星期四, 5月 01, 2025

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $38 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR PROJECTS THROUGH THE COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $38 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR PROJECTS THROUGH THE COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT 


Community Preservation Act funding allocated for 52 projects across 16 neighborhoods.

BOSTON - Thursday, May 1, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston Community Preservation Committee (CPC) today announced the approval of 52 projects totaling over $38 million through the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The proposed projects were approved by the Boston City Council on Wednesday, April 2. Community-based neighborhood projects supported with Community Preservation Act funding create or preserve affordable housing, support historic sites, or enhance open space and recreation.


“I am proud to continue to support and invest in our neighborhoods in partnership with the Community Preservation Committee in an effort to make our city a welcoming space for all,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The investment in these projects emphasize our dedication to continue to listen and collaborate with our community members to keep Boston innovative and vibrant” 


"This funding plays a vital role in maintaining the cultural, environmental, and historical resources in our city," said Ashley Groffenberger, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Boston. "Strategically allocating these resources allows us to support long term economic stability and civic engagement across generations."


“It is exciting to see well-deserving projects get funding to launch, renovate, and build more accessible community spaces,” said City Councilor Enrique J. Pepén. “Residents across the city highly benefit from the Community Preservation Act and I am thankful to support the Community Preservation Committee’s process in distributing the Community Preservation Fund.


The Community Preservation Fund was created following voters’ passage and adoption of the Community Preservation Act in November 2016. It is funded by a 1 percent property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills, which took effect in July 2017, and an annual state funding from the Massachusetts Community Preservation Trust Fund. The Mayor and Community Preservation Committee recommend funding use and the City Council vote to approve.


“In furtherance of Mayor Wu’s goal to enhance community through increased affordable housing, open space and historic preservation, the CPC is pleased to provide funding for this year’s selected Community Preservation projects,” said Felicia Jacques Chair of the Community Preservation Committee. “With City Council’s backing, these projects offer creative and amenity laden solutions designed to enrich virtually every Boston neighborhood.”


From 2018 to 2025, the CPA Committee has recommended 397 projects and awarded over $230 million in funding through eight CPA funding rounds. This year, 52 projects are being awarded funding for the 2025 funding round, totaling over $38 million.


The following projects were approved by the Council after the Committee's review of applications received for Community Preservation Act funding: The proposals include seven affordable housing, 27 historic preservation and 18 open space and recreation projects across 16 neighborhoods.


Affordable Housing: 7 projects, totaling over $19 million


Allston-Brighton - 65 Seattle Street


$3,000,000 to partially fund the creation of a mixed-income, "small village" development, with 43 homeownership units in three buildings. All units will be deed-restricted for households earning 80% and 100% Area Median Income (AMI).


Chinatown - 50 Herald Street


$2,500,000 to partially fund the new construction of 89 affordable rental units which range from 30% to 80% Area Median Income (AMI). This project is part of a larger Planned Development Area (“PDA”) approved in 2018.


Dorchester - 555-559 Columbia Road


$2,000,000 to partially fund the creation of affordable homeownership in conjunction with the Uphams Corner Boston Public Library branch, an initiative known as Housing with Public Assets. This project will include a library branch and 33 affordable homeownership units. The residential units will be affordable to households earning between 80% and 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI).


Fenway-Kenmore - 112 Queensberry Street


$1,500,000 to partially fund the new construction of a 100% affordable, sustainable, and transit-oriented rental project in the Fenway neighborhood. The project includes a six-story building with 24 affordable rentals. The development will create rental units​ at 30%, 50%, and 60% Area Median Income (AMI).


Mattapan - Olmsted Village, Russell House


$3,500,000 to partially fund the creation of a four-story, 52-unit homeownership community that will create wealth-building opportunities for Mattapan and Olmsted residents. Located at the former State Hospital site in Mattapan the homeownership units will be restricted to 80% and 100% Area Median Income (AMI). 


Roxbury - 75 & 86 Marcella Street


$2,974,026 to partially fund the creation of affordable income-restricted homeownership development, with 20 homeownership units in two buildings. All units will be deed-restricted for households earning 80% to 100% Area Median Income (AMI).


Roxbury - Mission Hill Homeownership


$3,600,000 to partially fund the new construction of 48 homeownership units on city-owned land in Mission Hill. All homeownership units will be deed-restricted for households earning 80% to 100% Area Median Income (AMI). 


