Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Five Years of the Career Technical Initiative, Highlighting Nearly $70 Million Invested in Massachusetts’s Skilled Trades Workforce

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Five Years of the Career Technical Initiative, Highlighting Nearly $70 Million Invested in Massachusetts’s Skilled Trades Workforce 

ANDOVER – This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration celebrated five years of the Career Technical Initiative (CTI), a statewide workforce program that has partnered with 34 vocational technical schools to expand access to high-quality training in the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors and reaching more than 4,600 unemployed and underemployed adult participants, to date.

The CTI grant program partners with Career and Technical Education (CTE) Schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. The CTI program continues to serve as a collaborative initiative of the state’s Workforce Skills Cabinet.

“Programs like the Career Technical Initiative create real opportunities for adult learners by pairing practical, hands-on learning with skills employers are looking for in today’s economy,” said Governor Healey. “By combining hands-on training, outstanding CTE schools, and strong employer partnerships, CTI has helped open doors to high-demand careers in construction, the trades, and manufacturing—setting residents up for success today and for years to come.”

 

“The Career Technical Initiative has been a key part of our workforce agenda as we build a job-ready workforce for today and the future,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Massachusetts leads the nation in education and CTI uses that world-class system to provide targeted job training to adult workers and give them the skills they need to thrive in growing and in-demand industries.”

Since its launch, CTI has awarded nearly $70 million in grants to 34 schools statewide. More than 4,600 adult participants have enrolled, adding thousands of skilled workers to the Massachusetts workforce. The program has expanded from 10 vocational technical schools in its first year to 34 schools today, reflecting strong demand and the success of CTI’s model. Across the program’s first five years, CTI has achieved an 85% completion rate, with 100% of completers earning an industry-recognized credential.  

Since 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $53 million in CTI Grants, projected to train over 6,090 unemployed and underemployed individuals.  

“Over the past five years, the CTI program has demonstrated strategic ways to train and prepare untapped talent for current and future workforce needs across Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “This program has been an impactful tool to build our workforce and a great example of leveraging existing resources through our vocational technical schools to increase access and opportunities as we strengthen our skilled workforce.”

“As CTI marks five years of impact, it continues to show how our education system can support a strong, job-ready workforce,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “By opening up career and technical education schools for adult training and aligning programs with industry needs, this initiative is delivering meaningful results for learners, employers, and communities throughout Massachusetts.”

To mark the milestone, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones visited Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS) in Andover, an inaugural-round CTI grantee, to tour training spaces and meet with educators, workforce partners, and employers supporting the CTI program in the region. The CTI program for adult learners is a program of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public agency.

The Greater Lawrence Technical School has been part of CTI since its first cohort in 2020 and helped establish the statewide model by providing adult-focused training. Today, GLTS continues to serve as a regional hub in Essex County, preparing learners for careers in construction, manufacturing, automotive, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and other in-demand fields.   

“The Career Technical Initiative truly innovative — it unlocks additional, much needed training capacity in Massachusetts’s impressive vocational schools,” said Molly Jacobson, President and CEO of Commonwealth Corporation. “Schools collaborate with workforce boards, career centers and employers to offer training programs that meet real workforce needs and fits into people’s lives. This work is opening doors for upward mobility for our families and delivering strong returns for the Commonwealth, with $2.18 in economic value generated for $1 invested. That kind of impact is possible thanks to the commitment and the leadership of our grantees and partners.”  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $33.5 Million for Housing, Economic Development Across State

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $33.5 Million for Housing, Economic Development Across State 

Also creates new Housing Choice Initiative to support housing development in small and rural communities 

GREAT BARRINGTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced nearly $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards to support housing, infrastructure, social services and economic development projects in 52 communities across Massachusetts. At the same time, the administration is updating its Housing Choice Initiative to launch a new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation, giving smaller and more rural communities a clearer path to state recognition and resources for pro-housing policies.  

Together, these initiatives reflect the administration’s commitment to listening to communities of all sizes and working alongside local leaders to deliver the tools, funding and policy support they need to expand housing options and strengthen their downtowns and neighborhoods. 

“From our smallest hill towns to our Gateway Cities and regional hubs, we are listening to local leaders and making sure they have the resources they need to deliver for their residents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These Community Development Block Grants will support housing and economic development in cities and towns across the state, and the new Rural and Small Town designation will make sure that no community is left behind. Together, these initiatives are about giving communities the tools they need to grow their economies, build more housing to lower costs, and deliver the high-quality services their people deserve.” 

