City of Boston funding updates

 

The Funding Update

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FUNDING UPDATE Massachusetts Cultural Council, 12/11/2020 Cultural Organization Economic Recovery grants support nonprofit cultural organizations negatively impacted by the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.  Deadline Extended: Boston Cultural Council, 12/14/2020 Grants (up to $5,000) support innovative arts, humanities, and interpretive science programming that enhance the quality of life in our city. MassDevelopment, 1/15/2021 The Cultural Facilities Fund provides capital and planning grants for acquisition, design, repair, renovation, expansion, and construction of nonprofit and municipal cultural facilities.  National Endowment for the Arts, 1/27/2021 The Big Read supports community-wide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences. New this week: National Endowment for the Arts, 2/13/2021 Grants for Arts Projects support public engagement with, and access to, various forms of excellent art across the nation, the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, learning in the arts at all stages of life, and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life. Grants range from $10,000 to $150,000 and require a 50% match   The Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture provides an Artist Resource Desk. The Creative Capital blog lists a variety of resources and opportunities.     City of Boston, Open The Boston Resiliency Fund helps coordinate philanthropic efforts to provide essential services to Boston residents whose health and well-being are most immediately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Funding priorities: providing food to Boston's children, families, and seniors; providing technology to Boston Public Schools students for remote learning; and providing support to first responders, front-line workers, and healthcare workers so they can effectively do their jobs and promote public health. Applications Still Being Accepted: City of Boston, Open The Rental Relief Fund will help income-eligible tenants in the City of Boston who do not have access to expanded unemployment benefits, or because of the nature of their jobs, the unemployment benefits they will receive represent a significant reduction in their actual income. Application materials are available in multiple languages. WHAT TO DO WHEN FACING AN EVICTION Bob Barker Company Foundation, Open Grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, support programs that prepare formerly incarcerated individuals for successful reentry into society. Walmart, 12/31/2020 Applications accepted for local efforts, with funding in the range of $250 to $5000. New this week: Office on Violence Against Women, 1/22/2021 Justice for Families grants improve the response of the civil and criminal justice system to families with a history of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, or in cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse. OVW expects to make 23 grants in the range of $550,000 to $650,000.     New this week: Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, 1/22/2021 Grants of up to $500 will support youth leaders ages 5-25 across the U.S. to turn their ideas into action and make an impact on the issue of childhood hunger. New this year is an option for a fundraising match grant, which includes $100 for fundraising-related costs and a $400 matching grant to a local hunger relief organization of your choice. New this week: National Science Foundation, 2/24/2021 The goal of Smart and Connected Communities is to accelerate the creation of new levels of economic opportunity and growth, safety and security, health and wellness, accessibility and inclusivity, and overall quality of life. A total of $23.5M is available. New this week: New England Grassroots Environment Fund, 3/15/2021 Seed Grants of $250 to $1,000 help volunteer groups launch and build their newly evolving projects. Requests for this program may be submitted throughout the year. Grow Grants of $1,000 to $3,500 enhance the ability of established groups to increase capacity, collaborate, and leverage impact. ********************************************************* Are you struggling with rent or mortgage payments because of COVID-19? There are resources available. You can also call 211. Talk to your landlord to create a plan. *********************************** Massachusetts Eviction Defense Guide Courtesy of Greater Boston Legal Services   City of Boston, Open The Reopen Boston Fund was established to help small businesses minimize risk and manage economic recovery. Eligible costs include Personal Protective Equipment, safety partitions for customers and employees, and managing outdoor space that’s approved for business use. The grants are for brick-and-mortar businesses, with fewer than 15 employees, where people work close to each other or to customers. Boston Local Development Corporation, Open The Standard BLDC Loan Fund is available for existing businesses, new ventures, and businesses relocating to Boston. Loans range from $25,000 to $150,000. The Backstreets Boston Back-up Loan Program provides financing of up to $250,000 for Boston companies in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Also, BLDC recently received a $693,000 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant from the Economic Development Administration at the US Department of Commerce to capitalize and administer a Revolving Loan Fund to provide loans to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Boston. For more information, contact Bill Nickerson or Gisella Soriano.  Boston Industrial Development Finance Authority, Open BIDFA and GreenerU have partnered to offer a financing program that helps Boston nonprofits lower their energy bills and reach the City’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Register here for the 12/9/2020 webinar on the Tax-Exempt Lease Program. Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, 12/18/2020 Urban Agenda Grants support community economic development that is grounded in collaboration and local leadership development. Funding focus: COVID-19 economic recovery strategies. Max award: $100,000. Applications should describe significant community challenges and collaborative approaches to address them. See page 6 for examples of responsive programming. Two letters, evidencing mutual support, are required with the application.  