“It was the best job I ever had,” raved ABCD WorkSMART student Kalil Nevils during remarks at the program’s year-end celebration. Members of the 2023/2024 WorkSMART cohort celebrated their accomplishments and shared their talents at the ABCD Thelma Burns Building. The event kicked off with a barbecue, a bracelet making activity and fellowship with community members, family and ABCD Youth…
ABCD is committed to equity and inclusion in all its forms and celebrates the legacy of the LGBTQIA+ community in Boston. This year, the month of June, known to many as Pride Month, kicked off less than two weeks after the 20th anniversary of same sex marriage in Massachusetts—a first in the nation. As we marked that important milestone, RAND…
ABCD co-sponsored a Black Father’s Brunch with the Boston Commission on Black Men and Boys and the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement at our Thelma Burns Building. Congratulations to the men who were selected to receive the 2024 Black Father Figure Community Award: Chimel Idiokitas; Noah Jones; Al Holland, Royce Veal; Frederick Johnson; Azell Martin; Stanley O’Brien; and Michael…
Keynote exhortation to graduates – use life’s challenges as a springboard to success Students from ABCD’s University High School (UHS) crossed the graduation stage with diplomas in hand and plans for the future. UHS, in partnership with the Boston Public Schools, is ABCD’s alternative high school for Boston students ages 16 to 22 whose needs aren’t met in traditional settings….
ABCD’s Walnut Grove Head Start participated in the African Explosion that featured cultural dance by performer Sir Taylor, a self defined peacemaker and an original member of the Jesse White Tumblers in Chicago – a training program that provides a positive alternative for urban youth ages 6-16. The African Explosion closed out ABCD University High School’s ( UHS) Light Saver week, a component of their Commonwealth…
Rev. Dr. Florence King joined the board in 2016 and served with distinction representing State Representative Paul Donato of Malden. As an officer of the board, she also served on its Executive Committee and contributed as a member of the ABCD Elder Services Committee. We could always count on Rev. Dr. King to be an enthusiastic advocate and a positive…
Joseph S. Slavet’s exemplary life came to a close at 104 years old. It is fitting to reflect on his considerable contributions to social and racial justice and economic mobility. Joe, who led ABCD from its inception in 1962 to 1966, was an architect of the organization’s mission and innovative programming, particularly in early childhood education, youth development, and community…
Harold Mezoff retired in 2023 after nearly 60 years with ABCD. Throughout his stellar career, Harold showed incredible dedication to ABCD’s mission, the communities we serve, and most especially, the staff who come to work every day. His leadership helped ABCD evolve from an innovative initiative into one of the largest federally-designated non-profit anti-poverty organizations in the country, impacting some…
In collaboration with the Boston Public Schools (BPS) and the Gavin Foundation, ABCD has operated the William J. Ostiguy High School for youth ages 14-21 who are in recovery since 2006. According to the National Equity Project, “educational equity means that each [student] receives what they need to develop to their full academic and social potential.” ABCD concurs. Ostiguy is…