Historic Preservation: 27 Projects, totaling over $9 million


Allston-Brighton - Presentation School Community Center


$435,024 to rehabilitate the 1928 Italian Renaissance Revival building by funding the elimination of leaks into important community spaces that accommodate six non-profits and serve as a hub for essential services to some of Boston’s most vulnerable populations. 


Back Bay - Church of the Covenant


$550,000 to preserve the 1867 Church of the Covenant by funding the partial replacement of its slate roof that will enable its continued use as a home to several social service organizations. 


Back Bay - Arlington Street Church


$527,000 to rehabilitate the historic Arlington Street Church building by funding the repair of failed masonry, allowing it to continue accommodating social services organizations that provide vital resources to vulnerable populations.


Beacon Hill - 127 Mount Vernon, Hill House


$74,184 to preserve the former firehouse by funding the replacement of its failed roof as part of the building's use as an educational space, serving kids and families from all over the city. 


Beacon Hill - Beacon Hill Friends' House


$491,018 to preserve the historic 1805, Charles Bulfinch-designed double townhouse by funding structural repairs as part of the building's continued use as high density, low income housing and an active community space. 


Boston Harbor - Boston Harbor Islands Archaeological Climate Action Plan


$150,000 to conduct the archaeological survey work that was ranked the highest priority and the most at-risk sites identified by the Archaeological Climate Action Plan.


Charlestown - Charlestown 250 Archaeology Project


$90,000 to perform a radar survey of places associated with the Battle of Bunker Hill.


Chinatown - Chinatown Immigrant Heritage Center


$296,428 to rehabilitate the historic former Josiah Quincy School by funding exterior envelope work and structural masonry repairs, allowing it to continue to serve Boston's Chinese community.  


Citywide - Elma Lewis Black Arts Movement Preservation Project


$443,534 to digitize and catalog historical materials related to Elma Lewis (1921-2004) and the National Center of Afro-American Artists.


Citywide - The West Ender: Digital Preservation


$2,294 to process and digitize the Museum's complete collection of historic West Ender newsletters.


Dorchester - Lemuel Clap House


$91,300 to preserve the Lemuel Clap House by funding essential structural work, allowing it to continue providing educational opportunities for Boston youth to learn about Dorchester’s multifaceted history.


Dorchester - Unity Sports And Cultural Club


$174,570 to rehabilitate the historic Caribbean Sports and Culture Club building by funding exterior envelope work so it can continue to operate as a cultural center for Boston’s Caribbean Community, hosting 100,000 patrons annually. 


Dorchester - WBL Artist Collective Inc


$314,353 to rehabilitate the historic Walter Baker Artist Lofts building by funding the repointing of masonry and replacement of the failed roof in order to protect affordable live/work space for low income artists.


Dorchester - Second Church in Dorchester


$289,000 to rehabilitate the iconic Second Church Dorchester by funding the restoration of wooden siding and architectural elements in order to protect what is the largest local gathering venue in the area. 


Dorchester - First Parish Dorchester


$235,797 to rehabilitate the historic building by funding the rebuilding of the side porch and providing access to social services held within. 


Dorchester - Greater Love Tabernacle


$281,893 to rehabilitate the historic 1929 Greater Love Tabernacle by funding exterior envelope work including the replacement of failed non-original doors with historically appropriate replacements.


Fenway-Kenmore - Ruggles Baptist Church


$539,000 to rehabilitate Ruggles Baptist Church by funding exterior envelope work to this Audubon Circle landmark, which hosts weekly free childcare, camps and fall festivals to area families.


Hyde Park - Hyde Park SDA Church


$100,430 to preserve the historic Hyde Park SDA Church building by funding the alterations to the existing main entrance to make it ADA accessible. 


Jamaica Plain - First Church


$550,000 to preserve the historic First Church in Jamaica Plain by funding critical structural repairs, ensuring the safety of the many community members who utilize the space. 


Jamaica Plain - St. John’s Episcopal Church


$457,771 to preserve the historic church building by funding needed structural work that will ensure the continued use of this important acoustic space. 


Mission Hill - Mission Grammar School  


$406,842 to preserve the historic building by funding repointing of the masonry which will be part of a larger project to expand this valuable neighborhood school. 


North End - Sacred Heart Italian Church 


$508,555 to preserve the Sacred Heart Italian Church by funding integral structural work to this Freedom Trail community performance space. 


