Blog

A Changing Neighborhood: Gentrification in the South End

A Changing Neighborhood: Gentrification in the South End

Over the course of the past few decades, Boston has undergone extreme transformation, particularly in historic neighborhoods like the South End. As one of the oldest organizations in the area, IBA has had a front row seat to its changing landscape. Several large-scale developments are reshaping the South End, introducing more than ...

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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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The Critical Role of After-school and Summer Learning Programs

The Critical Role of After-school and Summer Learning Programs

The Trump Administration recently announced its first full budget for next year, which proposes to eliminate funding for 21st Century Learning Centers, that are federally funded academic enrichment centers for at-risk children attending high-poverty, low-performing schools. As an org...

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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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The Role of Activism in Promoting Affordable Community Development

The Role of Activism in Promoting Affordable Community Development

Founded by a group of Puerto Rican activists in 1968, IBA grew from efforts to fight displacement amidst gentrification in the South End. Through widespread civic engagement, we won the right to keep our neighborhood and build our homes, and have been able to uphold our vibrant culture in the community. With our history steeped in advocating for low-income families, we believe that activism is a c...

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Youth Build Community Family

Youth Build Community Family

It becomes increasingly more difficult to engage and build relationships with our youth nowadays, which is why we are so grateful to all of those who make our Youth Development Program (YDP) possible and provide a safe space for teens to grow. [caption id="attachment_8027" align="alignleft" width="300"]...

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The Importance of Arts Funding: Our CEO on Cityline

The Importance of Arts Funding: Our CEO on Cityline

This past Sunday, IBA CEO Vanessa Calderón-Rosado was featured in Channel 5’s award-winning urban news and feature magazine program “City Line,” in a segment focusing on the importance of funding for the arts. She was joined by Anita Walker, Executive Director of the ...

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Youth Development Program Peer Leader's Hard Work & Heart Paying Off

Youth Development Program Peer Leader's Hard Work & Heart Paying Off

Our Youth Development Programs (YDP) strives to empower students ages 13 - 19 years old by equipping them with the life skills and the support system they need to excel. Through workshops with a strong arts component, we have helped hundreds of youth find their voice and gain the confidence they need to make positive, impactful changes in their communities. That is why it is always a huge reward f...

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It Takes A Village: How IBA Supports Residents through Community Services

It Takes A Village: How IBA Supports Residents through Community Services

Healthy, sustainable communities often grow from environments that provide equal social and economic opportunities. For instance, according to a 2014 National Bureau of Economic Research report, upwardly mobile communities typically exhibit low income inequality, minimal racial and socioeconomic segregation, stable households and ...

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