REQUESTS FOR MUNICIPAL SUPPORT LETTERS FOR BOSTON APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 12/11/2020. Email igr[at]boston[dot]gov with any questions.   New this week: Massachusetts Downtown Initiative, 12/18/2020 Through the Local Rapid Recovery Planning program, applicants will be matched with consultant teams to provide technical assistance for effective strategies to stabilize business districts. There is no direct funding available. Only one application will be accepted from each eligible municipality in the state. Nonprofit entities such as Business Improvement Districts, Main Street organizations or Community Development Corporations are also eligible to lead the planning process - with local government support. The application webinar is scheduled for 12/9/2020 at 1:30 PM. Please direct inquiries about municipal support letters to igr[at]boston[dot]gov by 5pm on 12/11/2020. The US Small Business Administration has released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program loans of $50,000 or less. The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development holds Virtual Office Hours on Wednesdays from 11AM to 1PM. Learn about becoming a City of Boston-certified Minority/Woman-Owned Business.   National Geographic, Open The COVID-19 Remote Learning Emergency Fund will distribute grants ranging from $1,000–$8,000 to individual educators to use the power of science, social studies, and/or geography to help students understand the challenges and impacts of critical issues. American Mathematical Society, 12/15/2020 Epsilon Fund provides grants of up to $15,000 for existing summer programs that support mathematically talented high school students.  Brown Rudnick, Open Community Grants support front-line education workers in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Providence and Washington, D.C.  Amelia Peabody Foundation, 1/5/2021 Grants support youth service programs with a priority on making real changes in neighborhoods.   New this week: Health Resources and Services Administration, 1/19/2021 Nursing Workforce Diversity grants to nonprofit educational institutions provide support from enrollment to graduation. The grant term is 4 years, and the max award is $555,000 per year. Note: This is a preliminary notice. Should funds become available in the final FY21 federal budget, HRSA will process applications and award funds as planned.   GET THE TEST, BOSTON Check this page for mobile testing sites in Boston. Massachusetts Medical Society and Alliance, 1/15/2021 Letter of Intent Funding priorities: quality healthcare services for the un- and under-insured; behavioral health services when not available; improved access to healthcare; health promotion through proactive prevention, education, and outreach; and social determinants of health. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000. New this week: Tufts Health Plan Foundation, 1/22/2021 Funding focus: healthy aging and older people in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Current funding opportunities include Systems & Best Practices and Collaboration & Community Engagement.   GrantStation offers a searchable database of COVID-19 funding. New this week: The Mabel A. Horne Fund, 1/15/2021 Funding priorities: Education, Health, Human Services.   W.K. Kellogg Foundation, 1/28 to 2/25/2021 Racial Equity 2030 is a $90 million global challenge to drive an equitable future for children, families, and communities across the world. Solutions may tackle the social, economic, political, or institutional inequities we see today. Applications must embrace and reflect the values of racial equity and justice, and proposed solutions should be led by an experienced team that includes communities closest to the issue as part of leadership in the project. Teams of visionaries, change agents, and community leaders from every sector are invited to join. Robert F Schumann Foundation, 2/28/2021 Funding priorities: environmental sustainability, education, the arts and humanities.  New this week: Agnes M. Lindsey Trust, Open Funding priorities: Health, Education, Homeless Shelters and Food Access. Applications for Camp Scholarships are due March 1, annually. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 and support nonprofits in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.. New this week: Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, Open Funding priorities:entrepreneurs of color, affordable housing, early childhood education, and workforce development. New this week: Yawkey Foundation, Open Funding priorities: health care, education, human services, youth and amateur athletics, arts and culture, and conservation and wildlife. Categories: Program & Small Capital Grants – up to $100,000; Strategic Investment Grants – up to $1 million, typically payable over multiple years; Transformational Capital Grants – up to $5 million, typically payable over multiple years. THE RESOURCE TABLE CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FUNDING UPDATE Webinar: Four Fundraising Trends for 2021 and Beyond Courtesy of Nonprofit Tech for Good + Classy 1/12/2021 at 1PM Eastern Register Here __________________________ Tech Networks of Boston Now accepting applications for the Black Lives Matter Nonprofit Accelerator. Get support with filing the 1023-EZ, applying for technology and advertising grants, and hosting for email and productivity apps. _______________________________________ Ten Website Design Best Practices for Nonprofits Courtesy of Nonprofit Tech for Good __________________________ COVID-19 Resource Guide Courtesy of the Suffolk County DA’s Office __________________________ ONLINE LEARNING: Time Management for Grantwriters Courtesy of GrantStation __________________________ Connecting Communities to Opportunity Courtesy of Winn Companies Use CONNECT to search for free and reduced cost services like food, healthcare, job opportunities, benefits enrollment, rent assistance and more. ________________________________________ Family Resources Emergency Childcare Good Neighbors Coping Skills for Youth __________________________ Microsoft Digital Skills Center for Nonprofits - a collaboration with TechSoup Courses ________________________________________ Mel King Institute Expand your knowledge on community development topics through virtual training courses. __________________________________________________________________________ Visit the Intergovernmental Relations Resource Page for a wide variety of  fundraising tips, along with back issues of The Funding Update.