Roxbury - Children’s Services of Roxbury Headquarters


$357,500 to preserve the historic building by funding exterior envelope work to the home of this important Boston organization which offers culturally responsive wraparound services to homeless families and abused and neglected children.


Roxbury - St. James African Orthodox Church


$550,000 to rehabilitate St. James AOC by funding the replacement of failed shingles and repointing of the masonry that will start the transformation of this building into a local community space. 


Roxbury - Edward Everett Hale House


$564,850 to rehabilitate the historic Edward Everett Hale House by funding exterior envelope work that will allow this historic home to be used again as a community gathering place and the home of the Research Institute of African and African Diaspora Art.


Roxbury - Christ Temple Church 


$660,000 to rehabilitate Christ Temple Church by funding emergency exterior envelope and structural work that is necessary to reactivate the buildings that make up the Christ Temple campus, thus giving them the opportunity to serve the community once more.  


West End - Old West Church


$395,670 to rehabilitate Old West Church by funding work related to the entry gates, path and steps as well as the retaining wall to give access to food resources and as well as free space for performing arts and concerts. 


Open Space and Recreation: 18 Projects totaling over $9 million


Allston-Brighton - McKinney Playground


$187,000 to develop new climate resilient features at the renovated McKinney playground. Capital improvements will include shaded dugouts at the ballfields and a shade shelter at the playground. 


Boston Harbor - Camp Harbor View


$162,800 to construct a new permanent shade structure over the amphitheater at Camp Harbor View campus.


Citywide - Boston Open Space Acquisition Fund


$743,340 allocated towards The Boston Open Space Acquisition Fund; provides for the acquisition of real property interests in open space or lands for recreational use, including associated CPA-eligible costs.


Dorchester - Dorchester Youth Fieldhouse Outdoor Recreational Space


$750,000 to create an ADA-compliant recreational space surrounding a new 75,000 sq ft state-of-the-art youth development field house, which will include gardens, playscapes, exercise space, trees, and permanent plantings.


Dorchester - Holmes Innovation Schoolyard


$1,866,741 to complete the second phase of rehabilitation of the Holmes Innovation Schoolyard. Capital improvements will include the addition of new playground equipment, safety surfacing, an adult fitness structure, and a multi-sport court. 


Dorchester - Harambee Park Path Connection


$465,148 to rehabilitate the current pathway along the eastern edge of Harambee Park. Capital improvements will include decorative paving​, adjusting bollards and boulders​, a seat platform​, granite blocks, new lighting, drainage improvements​, and new fencing.


Jamaica Plain - Egleston Square Peace Garden


$703,019 to create a new community park in Egleston Square. The features will include upgraded paving, water access, permanent site furnishings, raised garden beds, new landscaping, and improved accessibility. 


Mattapan - 150 River Street Garden


$161,434 to create a new community garden with features including a new pathway, permanent site furnishings, raised garden beds, landscaping, and improved accessibility. 


Mission Hill - Mission Hill Pathway


$353,071 to complete the first phase restoration of the Mission Hill Pathway Community Garden at a new affordable homeownership development site. Capital improvements will include public access to approximately 40 new permanent garden plots that prioritize neighborhood safety and connectivity.


Roxbury - 8 Townsend Street Community Garden


$201,300 to create a new community garden and recreational space at 8 Townsend St in Roxbury. The transformation of this empty lot ​will create a beautiful urban tranquility oasis, providing ​opportunities to grow fresh food.


Roxbury - Alma Wright Zen Garden


$175,000 to create the Alma Wright Zen Garden, a new peaceful community space that will provide opportunities for public gatherings and outdoor enjoyment.


Roxbury - MLK Towers Recreational Space


$869,660 to rehabilitate the Boston Housing Authority MLK Towers outdoor recreational space. Capital improvements will include the construction of a new walking path, raised beds, a permanent shade structure with seating, and an outdoor fitness area with age-appropriate equipment, as well as planting and preservation of shade trees to help mitigate the urban heat island effect.


Roxbury - Children’s Services Outdoor Recreational Space


$751,300 to create a new outdoor plaza and passive recreational space at the Children’s Services of Roxbury headquarters. The project will transform an area currently used as a parking lot into a new outdoor plaza with plantings and seating areas, allowing CSR to expand programming and better serve Boston’s families.


Roxbury - Amory Greene Park


$330,000 to create Amory Greene Park, transforming a 3,138-square-foot underutilized parcel into a passive recreational space where community members can gather and enjoy the outdoors. 


