Author: Connor Mattson

Low-income families get a headstart during the pandemic with food delivered to their doorstep

The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting everyone differently, but some of the most affected are the people in lower-income households. With every household Is a different story. “It’s really helpful, really helpful,” said Heidi, a Chelsea resident. “We appreciate it.” However, the story of how the food arrived at hundreds and hundreds of doorsteps started at ABCD Head Start. Read More…

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ABCD Pivots to COVID-19 Response

  To learn more about ABCD’s efforts to serve our neighbors in need during the coronavirus crisis, click here.   Stay up to date with Boston Neighborhood Network News for in-depth stories devoted to issues of concern to the full range of the Boston communities. Learn More.


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

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…

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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…

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Letters to the editor (The Boston Herald)

Kudos for means-tested T fares Although I respect the opinion that the costs of discounted MBTA fares for low-income riders would be high as expressed in the Feb.28, 2020 editorial “Lost revenue from low T fares must be recouped,” I applaud the T’s Fiscal Management and Control Board and other key stakeholders and advisers who are intently focused on solving…

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How Doc Rivers Is Helping Fight Poverty While Leading the Clippers

Doc Rivers has built the Clippers into a legitimate title contender, while fighting for anti-poverty organizations that can’t fight for themselves. Following last night’s win against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Clippers sit third in the Western Conference with a 38-19 record and continue their pursuit of the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship. But basketball is not the only priority on…

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Local couple makes largest donation in history of ABCD toy drive

Action for Boston Community Development says it will have the thousands of toys it needs to make it a merry Christmas for hundreds of Boston families — thanks to a local couple who stepped up to help with the largest donation ever received by the nonprofit.                   On Thursday, ABCD said it…

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Bedford resident recognized as ABCD Community Hero

Bedford resident Eileen Dern, director of community services at MelroseWakefield Healthcare, was named a 2019 ABCD Community Heroes by Action for Boston Community Development, an anti-poverty, community development and human services organization. Dern was one of 23 local community leaders honored by ABCD as “every day, extraordinary volunteers who share their skills, time and compassion to light the way for…

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Local nonprofit needs thousands more toy donations for families in need

The short turnaround between Thanksgiving and Christmas means everyone is scrambling and that’s affecting some nonprofits that collect toy donations this time of year. At ABCD’s Dorchester distribution center, they’ve received about 500 toys so far but they need thousands more to help some 800 families who have signed up for help this year. ABCD collects toys for kids up…

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Guiding firefighter hopefuls

The men and women of the Boston Fire Department volunteer during their time off to increase community outreach and guide young adults on how to become firefighters one day. The Boston Fire Department has increased efforts to boost diversity among its ranks. A friendship between two firefighters on the basketball court led to the creation of the Community Enrichment Program. Young…

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