FOUR INDICTED FOR ILLEGALLY COLLECTING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

 FOUR INDICTED FOR ILLEGALLY COLLECTING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Defendants Allegedly Stole More than a Combined Total of $170,000

 

BOSTON — Four individuals have been charged with larceny and unemployment fraud in unrelated cases alleging they collected more than $170,000 in combined unemployment benefits while allegedly continuing to work, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

 

These charges are the result of investigations referred to the Attorney General’s Office by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Department of Unemployment Assistance (EOLWD/DUA). 

 

The following individuals were indicted Thursday by a Suffolk County Grand Jury:

 

William Corkery

 

William Corkery, 55, of Braintree, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (six counts) and Larceny over $250 (three counts). Investigators allege that Corkery worked and underreported his wages during 57 weeks of three unemployment claims from 2014 to 2017. During that time, he fraudulently collected over $35,000 in unemployment benefits.

 

Marcelle Prou

 

Marcelle Prou, 44, of New Bedford, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (eight counts) and Larceny over $250 (four counts). Investigators allege that Prou worked and underreported her wages during 113 weeks of four unemployment claims from 2014 to 2017. During that time, she fraudulently collected over $60,000 in unemployment benefits.

 

            Susan Richardson

 

            Susan Richardson, 57, of Brockton, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (eight counts) and Larceny over $250 (four counts). Investigators allege that Richardson worked and underreported her wages during 97 weeks of four unemployment claims from 2014 to 2017. During that time, she fraudulently collected over $35,000 in unemployment benefits.

 

            Nancy Webby

 

Nancy Webby, 56, of Berlin, was charged with Unemployment Fraud (eight courts) and Larceny over $250/$1,200 (four counts). Investigators allege that Webby worked and underreported her wages during 94 weeks of four unemployment claims from 2015 to 2018. During that time, she fraudulently collected over $40,000 in unemployment benefits.

 

Each defendant will be arraigned on the charges in Suffolk Superior Court at a later date.

           

            These charges are allegations and all defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

 

            DUA’s Program Integrity Department focuses on the prevention, detection, and the investigation of those who defraud or attempt to defraud the unemployment insurance program. Once fraud is detected, the Program Integrity Department works aggressively with the Attorney General’s Office and other agencies to recover money owed to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.

 

            AG Healey’s Insurance and Unemployment Fraud Unit works to protect consumers and the integrity of the insurance system by investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against all types of insurers, including the state’s unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation systems.