South End - Crite Park


$332,247 to complete the third phase of the new Crite Park in the South End. The site will memorialize the late Allan Rohan Crite, an internationally acclaimed African American artist and longtime South End resident.


South End - Hurley K-8 School Playground


$982,649 to rehabilitate the Hurley K-8 Schoolyard to create a safe, age-appropriate, and inclusive play space.


South End - Dartmouth Green Pocket Park


$172,304 to rehabilitate an existing pocket park to create an accessible and welcoming green space in Boston's South End. Capital improvements will include the re-grading of land, installation of new accessible pathways and seating, and planting of new trees, shrubs, and perennials while preserving the existing tree canopy.


West Roxbury - Sophia Snow Place Restorative Garden


$330,000 allocated to the third phase of funding for the creation of the Sophia Snow Place Restorative Garden. Capital improvements include expanding the accessible pathway around the vernal pool, mitigating invasive species, and new permanent native plantings.

星期三, 4月 30, 2025

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.5 Million to Community Colleges to Train Over 500 Students Across Massachusetts

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.5 Million to Community Colleges to Train Over 500 Students Across Massachusetts

Grants fund skills training in high-demand sectors like health care, cyber security


BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded approximately $1.5 million Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grants to provide essential training opportunities to over 500 unemployed and under-employed people across Massachusetts. These grants will be administered through the state’s 15 public community colleges and are designed to equip adult workers with the skills necessary to thrive in key industry sectors, ensuring that the workforce is prepared with the skills for the opportunities of tomorrow.
 
“Our administration is committed to building a workforce that reflects the strength and diversity of Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These TRAIN grants will connect hundreds of community college students to the skills, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in growing industries and help ensure our economy works for everyone.”
 
“We know that access to high-quality training can be life-changing and set people up for long-term success,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help students at community colleges across Massachusetts gain the skills and support they need to build meaningful careers—and strengthen our workforce in the process.”
 
The TRAIN grant program focuses on supporting long-term unemployed, under-employed, and new entrant adult workers by providing them with targeted industry skills and workforce readiness training. This funding supports 15 implementation programs and two planning projects that offer comprehensive training programs, which include not only the development of key skills, but also wraparound support services to guide participants through their learning journey and into new careers.
 
“Community colleges are at the heart of workforce development in Massachusetts,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Through this investment, we are creating pathways for adult learners to thrive—both in the classroom and in high-demand careers.”
 
“These training programs offer valuable career pathways for residents across Massachusetts,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful to our community colleges for their knowledge and responsiveness to regional workforce needs, and their ability to offer high-quality programs that can quickly benefit communities.”
 
“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this investment in our students and the future of the Commonwealth,” said Luis Pedraja, president of Quinsigamond Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents. “By providing targeted skills training in high-demand fields, these grants empower individuals to secure meaningful careers and simultaneously strengthen the Massachusetts workforce, ensuring economic mobility and opportunity for all.”
 
The grants are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing commitment to creating educational pathways that lead directly to employment opportunities. Students will benefit from a wide range of services designed to support their success, from job readiness training to academic guidance, ensuring they are fully prepared to meet the demands of their chosen industries.
 
TRAIN Planning Awardees:
Greenfield Community College, Certified Production Manager Training – $50,593
Northern Essex Community College, Customer Service Training – $29,619
 
TRAIN Implementation Awardees:
Berkshire Community College, Phlebotomy Technician Training – $34,541
Bunker Hill Community College, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting, Google IT and Red Hat Operations Technician Training – $132,005
Bristol Community College, Cyber Security Certificate Training– $94,241
Cape Cod Community College, Addiction Recovery and Wellness Coach Pre-Certification Training – $79,843
Greenfield Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant Training – $61,509
Holyoke Community College, Paraeducator and Nurses Aid Training – $103,851
Massasoit Community College, Commercial Driver’s License and EKG Technician Training – $120,485
Mass Bay Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant, Behavioral Health Technician and Information Technology Help Desk Training – $124,600
Middlesex Community College, Advanced Manufacturing Training – $44,029
Mount Wachusett Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant and Information Technology Tech Training – $93,971
Northern Essex Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant & Pharmacy Technician Training – $110,453
North Shore Community College, Dental Assisting Training – $122,558
Quinsigamond Community College, Personal Care Aide Training – $85,033
Roxbury Community College, Cyber Security Certification Training – $72,162
Springfield Technical Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant Training – $137,966