“As a former mayor, I know how powerful it is when the state not only sends funding but also recognizes and supports the local policies that make new housing possible,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “CDBG is one of the most flexible tools that cities and towns have to respond to local needs. By pairing those dollars with a refreshed Housing Choice program — including a Rural and Small Town designation — we are making sure communities of every size can access state support, unlock new housing and strengthen their downtowns and neighborhoods.” 

“This year’s CDBG awards will fund housing rehabilitation, street and sidewalk upgrades, planning work and vital social services in dozens of communities,” said Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “At the same time, our new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice designation recognizes that smaller communities face different realities but are just as committed to creating housing options for their residents. These changes grew out of hundreds of conversations my team and I have had with local leaders over the past three years, and they will help more communities qualify for Housing Choice recognition and grant programs that support long term housing and community development.” 

The federal fiscal 2025 CDBG awards, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC), will help small cities and towns undertake projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible municipalities applied individually or as part of a regional application. This year, HLC is issuing 27 competitive Community Development Fund awards totaling $25.7 million, along with $7.75 million for nine Mini-Entitlement communities, for a combined $33.47 million in funding.  

Communities will use CDBG funds for a wide range of eligible activities, including housing rehabilitation, sidewalk and road improvements, planning studies, public facility upgrades and social services such as food pantries, youth programming and homelessness prevention. Awardees include communities on the Cape and Islands, in the Berkshires, in Gateway Cities and in rural Western and Central Massachusetts, underscoring the geographic reach and flexibility of the program.  

In addition to these investments, HLC will launch a new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community (RST-HCC) designation in the 2026 round. Municipalities with 7,000 or less year-round population or under 500 persons per square mile qualify as “Rural and Small Towns.” 

The Housing Choice Initiative, first created in 2018 and updated in 2025, recognizes municipalities that are producing housing and adopting local policies that support housing growth, such as pro-housing zoning, affordability programs and streamlined permitting. As part of the 2026 update, both the standard Housing Choice Community designation and the new RST-HCC designation will maintain existing housing production thresholds over the previous five years while slightly reducing the number of required “best practices” in response to feedback from communities and regional planning agencies. The updated designation criteria will make it easier for both rural and non-rural communities to qualify for Housing Choice status and 

The Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation requires one of four housing production thresholds, with lower best practice requirements than larger or more urban communities. For example, rural and small towns that have increased their year-round housing stock by at least 3% in the past five years would qualify with 8 best practice requirements. Communities that have grown more slowly can qualify by combining housing growth with a specified number of best practices, including actions to expand affordable housing options. The lowest rate of housing unit growth for RST–HCC designation is 1.5 percent over the last 5 years and 9 best practices.  

Since the relaunch of Housing Choice in 2025, HLC has gathered extensive feedback from rural and small municipalities, regional planning agencies and other partners. The new RST-HCC designation and adjusted criteria are a direct response to that feedback and are expected to increase the number of communities able to participate in Housing Choice from 77 in 2025 to an estimated 90 to 96 communities after the 2026 designation round.   

The 2026 Housing Choice and Rural and Small Town Housing Choice designation application round is expected to open in January 2026, in time for newly designated communities to participate in the Community One Stop for Growth. 

Federal fiscal 2025 Community Development Block Grant Awards 

Mini-Entitlement communities 

• Amherst — Kendrick Park Sidewalks and social services —$850,000 
• Chelsea — Voke Park Project and social services —$850,000 
• Gardner — Downtown Phase V Construction and social services —$850,000 
• Greenfield — Housing rehab program (3 units), Sidewalk reconstruction program and social services —$850,000 
• North Adams — Senior Center Phase IV improvements and Prospect Hill area road improvements —$950,000 
• Southbridge — Housing rehab program (5 units) and code enforcement and commercial rehab —$850,000 
• Wareham — Housing rehab program (8 units) and social services —$850,000 
• Webster — Aldrich Street reconstruction —$850,000 
• West Springfield — West School Street and Willard Avenue water main replacement and social services —$850,000 