 

            To report unemployment fraud, call the EOLWD/DUA’s Fraud Hotline at 1-800-354-9927 or visit www.mass.gov/lwd/ui-fraud anytime, 24 hours a day. Callers remain anonymous.

 

            These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Jared B. Cohen, Kelsey Force, Mary L. Nguyen, and Joseph Posner, with assistance from Criminal Investigators Michael Azevedo, Loreny Bernabe, and Lashauna Craig, all of AG Healey’s Insurance and Unemployment Fraud Unit, and investigators at EOLWD/DUA.

United States’ Lisa Jorgenson appointed WIPO Deputy Director General for Patents and Technology

Breaking news: United States’ Lisa Jorgenson appointed WIPO Deputy Director General for Patents and Technology

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) congratulates Lisa Jorgenson of the United States on her appointment as World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Deputy Director General (DDG) for the Patents and Technology Sector. She will succeed John Sandage in the role. Along with Ms. Jorgenson’s appointment, WIPO Director General Daren Tang also appointed Hasan Kleib (Indonesia) as DDG over Regional and National Development, and reappointed Binying Wang (China) as DDG over Brands and Designs and Sylvie Forbin (France) as DDG over Copyright and Creative Industries. “Congratulations to all WIPO senior management team appointees,” said Andrei Iancu, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO. “We are particularly enthusiastic that Director General Tang accepted the United States’ recommendation of Lisa Jorgenson for Deputy Director General for Patents and Technology. Ms. Jorgenson will play a critical role in helping WIPO members increase the use of intellectual property to incentivize innovation and create economic growth.” Other new appointees include Assistant Director General (ADG) Kenichiro Natsume (Japan) to oversee Infrastructure and Platforms, ADG Edward Kwakwa (Ghana) to oversee Global Challenges and Partnerships, ADG Marco Aleman (Colombia) to oversee the newly formed IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector, and ADG Andrew Staines (United Kingdom) to oversee Administration, Finance, and Management. Ms. Jorgenson is a graduate of St. Mary’s College in Indiana, where she earned a bachelor's degree in biology. She has a master’s degree in industrial management from Purdue University and a juris doctor  from The John Marshall Law School. Over the past 30 years, Ms. Jorgenson has served in a variety of legal positions, including Executive Director of the American Intellectual Property Law Association and Group Vice President, Intellectual Property and Licensing, of STMicroelectronics. Ms. Jorgenson and the other new members of the WIPO senior management team will begin their new roles at WIPO in January.

新任法官Dalila Argaez Wendlandt宣誓就職

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will participate in a ceremony swearing-in Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. A live stream will be available here.

 

Friday, December 4, 2020

 

Who: Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito

What: Swearing-In Ceremony for SJC Associate Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt

When: 9:00 AM

Where: State House – Library

12月3日麻州新冠確診個案暴增6477宗 全美一日死亡近3千人 全世界累計確診人數已逾6500萬

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 12月3日麻州單日新冠病毒(COVID-19)確診人數破紀錄，高達6477。全美近3000人死亡，全世界累計確診人數已逾6500萬，累計死亡人數也超過了15萬。

             這是新冠病毒大流行以來，麻州單日確診人數最高的一天。

             在這天，麻州新增49人死亡，累計10,637人離世。新增6477人確診，累計確診232,264人。全州351個市鎮，已經有100個跨入高危險區。

             根據麻州公共衛生廳資訊，3日時，麻州有49,225名新冠病毒患者正在治療中，1324人因為染患新冠病毒住院，261人駐在重症病房，137人需要插管。這天有272,797人做了病毒檢測。

             麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)在12月3日視察與麻州大學紀念醫院合作，在屋斯特(Worcester)DCU中心設立的田野醫院時表示，從數據來看，顯然的麻州各處出現社區感染現象。

             為因應染病者陡增，現有醫院病床不敷使用，在屋斯特DCU中心設置有220張病床的田野醫院之外，麻州還將在羅爾市(Lowell)也設立一個田野醫院，預計下週至下個月之間備妥。

             麻州公衛人員表示，12月2日的麻州新增確診人數陡升至4613，比之前的單日最高記錄多了將近1800人的原因之一是該數據包括了從12月1日以來，因技術問題未記錄的680人。

