment, including English language learners, immigrants, residents of color, individuals experiencing housing instability or homelessness, court-involved residents, and individuals with disabilities. In addition, the programs are designed to incorporate supportive wrap-around services.

The following organizations were awarded grants through this round of funding:

• Mujeres Unidas Avanzando: The Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Training for English Language Learners (ELLs) program will provide low-income non-native English speakers with comprehensive training and holistic wraparound services to prepare them for rewarding healthcare careers.
• Friends of the Rafael Hernandez School: The Primeras Maestras program trains low-income Spanish-speaking adults to become dual-language educators. Relying on the native language and child-rearing skills of participants, the program provides hands-on training in pre-K through 4th-grade classrooms, professional development workshops, and job-seeking support in an industry with high demand and future growth opportunities.
• African Bridge Network: This program will develop career pathways in healthcare for skilled immigrants as laboratory technicians, clinical research coordinators, and research administration coordinators. 
• Per Scholas: Per Scholas Greater Boston will provide lower-income Boston residents looking to launch their IT careers in the Healthcare sector with comprehensive professional development, job search, career development, job attainment services, and healthcare employer connections.
• St. Stephen's Youth Programs: The Ladders of Opportunity program prepares low-income, multilingual Boston Public Schools parents and caregivers for careers as early childhood educators and paraprofessionals. 
• Operation ABLE: The ABLE Medical Office Skills Training program offers 12 weeks of instruction and practice in computers, customer service, communication, and administrative skills with a focus on preparing individuals for administrative positions in medical office settings. The 12 weeks of classroom instruction are followed by a six-week internship with a partner healthcare employer.
• English for New Bostonians (ENB): The Economic Mobility Pathways program creates economic pathways for immigrants across educational/work backgrounds and aspirations. Pathways provides customized ESOL, Career Workshops, and individualized coaching, building confidence and career planning and advancement for limited English speakers.
• Tech Goes Home: Tech Goes Home will enhance workforce development opportunities for prospective healthcare and childcare professionals by integrating digital skills training into existing job training programs. Each participant completes 15 hours of community-based, culturally responsive digital skills training, earning a new computer and, if needed, a year-long internet connection.
• YMCA Greater Boston: The Early Childhood Career Pathways program will prepare Boston residents for impactful careers as early childhood educators. The program integrates classroom instruction, hands-on field experience, career services, and career advising to support participants with their goal of securing employment as an early childhood educator
• JRI/Strive: STRIVE Boston, in partnership with Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), aims to place 20 individuals in various employment roles at BWH, including Central Transport, Materials Management, and Medical Assistants. This program will expand career pathways for participants, providing them with training and coursework opportunities that lead to higher-paying jobs and greater responsibilities within the BWH system.
• Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD): The First Steps into Early Childhood Education Careers (First Steps) program prepares low-income Boston residents for high-demand jobs in early childhood education, with starting salaries averaging at or above $18.20 an hour. 
• Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center: The ESOL for Healthcare Careers job training program equips low-income, immigrant, English language learners (ELL) with the language, workplace, and industry-specific skills needed to secure and succeed in entry-level healthcare roles. The program integrates ESOL instruction with career counseling, case management, and occupational training, ensuring accessibility for beginner-level ELLs who may face barriers to traditional workforce programs. 
• Jewish Vocational Service (JVS): JVS offers three Career Pathway Training programs: Caring for Our Seniors Nurse’s Aide Training, Pharmacy Technician Training, and Central Sterile Processing Technician Training. The training model allows job seekers with multiple complex barriers to employment to train for and secure high-quality healthcare jobs.
• Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology (Franklin Cummings Tech): Franklin Cummings Tech will provide trade and technical education in HVAC&R and Practical Electricity to support underserved community members who face barriers to employment. These industries are in high demand, offer realistic timelines for employment, and provide family-sustaining wages in the clean energy sector.

“Neighborhood Jobs Trust has been a steadfast partner in our mission since 2019, enabling Mujeres Unidas Avanzando to deliver Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) classes that build pathways to high-demand careers,” said Johannah Malone, Executive Director of Mujeres Unidas Avanzando. “In Boston and across Massachusetts, healthcare staffing shortfalls, especially in clinical support roles like CMAs, are creating real economic strain. By equipping our students with professional training and industry-ready experience, NJT is not just helping individuals change their lives; it is also strengthening our local healthcare system and supporting sustainable economic growth. We are deeply grateful for their continued investment in our community and our future workforce.”

For more information on the FY26 recipients, please visit this link.