Community Development Fund awards 

• Athol — South Street Phase III (Freedom to Tunnel) —$850,000 
• Barre — Fir Street Improvement Project and planning for South Barre slum and blight inventory —$691,000 
• Beverly — Housing rehab program (12 units) —$850,000 
• Brewster (joint with Dennis and Wellfleet) — Housing rehab program (13 units) and social services—$1,250,000 
• Chester — Prospect Street Phase 4 —$850,000 
• Chesterfield (joint with Cummington, Goshen, Plainfield, Savoy, Westhampton, Williamsburg and Worthington) — Housing rehab program (12 units) and social services —$1,233,522 
• East Brookfield — Planning for ADA self-evaluation and transition plan, facilities assessment study and Off-Main infrastructure plan —$458,000 
• Edgartown (joint with West Tisbury and Aquinnah) — Housing rehab program (13 units) and social services—$1,250,000 
• Gill (joint with New Salem) — Housing rehab program (9 units) —$900,000 
• Great Barrington (joint with Egremont and Stockbridge) — Housing rehab program (14 units) —$1,250,000 
• Hinsdale (joint with Florida) — Housing rehab program (11 units) —$950,000 
• Holbrook — Housing rehab program (10 units) —$850,000 
• Huntington — Design for Blandford Hill Road infrastructure improvements, Stanton Avenue improvement project phase II and ADA self-evaluation and transition plan —$850,000 
• Lenox (joint with Sandisfield) — Housing rehab program (12 units) —$1,050,000 
• Mashpee — Housing rehab program (10 units) —$850,000 
• Methuen — Housing rehab program (8 units) —$838,206 
• Montague — Avenue A streetscape improvements construction project and social services —$850,000 
• New Marlborough (joint with Mount Washington and Otis) — Housing rehab program (15 units) —$1,250,000 
• Northbridge — Church Avenue reconstruction, Phase 2 —$850,000 
• Oak Bluffs (joint with Tisbury and Chilmark) — Housing rehab program (12 units) and social services —$1,250,000 
• Orange — Housing rehab project (3 units), Wheeler Memorial Library roof repair and replacement project and social services —$849,465 
• Palmer — Front, Park and Kelly Streets Improvement Project (FPKIP) and social services —$850,000 
• Randolph — Housing rehab program (8 units) and social services —$850,000 
• Salisbury — Housing rehab program (3 units), Meaders Lane neighborhood infrastructure project and social services —$850,000 
• Truro (joint with Provincetown, Harwich and Eastham) — Housing rehab program (13 units) and social services —$1,250,000 
• Ware — Cottage Street Infrastructure Improvement Project, Phase One, and social services —$850,000 
• Warren (joint with Millbury) — Design for senior center parking and neighborhood infrastructure improvements —$1,050,000 

光明節期間 麻州公佈全美首個經法案設立委員會的「打擊反猶太主義」報告

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）和麻州參議會議長斯皮卡（Karen Spika）等政要，12月17日公佈全美首個經州法設立的打擊反猶太主義特別委員會所製作的「打擊反猶太主義調查報告」，直指近期案件激增70%，州政府將藉法律和預算手段對抗。

麻州政府稱，麻州這天寫下美國立法保障人權新頁。

2024年7月29日，麻州州長奚莉簽署通過2025會計年度預算案時，藉由「外部條款（Outside Section）」，設立了由9人組成的「打擊反猶太主義特別委員會」，並責成該委員會製作調查報告。

州府政要12月17日在參議會閱讀室公佈了這份報告。麻州參議會議長斯皮卡（Karen Spika）強調，這份報告不是空泛的述說打擊反猶太主義，而是要給教育者和執法者提供具體可行步驟。麻州財政廳廳長Deb Goldberg則強調，要在「保護言論自由」的同時，確保每個人感到安全與被尊重。這份報告的一個重要目標是逆轉反猶太主義的日益「常態化」趨勢。

這份「打擊反猶太主義調查報告」，提出四大方向建議，包括要在幼稚園到高中（K-12）的教育中，，強調跨宗教、跨社區的合作，以及加強對猶太機構和禮拜場所的安全保護。

委員會聯合主席、現役軍人參議員 約翰‧維利斯（John Velis） 與前聯邦檢察官眾議員 西蒙·卡塔爾多（Simon Cataldo） 指出，報告彙整了 50 小時的證詞，核心策略包括在幼稚園到高中（ K-12）推廣反仇恨教育，加強學生們對猶太經驗的理解與認識，促進跨宗教結盟（Allyship），為公家機關，和社區提供具體指導，以期有效，且標準化的因應反猶太事件，同時和執法機關加強合作，確保麻州猶太社群在近期全球暴力頻傳（如澳洲邦迪海灘事件）的陰影下，仍享有免於恐懼的自由。