             查理貝克表示州政府將加強宣導，向全州居民發送電子郵件及簡訊，提醒人們戴口罩，保持社交安全距離，勤洗手的注意防疫。3日下午5點，這些提醒訊息已開始發送出去。

             為維持經濟活動，查理貝克表示麻州並無封城計畫。倒是波士頓市市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)對2日波士頓市在1日之內確診個案陡增400餘宗，2天加起來有825宗，感到十分憂慮，在3日的疫情匯報中表示，疫情再嚴重下去的話，就只能封城了。

             麻州州長查理貝克表示，麻州將於年底拿到30萬劑疫苗，預定週五制定分配計畫，第一線工作人員及耆英，將可優先接種疫苗。

 

中華民國新版晶片護照1月11日起接受申辦

               (Boston Orange)波士頓僑教中心今(3)日提醒僑胞，新版晶片中華民國護照，2021年1月11日起發行，這天中午12點之前到駐波士頓經文處完成申請送件者，將有機會獲前得100號的新版護照。

              舊護照還未到期者，也可以申請換新護照。

              外交部發新聞稿廣告週知，新版護照已出爐，並說明新版本在保留現行版本的元素與架構下，放大「TAIWAN」字樣，將英文國名「REPUBLIC OF CHINA」環繞於國徽外圈，進一步提升晶片護照封面的「台灣」辨識度。外交部訂於明（110）年1月11日起正式發行新版護照，不論於國內或駐外館處均可提出申請。

凡在發行日當天到外交部領事事務局或外交部中部、南部、東部及雲嘉南辦事處完成送件者，除可獲得限量精美小禮物外，當天中午12時前於國內上述各地點完成送件，有機會申領到前100號的新版晶片護照。

外交部將於當天下午以電腦抽出，並於外交部網站公告結果。

持有舊護照的民眾，無論效期還有多久，都可申換新版晶片護照。不申換也可繼續使用至效期截止日。新版晶片護照規費仍為每本收費新台幣1,300元（未滿14歲孩童每本新台幣900元），申辦護照條件及流程都沒有改變。

外交部已請駐外館處通知各國政府、機場港口海關、移民局、「國際航空運輸協會」（International Air Transport Association，簡稱 IATA）及航空公司等，給予持用新版晶片護照國人通關便利。

波士頓「i臺灣窗口」分享臺灣防疫成就及防疫知識

 

          (Boston Orange)駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處、波士頓急難救助協會、波克萊臺灣商會、新英格蘭大波士頓臺灣商會等單位於12月2日晚上7時共同舉辦「i臺灣窗口」線上講座，吸引近40位僑胞參加，波士頓經文處處長孫儉元並應邀向僑胞鄉親問候致意及感謝各共同參與辦理單位。

波士頓科技組組長謝水龍介紹台灣優勢。

講座邀請波士頓經文處科技組組長謝水龍主講「科技部業務及攬才方案」，介紹科技部組織架構、四大任務、施政規劃、創新創業業務推動架構、創業資源、科技創新創業推動作法及成果、海外人才橋接方案、2030跨世代年輕學者方案，以及臺灣被評為「超級創新國」等最新資訊。

波士頓文教中心主任潘昭榮介紹海外信用保證基金新冠肺炎疫情紓困方案3.0、全球僑胞遠距健康諮詢-健康益友APP與全球僑臺商農業服務方案等僑委會目前積極推展之各項服務僑胞專案，鼓勵僑胞踴躍運用。

施信如防疫講座。

最後則由臺灣長庚大學新興病毒感染研究中心主任施信如簡報全球受新冠肺炎疫情肆虐情形下，臺灣仍能有效且快速因應及控制，將疫情對民眾生活的影響降至最低的重要因素如臺灣經歷過SARS等重大傳染病以來不斷強化的醫療防疫體系基礎、及時封鎖邊境的重要決策、以及民眾積極配合穿戴口罩等，同時亦分享臺灣在檢測新冠肺炎病毒、疫苗開發進展以及防疫知識等，並開放提問進行交流，使參與講座的僑胞進一步瞭解了臺灣的公衛實力。