川普就任100天 坊間再傳前商務部長Raimondo有意參選2028美國總統

              (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 美國總統川普上任才剛滿100天,前任商務部長雷萌朵 (Gina Raimondo) 有意2028年參選總統的舊聞,被翻了出來。

              那是202411月,雷萌朵接受芝加哥大學政治學院的David Axelrod訪談時,明確的表示了這一意願。

              雷萌朵激烈的批評民主黨,說民主黨太注意過程,而非結果,因而未能在經濟上發揮領導力。她認為自從柯林頓總統 (Bill Clinton)之後,就沒再看到這種領導力了。

              雷萌朵形容自己是一個溫和的說實話者,承認過去在貿易調整援助上政策失敗。她辯稱受到重要的慣性工作影響,民主黨以討好選民而不是效率,為優先要務。她提議向格外富裕的人加稅,作為解決的關鍵。

              這訪問還觸及她對羅德島州選舉,高等教育,最近和拜登總統的晤談,以及在媒體上和共和黨員競爭的挑戰等話題。

              雷萌朵說,她只會在她認為自己是最好的候選人時,才會參選。

                            ( 芝加哥大學政治學院 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B70PTDvi9I0 )

麻州長 Maura Healey 建議再赦免4人

 Governor Healey Recommends Four New Pardons 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey recommended four individuals to the Governor’s Council to receive pardons: Frank Albert, Paul Cacchiotti, Joseph Donisi and Yolanda Rodriguez. If confirmed, the total number of individuals pardoned by Governor Healey would be 25, in addition to hundreds of thousands who received her blanket marijuana pardon

“The power to pardon is one I’ve taken seriously throughout my time in office because it makes our criminal justice system fairer and lowers barriers for people to access jobs, housing, education and more,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful for the hard work and thoughtful guidance of the Advisory Board of Pardons and appreciate the Governor’s Council careful review of these recommendations.” 

"Governor Healey and our team have prioritized clemency from day one,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Because of the combined efforts of the Governor, the Advisory Board of Pardons and the Governor’s Council, we’ve been able to change people’s lives for the better and strengthen our criminal justice system.”  

The Governor of Massachusetts has the power to grant executive clemency for offenses violating state law, including both pardons and commutations, with the advice and consent of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council. A pardon is a forgiveness of the offender's underlying offense.  

Governor Healey made history as the first Massachusetts Governor in more than 30 years to recommend pardons in her first elected year. She also issued new clemency guidelines that align with her administration’s commitment to centering fairness and equity in the criminal justice system. 

Pardon recommendations: 

Frank Albert: Mr. Albert was convicted of Operating Under the Influence of Liquor in 1997. Since completing his sentence of one year of probation and an alcohol education program, he obtained an associates degree from Mount Wachusett Community College and has been employed at a car dealership for 18 years as a salesman. Mr. Albert is also a licensed realtor, notary and a member of his town zoning board in New Hampshire. He has been married since 2015 with five children and eight grandchildren.  

Paul Cacchiotti: Mr. Cacchiotti was convicted of Attempted Extortion, Larceny over $250, Tax Evasion and Filing False Tax Returns in 1998. Before this conviction, Mr. Cacchiotti had served in the Army National Guard, graduated from Suffolk Law School, been a Judge Advocate General and worked as a solo practitioner. Mr. Cacchiotti has now been reinstated to the bar and has worked as a self-employed attorney since 2014. He is actively involved in the community, volunteering at Haven from Hunger and Wellspring House and serving as an assistant coach to a high school girls’ varsity hockey team. 

Joseph Donisi: Mr. Donisi was adjudicated delinquent in Middlesex Juvenile Court in 1996 on charges arising from throwing a beer bottle and trespassing when he was 16-years-old. He was sentenced to approximately one year in custody at the Department of Youth Services (DYS) suspended for one year. He has since served in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged after four years. He’s been an Arlington Firefighter for 17 years and earned a Life Saving Award in 2008 after providing emergency medical care to a woman who experienced a cardiac event. He is seeking a pardon so that he can coach his daughters’ youth sports teams. His criminal record prevented him from stepping in to coach the youth team of his best friend’s son after that friend passed away. 

