Month: January 2025

ABCD, Action for Boston Community Development, a Boston community organization, has launched a pilot program providing free, 24/7 access to reproductive health supplies through vending machines at three of its program sites, according to a report by The Bay State Banner. The machines are stocked with condoms, safe-sex kits, STI tests, pregnancy tests, emergency contraception and menstrual hygiene products. “For these…

ABCD launches three-machine pilot to address maternal health, STI disparities For Black communities, local and national statistics have identified disparities in maternal health outcomes and transmission rates of sexually transmitted infections. A program launched by ABCD aims to close some of those gaps by increasing free, around-the-clock access to reproductive health supplies through vending machines installed at three of its…

With much of the United States experiencing significantly cold temperatures during the first month of 2025, it’s no surprise that home heating costs are expected to climb across Massachusetts this winter. The state’s annual home heating forecast anticipated a colder winter compared to 2024, with moderately higher energy prices, including electricity, natural gas, and propane. However, home heating oil was…

The acronym SHINE stands for Solar Helping Ignite Neighborhood Economies. The work training program, spearheaded by global nonprofit Rare and run locally by ABCD, is offered to residents seeking opportunities in the solar industry. Ronald Marlow, a representative from ABCD, said the 13-week job training program can also open doors to other clean energy jobs. “If you have the foundation, you get to…

Paid training program supports city’s climate agenda, provides opportunity for residents BOSTON — The acronym SHINE stands for Solar Helping Ignite Neighborhood Economies. The work training program, spearheaded by global nonprofit Rare and run locally by ABCD, is offered to residents seeking opportunities in the solar industry. Ronald Marlow, a representative from ABCD, said the 13-week job training program can also open doors…

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BRAINTREE, Mass. (WWLP)– In an effort to provide support to those leaving incarceration, The Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative has awarded several Sheriff offices and the Department of Correction (DOC) grant funding, including the Hampden County Sheriff. The money will provide collaborative reentry programs aimed at reducing recidivism and improving outcomes among young people, aged 18-25, transitioning from incarceration. The programs partner with…

Programs helping local communities take advantage of the green economy. NEEDHAM, Mass. — Boston recently received $9.8 million dollars from the federal government to support The Greater Boston Climate and Coastal Resilience Workforce Alliance to train and place Boston residents into over 1,200 ‘green’ jobs. Gustavo Quiroga, Executive Director of LISC Massachusetts and Silvana Bastante Muñoz, Program Officer, Green Jobs and Income…