麻州之所以能夠成為全美首個以立法手段介入「打擊反猶太主義」議題的州政府，應和麻州政壇有三大猶太巨頭關係密切。推動立法成立特別委員會的靈魂人物麻州參議會議長斯皮卡，麻州財政廳廳長高德苞（Deborah Goldberg），麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz）都是猶太裔。

遵循猶太曆，總是在希伯來曆的基斯流月（Kislev）第25日開始，一連舉行8日的光明節（Hanukkah），今年落在12月14日到22日。全美首份「打擊反猶太主義調查報告」在光明節期間公佈，應該也是委員會的特意安排。

12月17日晚，麻州政要還在麻州州政府大樓二樓的大樓梯（Grand Stairs）前，舉行了一場光明節點蠟燭儀式，除了麻州參議會議長斯皮卡，麻州財政廳廳長高德苞（Deborah Goldberg），麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz）這麻州政壇三大猶太裔政要之外，麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey），副州長德里斯科爾（Kim Driscoll），麻州州務卿蓋文（Ｗilliam Galvin）都出席致詞，連以色列駐新英格蘭總領事Benny Sharoni都出席致詞，強調世界要和平，人們應團結，仇恨不應存在。

麻州代理交通廳廳長伍偉華（Philip Eng），麻州眾議員馬惠美（Amy Mah Sangiolo）也都出席在座。

 

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【附錄：麻州打擊反猶太主義特別委員會成員名單】

該委員會由 19 位跨領域領袖組成，涵蓋立法、執法、教育與社區代表：

聯合主席 (Co-Chairs)

• Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield)：州參議員，現役軍人。
• Rep. Simon Cataldo (D-Concord)：州眾議員，前聯邦司法部檢察官。

立法機關代表

• Rep. Steven S. Howitt (R-Seekonk)：州眾議員。

猶太社區與民權組織代表

• Jeremy Burton：大波士頓猶太社區關係委員會（JCRC）執行長。
• Robert Leikind：美國猶太人委員會（AJC）紐英崙地區主任。
• Peggy Shukur：反誹謗聯盟（ADL）紐英崙地區副主任。
• Jody Kipnis：大屠殺遺產基金會創辦人。
• Dara Kaufman：伯克希爾猶太聯合會執行總監。
• David Friedman：前波士頓紅襪隊高層（州長指派）。
• Rita Blanter：社區代表（參議院少數黨領袖指派）。

教育界代表

• Constantia Papanikolaou：高等教育部總法律顧問。
• Erin Hashimoto-Martell：中初等教育部（DESE）代表。
• Aaron Polansky：麻州學校督導協會代表。

公共安全與執法代表

• Paul Tucker：埃塞克斯縣地方檢察官。
• Chief Thomas Fowler：索爾茲伯里警察局長。
• Jamie Hoag：麻州總檢察長辦公室代表。
• Michael Memmolo：麻州反歧視委員會（MCAD）代表。

地方政府代表

• Ruthanne Fuller：牛頓市（City of Newton）市長。
• Jill Hai：列剋星敦（Lexington）選區委員會成員。

麻州Healey州長發文反對國家電網2027年天然氣漲價10%計畫

 (Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey)在12月18日發表公開意見，反對國家電網公司的計劃從2027年起，天然氣用戶費率調漲10%。

奚莉州長說，「國家電網公司提出的這項漲價計畫將對民眾造成雪上加霜影響，我們將堅決反對」。奚莉州長表示，能源成本已經過高，州政府正在努力從各個方面降低成本。她的能源可負擔法案將通過取消賬單上的附加費用，為民眾節省超過130億美元。她督促州府監管機構展開民眾燃氣和電力賬單上所有附加費的全面調查。她採取多管齊下方法來降低成本。

 

奚莉州長也反對自由電力公司（ Liberty Utilities） 提議的明年提高麻州東南部客戶電費 55% 。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $3 Million for Supportive Housing for Individuals and Families in Recovery