Yolanda Rodriguez: In 1979, when she was 22-years old, Ms. Rodriguez was convicted of Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon after being involved with a fight. She was sentenced to two years of probation which she completed without incident. She was later convicted of Operating Under the Influence of Liquor in 1985 and 1986. Since 1987 she has contributed to her community without further involvement with the criminal justice system.  Ms. Rodriguez is now 68 years old. For the past 40 years, she has been gainfully employed and served in a caretaking role for many family members and friends. She has worked as a school bus driver and most recently was working at Choi’s World Tae Kwon Do, where she drove children to and from an after-school program and supervised them. In 2021, she was informed that she could no longer work at Choi’s World because of her prior conviction. She is seeking a pardon so that she can resume working with children. 

Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Visits Harbor Area Family Resource Center to Recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month

Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Visits Harbor Area Family Resource Center to Recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month 

 

CHELSEA – Today, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll visited the Department of Children and Family's Harbor Area Family Resource Center (FRC) in Chelsea where she presented the administration’s official proclamation declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month. The visit highlighted the important role that Family Resource Centers play in supporting families and preventing child abuse and neglect.  

Lieutenant Governor Driscoll toured the Harbor Area FRC during her visit and met with staff, families receiving services, and community partners and heard about the impact the Harbor Area FRC has made on the local community since its opening in 2023. The Lieutenant Governor encouraged families and organizations to join in the effort to prevent child abuse and neglect.  

“Every child in Massachusetts should grow up feeling safe at home and in their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Family Resource Centers play an important role in our efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. We’re grateful to the hardworking staff at Harbor Area FRC and Family Resource Centers across the state to keep children safe and support families.”  

“Preventing child abuse is about empowering families right from the start,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Family Resource Centers offer services to all families searching for guidance and support to help keep children safe.” 

The Harbor Area Family Resource is one of 33 Family Resource Centers (FRCs) across the state. Operated by The Home for Little Wanderers, the Harbor FRC opened in 2023, serving 377 families in Chelsea, Winthrop, East Boston, and Revere. In 2024, it expanded its services to reach 1,102 families.  

“We have served more than 86,000 families since the opening of the first family resource center in 2015,” said Secretary Kate Walsh of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. “This is a critical service providing personalized, one-on-one support to empower families, ensuring that each unique need is met with compassion and care.” 

“Our community partners and staff play an essential role in creating a welcoming space for families to feel seen and be heard,” said Lesli Suggs, president and CEO of The Home for Little Wanderers

The Family Resource Centers are supported by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Children and Families, serving as an essential lifeline to connect families with necessary support and resources to prevent child abuse and neglect. With trained staff, including clinicians, support workers, and school liaisons, each center offers services such as parent education programs and youth and parent support groups. The centers reflect the cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds of families in the communities they serve. Additionally, they assist families in navigating referrals to other organizations for further help. 

For more information about Family Resource Centers and how to get involved or seek services, please visit www.frcma.org. 

波士頓伍胥山公所慶76週年 表揚16名長期服務宗親

伍氏宗親和星樂隊合影。(周菊子攝)
               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓伍胥山公所427日在帝苑大酒樓頒發特別獎、服務獎給16名宗親,分送印有伍字特製馬克杯,厚逾200頁特刊,和300多名宗親及僑團好友,齊聚一堂,迎接蛇年新春,慶祝創立76週年。

伍氏元老、主席等人和洪青醒獅隊合影。(周菊子攝)
              昆士市市長柯奇 (Tom Koch),麻州眾議員黃子安,波士頓市議員Ed Flynn,波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏,組長黃耀良,僑教中心主任高家富,紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝等,這晚嘉賓眾多,還為大波士頓僑界慶祝蛇年宴會,畫下圓滿句點。

              伍氏主席伍振中指出,柯奇市長在位逾16年,非常照顧華人,相助建造了一座龍舟博物館,畫廊,還設立華人歡迎中心和體育館。

              廖朝宏處長感謝伍氏長期以來的支持中華民國及臺灣。

伍氏主席伍振中(右)邀得昆士市市長Tom Koch(左)致詞。(周菊子攝)
              慶祝會當天中午,黃伍首長的伍氏元老伍煥華、伍伯和,美東副總長伍輝民,主席伍偉業、伍振中,婦女部主任伍詹淑慧,黃氏元老黃國威,主席黃光沐,婦女部主任黃周麗桃,以及伍氏外地宗親的美東總長伍堅石,紐約主席伍家明和3顧問,1議員等人在泰勒街的伍氏會址內,率宗親上香、敬酒、奉寶帛,獻金豬、鮮花的祭祖。

