Author: Connor Mattson

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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ABCD Asks for Help with Meeting Needs

The President and CEO of ABCD, John Drew, talks about its fuel assistance program and other efforts to meet the needs of families and individuals during the holidays and through the winter. Interview for BNN News. Aired December 9, 2019.


Giving thanks for all those who make Mass. a better place

In our land of plenty, too many go without the basic necessities like food and shelter. We don’t need statistics to say whether homelessness has increased or decreased — we see it all around us. The opioid crisis has exacerbated the problem. Bottom line is that we must do more. Even one homeless family is one too many Sadly, for…

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EBNHC’s Joanna Cataldo Named ABCD Community Hero

East Boston native and longtime East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) employee Joanna Cataldo was recently honored at ABCD’s (Action for Boston Community Development) annual Community Heroes Celebration. Cataldo and others from Boston’s neighborhoods were honored for their work in their respective communities at the annual gala that was held on Nov. 8, at Boston Marriott Copley Place. The event…

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ABCD North End / West End Neighborhood Service Center Receives Turkey Donations

The ABCD North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center (NE/WE NSC) gratefully acknowledges Greg and Caryn Antonelli of GTA Landscaping; Steven Colarusso of Antonio’s Cucina Italiana in the West End; Al and Maryann Giorgio of La Famiglia Giorgio’s; and Mary Guarino and the team at Church on the Hill for turkey donations. READ MORE