參與本次活動之共同主辦單位尚有紐英崙中華專業人員協會、紐英倫客家鄉親會及新英格蘭臺灣青商會等僑團。(圖與文:波士頓僑教中心)

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP AT KEY CITY OF BOSTON DEPARTMENTS

 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP AT KEY CITY OF BOSTON DEPARTMENTS   BOSTON - Thursday, December 3, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced new leadership at several key City of Boston departments, including the Mayor's Offices of Women's Advancement, Intergovernmental Relations, Neighborhood Services, and the Inspectional Services Department.    "Each of these individuals are dedicated public servants that have gone above and beyond to serve their city, especially during difficult times like these," said Mayor Walsh. "The work of all City departments is crucial to our overall mission of serving the residents of Boston in the best way we can. I am incredibly proud and excited to welcome Alex, Katilin, Eddie and Jessica into their new roles and look forward to what we can accomplish together."   Mayor Walsh tapped Alexandra Valdez to serve as executive director of the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement, following Tania Del Rio's transition to the nonprofit sector. The Office of Women's Advancement creates specific programming and opportunities that support economic equity, safety, and empowerment, and representation. Some of the office's most recent work includes: research on paid parental leave and childcare affordability; a multi-pronged approach to closing the gender pay gaps; reducing the demand for commercial sexual exploitation; and creating specific programming for women entrepreneurs.   Valdez is currently serving as director of engagement for the City's Economic Mobility Lab, a team of social entrepreneurs centrally located in the Mayor's Office of Policy that researches and tests ideas with the potential to dramatically increase upward economic mobility for low- and moderate-income Bostonians. Prior to that role, Valdez served as Mayor Walsh's neighborhood liaison for Jamaica Plain and the Latino community in the Office of Neighborhood Services since 2016. She holds a bachelor's degree from Fitchburg State University and is finalizing a master's degree from Suffolk University. She was born in the Dominican Republic and lives in Egleston Square.     Alexandra Valdez   Kaitlin Passafaro has been named director of the office of Intergovernmental Relations (IGR), which coordinates interactions between municipal, state and federal governments, assists City departments with advocacy and prospecting for public and private grants, and determines the Mayor's legislative agenda. Passafaro most recently served as director of policy in the Mayor's Office of Economic Development, advancing the goals of reducing barriers relative to conducting business in Boston and promoting the economic upward mobility of all Bostonians.   Passafaro first joined the City of Boston in 2010 serving as a correspondence and advance assistant in the Office of the Mayor before becoming the Mayor's liaison to the Boston City Council. She then became deputy director of State Relations in 2013 and director of State Relations in 2016. A lifelong resident of Dorchester, she is a graduate of Boston Latin School and holds a bachelor's degree from Boston College and a master's degree from Suffolk University.     Kaitlin Passafaro   Current chief of staff for the Civic Engagement Cabinet, Edward M. McGuire III, will assume the role of director of the Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS). McGuire will serve under the leadership of Aisha Miller as the Chief of Civic Engagement and alongside Faisa Shariff as the Deputy Director of ONS. McGuire started working at City Hall in 2014 as a project manager at the then Boston Redevelopment Authority before transitioning to the Civic Engagement Cabinet in 2016. McGuire holds a bachelor's degree from the Catholic University of America. He's a lifelong resident of South Boston.    In addition to McGuire and Shariff, ONS is composed of 18 public servants who serve as liaisons between Mayor Walsh and the City's neighborhoods and communities. The staff attends community meetings, assists residents with city services, shares important information directly with neighborhoods, and helps the City respond to emergencies.   Edward M. McGuire III   Following Aisha Miller's transition from ISD to the Civic Engagement Cabinet, Jessica Thomas, the Mayor's current liaison to Roxbury will assume the role of Assistant Commissioner of Constituent Services at ISD, which aims to improve the quality of life for all residents by protecting the health, safety, and environmental stability of Boston's business and residential communities.    Thomas was born and raised in Boston, attended John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science in Roxbury, and holds a Construction Management degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology and a Real Estate Paralegal Certificate from the University of Miami. Prior to working for the City of Boston, she worked in consumer banking and real estate for 15 years. Thomas lives in Roxbury.    Jessica Thomas   ###