醫療保險和補助法案頒佈60週年 麻州長Healey發聲明籲關注現狀

(Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今天就《醫療保險和醫療補助法案》（Medicare and Medicaid Act）頒佈60週年發表以下聲明。該法案由林登·約翰遜（Lyndon B Johnson）總統於1965年7月30日簽署，旨在創建老年人醫療保險計劃——Medicare，以及低收入人群和殘疾人醫療保險計劃——Medicaid，在馬薩諸塞州被稱為MassHealth。

60年前，兩黨領導人齊心協力創建了醫療補助計劃（Medicaid），因為他們一致認同一個基本原則：在這個世界上最偉大的國家，任何人都不應該因為負擔不起而失去基本醫療服務。但今天，川普總統卻將這一切置於危險之中，因為他的新法案削減了聯邦醫療補助資金，數百萬人即將失去醫療保險。

川普總統正在剝奪家庭、老年人、退伍軍人和殘疾人的醫療保健。他將提高我們所有人的保費，無論你是否享有醫療補助。我們社區所依賴的鄉村醫院、社區健康中心和療養院將面臨裁員或關閉。

但在麻州，我們將堅守我們的本色——醫療保健第一州。我們擁有世界上最好的覆蓋範圍、最優質的醫療服務和最完善的醫院。我們將每天努力保持這種狀態。正因如此，我才採取行動限制自付額的成本，並共同支付，拒絕大幅提高保費，將胰島素和吸入器的價格上限設定為25美元，並改善初級保健、孕產婦保健和生殖保健的可及性。

          我希望MassHealth的成員知道，你們應該像往常一樣繼續就醫。川普總統的改革措施尚未生效，但最終會生效。你們應該知道，你們的州長和州政府將竭盡所能，幫助你們了解這些改革措施，了解它們可能對你們的影響，以及你們需要採取哪些措施來保障自己的醫療保障。我們隨時為你們服務。

 Governor Healey Pledges to Protect Health Care on the 60^th Anniversary of Medicaid 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement today on the 60th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid Act, which was signed by President Lyndon B Johnson on July 30, 1965 and created Medicare, a health insurance program for seniors, and Medicaid, a health insurance program for people with limited income and people with disabilities, known as MassHealth in Massachusetts. 

“60 years ago, leaders from both sides of the aisle came together to create Medicaid because they agreed on the fundamental principle that no one should go without basic health care in the greatest country in the world because they can’t afford it. But today, President Trump has put that all in jeopardy, as millions of people are about to lose health care coverage because his new law cuts federal Medicaid funding. 

President Trump is taking away health care from families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. He’s going to make premiums go up for all of us, whether you’re on Medicaid or not. Rural hospitals, community health centers and nursing homes that our communities rely on will face layoffs or closures. 

But here in Massachusetts, we’re going to stay true to who we are – the number one state for health care. We’re home to the best coverage, quality and hospitals in the world. We’re going to work every day to stay that way. It’s why I’ve taken action to limit the cost of deductibles and co-pays, rejected large increases in premiums, capped insulin and inhalers at $25, and improve access to primary care, maternal health care and reproductive health care. 

I want MassHealth members to know that you should continue to seek care as you usually would. President Trump’s changes have not yet gone into effect, but they will. You should know that you have a Governor and a state government that’s going to do everything we can to help you understand the changes, how they might impact you and what you need to do to protect your coverage. We are here for you.” 

THE CITY OF BOSTON AND BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION EVENT HELPS TEENS EXPLORE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND COPING SKILLS

 THE CITY OF BOSTON AND BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION EVENT HELPS TEENS EXPLORE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND COPING SKILLS

This year’s ‘Break-up Summit’ is on July 31 and brings together 200 teens and 50 providers from across the city

BOSTON — July 30, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu, the City of Boston, and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) are hosting a summit for teens to explore healthy relationship dynamics and coping skills. This year’s annual Break-Up Summit, run by BPHC’s Start Strong program, is on July 31, 2025, at Simmons University. This year’s theme, “Unscripted Love,” invites teenagers to have honest conversations about relationships in the age of social media and AI.

“As digital interactions and social pressures complicate how teens navigate relationships, it’s important to increase our youth-led violence prevention and community building efforts,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Thank you to Start Strong for organizing this summit and giving our young people the tools, knowledge and support they need to build safe, respectful and affirming relationships.”    

The annual summits are aimed at preventing dating violence amongst teenagers in Boston and increasing their understanding of what constitutes a healthy break up by creating a safe space to unpack the realities of modern relationships. This year’s theme, “Unscripted Love,” gives teens a space to laugh, vent, share stories and ultimately uplift each other while discussing the impact social media has on relationships, setting digital boundaries, and self care strategies.  

“This year’s summit centers on social media, recognizing its role as a ‘super peer’—shaping how young people understand love, conflict, and identity,” said Jess Alder, Program Director for Start Strong Initiative. “While media can be a source of healing and connection, it can also reinforce harmful myths about control, jealousy, and violence. By helping young people critically engage with the messages they consume and share, we’re empowering them to communicate with empathy, navigate conflict, and build healthier relationships.”  

Co-designed by teen peer leaders and Start Strong staff, this year's summit will feature live skits and performances, interactive breakout sessions, a youth-led panel discussion, a live recording of the “Real Love Real Talk” podcast, an intergenerational dialogue between teenagers and adults and free lunch for all attendees. The summit is free and open to Boston-area teenagers. Registration is now closed, but 200 teens from across the city have signed up through their youth programs for this year’s Summit.

Housed within the Child Adolescent Family Health Bureau, Start Strong is an internationally recognized youth-led violence prevention program that aims to prevent teen dating violence and promote healthy relationships. Start Strong uses a trauma-informed, positive youth development framework to start conversations on systems of oppression, intersectionality, and prevention/promotion work while incorporating a media literacy lens. All of Start Strong’s work is youth-created, driven, or inspired, which means that youth are the heart of the program.