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $3 Million for Supportive Housing for Individuals and Families in Recovery   Funding to provide access to transitional living environments for people in early recovery from substance use disorder   BOSTON (December 18, 2025) – As part of its ongoing efforts to combat the overdose crisis, the Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $3 million in grants to six organizations to provide housing and supportive services to families and individuals in early recovery from substance use disorder.   The awards include $2.1 million in annual funding over two years to four organizations across the state to establish a new supportive living program for residents in early recovery and who may have a history of homelessness, co-occurring illness, and/or mental health conditions. The organizations receiving awards ranging from $250,000 to $800,000 a year are: Bay Cove Human Services in Cambridge, GAAMHA in Gardner, Gándara Center in Springfield, and Mental Health Association in Springfield.    Additionally, up to $1.5 million in grants is available this fiscal year to help expand existing transitional housing and supportive services aimed at families in early recovery from substance use disorders. Two new awardees, the Brien Center in Pittsfield and the Vietnamese American Civic Association in Boston, will join a roster of six community-based organizations already providing recovery housing, case management services, and other supports across the state to pregnant and parenting women and to men in recovery with their children.   “Recovery from substance use isn’t one-size-fits-all – it can depend on different factors for each individual, which is why it’s so important that we invest comprehensively in housing alongside support services to give people the best chance at recovery,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “These programs will equip residents with the tools they need to maintain future housing stability and support long-term recovery and wellness.”   “The first months of recovery from substance use can feel precarious as individuals begin to establish new routines while trying to maintain sobriety. The unfortunate statistical reality is that most people relapse within the first year,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “By removing barriers to stable housing and providing access to community-based services and resources, we aim to clear the path so that residents in early recovery can rebuild their lives with dignity and support.”    The recovery supportive living programs for families and individuals provide a transitional alcohol- and drug-free living environment that includes case management services, as well as community-based supports that encourage the development of independent living skills. Those in the family program are given the tools to enhance their ability to balance parenting, recovery, and other priorities to achieve self-sufficiency and family stability.    “We know that access to safe, stable housing is a crucial component to supporting an individual’s or family’s substance use recovery journey,” said Deirdre Calvert, Director of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services at DPH. “These programs will foster living environments in which individuals and families in recovery can work toward independent living—all within a supportive community and in ways that resonate with their own needs and goals.”   Grant recipients were selected for their ability to provide ongoing supportive case management for families with parents in recovery during the transition period from residential services, as well as for their extensive experience in housing, substance use, and recovery support.    The recovery supportive program for individuals is funded by the State Opioid Response (SOR) federal grant from the Substance Addiction and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The family supportive living program is funded through a combination of federal block grant and state funding.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF THE CITY’S ANNUAL TOY DRIVE

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF THE CITY’S ANNUAL TOY DRIVE 

City and community partners to distribute more than 2,000 toys to children and families in Boston 

BOSTON - Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the City of Boston has expanded its annual toy drive, distributing more than 2,000 toys to children and families in need before Christmas. This year, the toy drive is led by the City’s Community Engagement Cabinet, Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), and the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), in partnership with Amazon, Fidelity Investments, Ace Ticket, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 93, IBEW Local 103, Boston Metro Building Trades Council, and Care Access. Over the course of seven days, the Community Engagement Cabinet , BCYF, and BHA staff alongside community partners will distribute toys to children ages 0-17 living in BHA housing or neighborhoods surrounding BCYF centers.

 

“We are fortunate to collaborate with partners and community members to ensure every child experiences the joy of the holidays,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “These important efforts help families enjoy the holiday season and bring our community together. Thank you to all our partners for making this possible.”

 

The Mayor’s annual toy drive, led by the Community Engagement Cabinet, brings community members together in BCYF or BHA community centers to help residents connect with neighbors and City staff, enjoy holiday treats, and ensure every child receives a toy to take home. Care Access will provide free health screenings to children and families during the holiday celebration. 

 

“This year, our city’s families in need faced many challenges, but we are committed to ensuring every child receives a gift during the holidays,” said Community Engagement Cabinet Chief Brianna Millor. “We are extremely grateful to BCYF and BHA, who ensured the toy distribution ran smoothly. Our partners Amazon, Fidelity Investments, Ace Ticket, AFSCME Council 93, IBEW Local 103, Metro Building Trades Council, and Care Access stepped up in a meaningful way to bring holiday cheer to children and families in Boston. The City of Boston is forever grateful for our partners.” 

