ABCD limits services, temporarily closes centers due to COVID-19 (Needham)

During the escalating threat of COVID-19 and the State of Emergency in Massachusetts, Action for Boston Community Development — a Boston nonprofit — continues to serve “those most in need” in a way that can help protect the health and safety of clients and staff.

In coordination with the suggestion to practice social distancing, ABCD has temporarily closed all neighborhood service centers as well as all Head Start and Early Head Start locations as of March 18. They will continue to provide parents, who need assistance, with food for their children.

“Continuing to honor our mission to protect the most vulnerable people amongst us, we have made the decision to limit staff and client contact to emergency supports and reduced services only,” said John J. Drew, president and CEO of ABCD. “We understand this is a very difficult time for our entire community, but we will make sure any emergency services our clients need from us will be available to them. If you need help, ABCD is here for you.”

ABCD staff will only be available by phone and/or email to provide emergency and other limited services. The priority is to ensure both staff and clients stay safe and healthy during this difficult and quickly-evolving time. Additionally, ABCD has closed all neighborhood centers to walk-in traffic and in-person meetings.

If residents require help, they can contact the following programs and services for assistance: food pantries and community coordination, which can be reached at 617-348-6559 and staff_communitycoordination@bostonabcd.org; contact the neighborhood service centers located in Allston/Brighton, East Boston, Mattapan, Mystic Valley, Parker Hill/Fenway and Roxbury/North Dorchester; among other services which can be found on the ABCD website at http://bostonabsc.org, which will be regularly updated.