Blog

Josean Ortiz: Married to the Theater

Josean Ortiz: Married to the Theater

Josean Ortiz loves to talk. As a producer, director, and an actor, he is certainly never at a loss of things to talk about. His hands fly around in excitement as he describes his upcoming work, two shows which feature only him on stage. While most would shy away from hour long monologues, Josean welcomes the pressure. We sat down with him to learn more about the inspiration behind ...

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Beyond City Limits: The Affordable Housing Crisis in Rural America

Beyond City Limits: The Affordable Housing Crisis in Rural America

This year, we’ve explored the critical need to preserve the financial accessibility and socioeconomic diversity of Greater Boston, from policy to local activism. However, the cost of living is rising in many other U.S. communities, with resident...

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One Hood vs. BPD: Playing For Community

One Hood vs. BPD: Playing For Community

On a warm afternoon this past Friday, the Blackstone Community Center came to life as the One Hood All-Stars trickled onto their home court. Hip-Hop music underscored the excitement as players greeted each other with high fives and began to warm up. It’s hard to believe there was a time when these kids didn’t get along. Members of the Boston Police Department (BPD) showed up shortly after, out of ...

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Diversity, A Key to Success for Our Children

Diversity, A Key to Success for Our Children

Integrating diversity in our classrooms means more than enrolling students from a variety of multicultural backgrounds; it means, including lessons about their heritages, languages, and customs. When teachers create an environment that not only acknowledges diversity but celebrates what makes all of these cultures unique, then students can grow socially and academically with a bet...

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Housing Boston 2030: Where We Stand & What’s Next

Housing Boston 2030: Where We Stand & What’s Next

As we discussed in a recent blog post, local and national policy stands to significantly shape the future of affordable housing in Greater Boston. The ability – or inability – to successfully lower living costs and preserve accessibility for all residents will largely determine the socioeconomic and cultural fabric of our city as it c...

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One Hood: Forming Connections On & Off the Court

One Hood: Forming Connections On & Off the Court

On July 12th, we tipped-off our eleventh year of the One Hood Basketball League, providing a safe space for local teenagers to “just play ball and not worry,” as Angel Lopez, our One Hood Commissioner said. At first look, it may not seem that Boston’s neighborhood streets can be a “battleground” for some, but as former South End District Officer Jorge Dias explained, “It’s hard to be a good kid no...

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2017: Mid-year Update on Affordable Housing

2017: Mid-year Update on Affordable Housing

As we discussed in January, 2017 is and has so far proven to be a critical year for affordable housing. The decisions made by President Trump and his administration will have a significant impact on the housing market with important resources at risk, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. On the municipal level, M...

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Our Decades-Old Tradition Returns: Festival Betances 2017

Our Decades-Old Tradition Returns: Festival Betances 2017

Nearly half a century ago, Latino members of the South End community decided to dedicate one July weekend to celebrating their heritage with music, dancing, food, and activities for all ages; and, over the years, what started as a neighborhood block party has grown into our ...

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“The Silent Crisis II”: The Importance of Equal Representation in Leadership

“The Silent Crisis II”: The Importance of Equal Representation in Leadership

Over the past few decades, Boston’s residential demographics have transformed drastically. According to Mayor Martin Walsh’s Imagine Boston 2030 report, more than half of today’s Boston residents are people of color – up from one-third in 1980. As Boston continues t...

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A Wealth of Community Opportunities

A Wealth of Community Opportunities

We’re constantly working to “empower and engage individuals and their families to improve their lives," and this past month we held two resource fairs in order to introduce opportunities that residents of all ages would enjoy. Last week, we held our first annual Academic and Career Fair in partnership with Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), whose representatives offered educational and career a...

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Easy Activities To Keep Your Kids Learning From June to August

Easy Activities To Keep Your Kids Learning From June to August

Students will be let out of school in the coming weeks and some parents are scrambling to find the right summer programs, camps, and daycares for their children; but our parents are at ease with our year-round Preschool. In fact, our teachers are excited for the unique opportunities for learning, parent-child bonding, cultural immersion, and field trips that come along with the warm weather. ...

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"Ciudadano" Fighting for Citizenship Through the Arts

"Ciudadano" Fighting for Citizenship Through the Arts

Last Friday, our La Galería filled with people - of all ages and backgrounds - celebrating the opening of Fernando Ruíz Lorenzo’s exhibit, “Ciudadano,” or “Citizen.” The Gallery Opening honored “100 years of Puerto Ricans as citizens of the American empire;” and as one spectator said, the art [and accompanying panel discussion] evoked feelings of “hope and despair.” [caption id="attachment_7548" ...

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A Celebration for Generations

A Celebration for Generations

“The holidays are about bringing our community together,” said CEO Vanessa Calderón-Rosado during our annual Three Kings Celebration last Thursday. As many know, Latino culture encourages community celebration, and the holidays are the perfect excuse to do just that. In fact, in some Latin American countries, like Puerto Rico, the excitement of the Holidays lasts nearly two months and the largest,...

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Spreading Hope for the Future

Spreading Hope for the Future

Last Thursday, our community gathered in Plaza Betances for our annual Tree Lighting. Residents - young and old - were joined by friends, family, and city officials as they came together to enjoy traditional Puerto Rican parrandas music, a visit from Santa, and, of course, light the beautiful tree. Our CEO, Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, deemed the event one of her favorite community gatherings of the ...

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Youth Program Wins the 2016 NAHYP Award!

Youth Program Wins the 2016 NAHYP Award!

You could feel the burst of joy, appreciation, and excitement spread throughout the room when First Lady Michelle Obama presented us with one of the 2016 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program (NAHYP) Awards. Many gathered for our live viewing party to celebrate all of the hard work of our staff, students, and commun...

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