 

“Amazon is proud to support the City of Boston's annual holiday toy drive and bring joy to children and families this season," said Jerome Smith, Head of Community Engagement for New England at Amazon. "We've been intentional about the toys we're donating – from hands-on science kits that inspire young learners, to sports equipment that encourages active play, to beloved dolls and creative art sets. Supporting Boston families means investing in our community and helping bring the holiday season to children across the city."

 

“Fidelity is proud to support and uplift the communities we serve, and helping the residents of Boston – our hometown for nearly 80 years – is especially meaningful for us,” said Pamela Everhart, Senior Vice President and Head of Regional Public Affairs and Impact at Fidelity Investments. “The City of Boston has long been a terrific collaborator, and we look forward to our continued work together to drive impact for even more families.”

 

“Ace Ticket for the 15th year is honored and proud to partner with the Mayor's Office to help make families’ holidays brighter and more joyful. We appreciate this opportunity to combine resources with the City to make sure every child is valued and provided with a gift this holiday season,” said Jim Holzman, CEO of Ace Ticket.

 

"At Care Access, we believe that good health is a foundation for joy, connection, and opportunity – especially during the holidays. Providing free health screenings helps families move into the season with peace of mind, and ensures children are supported not just with gifts, but with the resources they need to thrive,” said Adrian Koster, Community Engagement Partner at Care Access. “Partnering with the City of Boston in such an intentional way allows us to stand alongside communities we care deeply about and contribute to a holiday season that is healthier, safer, and filled with possibility for every family."

At the start of the month, toy drives were hosted at several BHA locations, including Maverick Landing in East Boston, the Archdale Public Housing Development in Roslindale, and Commonwealth in Allston-Brighton. Children and their families joined neighborhood liaisons from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, along with BHA and BCYF staff, to enjoy refreshments, festive community gatherings, and the chance for each child to select a toy to brighten their holiday season.

“This partnership with the Community Engagement Cabinet and BCYF started with a single toy giveaway at one BHA site and has grown into a major effort that reaches thousands of children across seven housing communities,” said BHA Administrator Kenzie Bok. “Every family deserves a little joy during the holidays, and we’re so grateful to the Mayor’s Office and all of our amazing donors for giving our kids one more reason to celebrate.”

 

The upcoming 2025 holiday toy giveaway dates are as follows:

 

Thursday, December 18

Franklin Field Toy Drive 

91 Ames St, Dorchester 

 

Friday, December 19

Ruth Barkley Toy Drive 

1472 Washington St, South End 

 

"We see the Mayor’s Toy Drive as more than an annual tradition – it’s a citywide expression of generosity that reflects the very best of Boston,” said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. “We’re honored to host it this year at the BCYF Johnson, a center that is fundamental to so many families, and having the drive here allows us to directly connect donors with the community they are serving." 

 

“The holiday season is a reminder to those of us who have the benefit of union membership that we are far more fortunate than most individuals and families,” said Ed Nastari, Director of Field Services and Organizing for AFSCME Council 93. “While our members are not wealthy by any means, they do have the security and peace of mind that comes with having a job that provides decent wages, affordable healthcare coverage, and the promise of a secure retirement. With this good fortune in mind, we are grateful for the opportunity to make the holiday season a little brighter for struggling families.”

 

"For IBEW Local 103, supporting families during the holidays isn’t extra – It’s who we are. We are a union made up of parents, aunties, uncles, caregivers, and community builders. We know firsthand what the holidays feel like when you are stretched thin, and we also know how powerful it is when your community steps in with love and support,” said members of IBEW Local 103. “Partnering with the City allows us to bring not only gifts, but love wrapped in dignity, warmth, and the reminder that Boston takes care of its own. When Labor and the City come together, we don’t just make the season brighter; we make the whole community stronger.”

麻州訂9月22日為關注軍人及退伍軍人自殺紀念日

 Governor Healey Signs Bill Designating September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey ceremonially signed An Act designating September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, under which the Governor will issue an annual proclamation on September 22 in remembrance of military service members and veterans who died by suicide. The bill, which was sponsored by Representative Joan Meschino and Senator Patrick O'Connor and signed by Governor Healey on November 19, aims to raise awareness of mental health resources and support that are available for service members and veterans. 

  

“Massachusetts leads the nation in veteran’s services. Throughout our history and to this day, our service members have defended our freedom, strengthened our democracy, and ensured our prosperity,” said Governor Healey. “By officially designating September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, we’re honoring the sacrifices our military members make every single day, acknowledging the mental health struggles they all too often face, and raising awareness of support that is available to them. I’m grateful to Representative Meschino and Senator O'Connor for their commitment to ensuring Massachusetts continues to honor our veterans and make mental health resources available.” 