黃伍宗親與嘉賓,麻州眾議員黃子安(右一)等人。(周菊子攝)
              當晚的春宴暨76週年慶祝會,格外隆重,不但斥資做巨幅看板,供宗親拍照留念,還在元老伍煥華策劃下,訂製了晶瑩剔透的獎牌,表揚為公所熱心服務15年以上的煥華、樂仁、樹俊、經廉、玉娟、少雄、仁甫,服務30年以上的伯和、侃滋、紹仁、輝民夫人(伍鍾美真),侃滋夫人(李晶),以及服務50年以上的伍輝民,伍國榮夫人等人。
伍氏元老伍煥華(右一)和主席伍偉業(左一起)、伍振中
76週年特刊,以及伍振中設計,製作的伍字冰箱貼給
波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏
(右二),波士頓僑教中心主任高家富。
(周菊子攝)

伍氏還另外頒發了熱心支持公所特別獎給伍佩芬,熱心公所及服務社區特別獎給伍銀寬,伍碧香,和伍綺蓮。

              1979年時,伍氏籌款購買會址,包括伍國榮,伍林,伍仕才,伍于淳,伍福群,伍育俊,伍輝民等,至少有數十名宗親慷慨解囊,從3000元到3元的各盡其力,踴躍捐輸,其中有不少人的下一代,長大後或退休後,也都回到伍氏公所,繼承祖業的為宗親服務。

右起,麻州眾議員黃子安,伍氏元老伍伯和、波士頓經文處長廖朝宏,
伍事主席伍振中,元老伍煥華、主席伍偉業,美東副總長伍輝民,
波士頓僑教中心主任高家富,經文處黃耀良主任在伍氏看板前留影。(周菊子攝)
              例如伍林的的兒子伍偉業,伍福群的兒子伍振中。伍氏的2名現任主席,父輩都熱心服務,曾任伍氏主席,為中國傳統中的傳承,做了最佳見證。

              伍氏美東副總長夫人伍鍾美貞為此,特地在當晚活動流程中,增加了一項獻花環節,送給伍于淳的孫子伍俠魂、伍綺劍,以及伍振中,伍偉業各一束花,向他們全家人表達謝意。伍鍾美貞表示,其實特意安排這一環節,還帶有教育意義,希望彰顯傳承,鼓勵宗親們在自己之外,要鼓勵子女參與族務,服務社區。

伍氏與嘉賓向出席眾人敬酒。(周菊子攝)
              這場慶祝盛會,最後在甄若茅創辦,陣容龐大的星樂隊現場演奏、獻唱,伍氏送出9個現金獎,6張帝苑禮券中落幕。 (更新版,訂正圖說人名)

伍鍾美貞請美東副總長伍輝民(右三)送上鮮花給右起,伍國光、
伍綺劍、伍偉業、伍振中,以及伍俠魂,彰顯傳承之美。
伍氏頒發服務50年以上獎項,給伍輝民(左二),以及伍國榮夫人(右三)。
伍振中((右一)和伍偉業(左一)頒發服務30年以上獎項,
伍鍾美貞(右二起)和伍伯和,伍侃滋,伍李晶領服務30年以上獎。
伍氏幹部和嘉賓。(周菊子攝)
2名伍氏主席頒發特別服務獎給梅伍銀寬(右二),李伍碧香(左二)。(周菊子攝)
伍佩芬(中)獲頒特別獎。(周菊子攝)
伍胥山公所元老伍煥華提醒宗親,可以掃描二為碼,查看76週年特刊。
(周菊子攝)
麻州眾議員黃子安(中),波士頓市議員Ed Flynn(右)和麻州參議員Nick Collins的
幕僚長Hailey Walsh送上表揚狀給伍胥山公所。(周菊子攝)
麻州眾議員黃子安(中)送上表揚狀,伍氏主席伍振中(右)、
伍偉業(左)代表接受。(周菊子攝)
波士頓伍胥山公所送給紐約伍氏一塊「族務興旺,根基永固」牌匾。
左起,伍伯和、伍偉業、伍堅石,伍輝民、伍家明,伍振中,伍煥華。(周菊子攝)
波士頓伍胥山公所送給黃氏宗親會一塊牌匾,彰顯兄弟情誼。
左起,伍偉業、伍伯和、伍堅石、黃光沐,黃國威,伍輝民,伍振中,伍煥華。
(周菊子攝)