 

“Our military service members and our veterans sacrifice so much for our country. Their mental health shouldn’t be one of those sacrifices,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is committed to delivering for veterans, and we hope this bill will raise awareness and encourage others to seek help.” 

 

“At EOVS, we meet veterans and families at some of their hardest moments. We see the impact suicide has on loved ones, and we see the difference that timely support can make. By establishing this day of remembrance, Massachusetts is shining a light on those realities and reaffirming our commitment to delivering the resources that prevent tragedy and strengthen hope,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago.

 

Governor Healey has taken several steps since taking office to prioritize the well-being of Massachusetts’ veterans. In 2024, Governor Healey signed the HERO Act, Massachusetts’ most comprehensive piece of veterans’ legislation in the state’s history. This legislation included provisions that focused on expanding access to behavioral health treatment, increasing benefits for disabled veterans, codifying medical and dental benefits, and establishing a working group to study the benefits of alternative therapies for treating veterans' mental health disorders. 

 

Under Governor Healey’s leadership, the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) has spearheaded several initiatives to help address mental health challenges faced by Massachusetts veterans, including:  

• In partnership with the Governor’s Challenge, EOVS worked with the VA/SAMHSA Suicide Mortality Review Academy to establish a statewide Suicide Mortality Review Committee (SMRC). The committee will review suicide fatalities, identify contributing factors, and recommend interventions to reduce suicide rates in Massachusetts.  
• Awarded $2 million in grant funding to 15 community organizations through the Veterans Community Initiative (VCI) grant program for innovative mental health programs and peer support efforts among veterans. 
• Revamping the SAVE (Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment) program to better address the evolving needs of the veteran community to better focus on preventing suicide and mental health distress and connect veterans with peer support and available benefits. 

• Revived the Veteran’s Reintegration Advisory Committee (VRAC) which investigates, studies, and scrutinizes various aspects of veterans' reintegration into civilian life. Its primary objectives include reducing suicide rates and addressing the profound effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety among veterans. The committee also explores the impact of community peer liaisons on veterans' successful reintegration into society and delves into the critical link between isolation and veteran suicide.  

 

“The Massachusetts Senate will never stop working toward a day when no veteran feels they are without hope or resources. In fact, the Senate is committed to ensuring every veteran in our state receives the behavioral health care they deserve to live healthy and stable lives,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “That’s why we passed the strongest veteran services bill in the nation and why we advanced this legislation to raise awareness across the Commonwealth. I commend Senator O’Connor for his leadership on this issue, thank Governor Healey for signing it into law, and thank every servicemember who has served our country.” 

 

“Ensuring that state government is doing everything that it can to support the Commonwealth’s veterans is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as elected officials, which is why I’m incredibly proud of the work that we have done to establish Massachusetts as a national leader in caring for veterans. That being said, the designation of September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day is a reminder of the work that we must continue to do to ensure that our veterans are supported during and after their years of service,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate, for understanding the importance of raising awareness for the services and support that are available to veterans in Massachusetts.” 

 

“We brought forward this legislation in direct response to the tragedies that have left holes in the fabric of our communities and in order to build awareness to prevent future tragedy,” said Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “Thank you to Governor Healey for her support of H.3388, an important step in offering support to both our active service members and veterans.”  

 

“Signing the Veteran Suicide awareness and Remembrance Day legislation into law upholds our commitment to remembering those we have lost and to confronting the mental health challenges, especially PTSD, that continue to affect our service members and Veterans,” said Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (R-Weymouth).  “September 22nd, will serve as a reminder that our responsibility to the men and women who sacrifice so much for our country does not end when their service does. There are too many families that have experienced this heartbreaking loss. We will continue to support the Veteran community, spread awareness, and ensure that no Veteran feels alone. These are our heroes, and we need to let them know that we are there for them always. I want to thank Governor Healey for prioritizing this legislation and signing this into law.” 

 

Additionally, Governor Healey launched a $20 million campaign to end veteran homelessness, the largest targeted veteran housing investment in Massachusetts history. Partnering with statewide organizations, the campaign placed 800+ veterans into housing and advanced new developments in under 15 months, putting Massachusetts on track to reach functional zero veteran homelessness.