Emily Smith loves the spacious four-bedroom apartment she shares with her three friends in Somerville. The rent isn’t too bad, the location is convenient and the street is charming and friendly, like something out of “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood,” she said. It’s really a dream set up — except for one thing. “I feel like the only gripe everyone has is…
Massachusetts families who are seeking help to manage their home energy bills will get some relief from the state. A new relief program will expand assistance for middle-income households. CBS News Boston WBZ-TV reported that Gov. Maura Healey has revealed $15 million in supplemental funding for the federal Home Energy Assistance Program. Additionally, close to $34 million in funds will be allocated…
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Now through April 15, anyone earning $70,000 or less can have their taxes done for free at dozens of locations across the state through a program by the Boston Tax Help Coalition and the Massachusetts Association of Community Action. Brian Robinson, the director of the Boston Tax Help Coalition, said the program helps create economic stability by putting…
Anti-poverty agency chipping away at labor shortages and upskilling workforce WHO: ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler, Masshire Metro North Workforce Board President and CEO Chris Albrizio-Lee, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Undersecretary of Workforce Development Alysia Ordway, Woburn Mayor Mike Concannon, Massachusetts State Senator Cindy Friedman, Representative Michelle Ciccolo of Lexington and members of the Woburn City…
Avery Bleichfeld Massachusetts state officials are touting programs that they say will help people of all income levels access bigger-ticket climate actions in a new campaign launched this month. The campaign, from the state’s Energy and Environmental Affairs Department, advertises things like buying electric vehicles, weatherizing a home, installing heat pumps and using solar power as solutions individuals can pursue…
A new pilot program made possible through a partnership with New England Conservatory (NEC) and the City of Boston to increase access to early music education will begin in the Ellis Early Learning and ABCD Head Start programs. Mayor Michelle Wu made the announcement alongside NEC President Andrea Kayln, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper, Ellis Early Learning CEO Lauren…
Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds English for New Bostonians (ENB) recently recognized ABCD for its emerald anniversary, 20 years of uninterrupted partnership with the organization. ABCD’s English as a Second Language Program (ESOL) was one of the original 13 grantees when former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino established ENB in 2002. Other ENB partners include Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, East Boston Community…
Millions of children lifted out of poverty once more face harsh conditions The significant and historic Child Tax Credit that this year lifted more than 3.6 million children in America out of poverty must be extended beyond December 2021. “On behalf of the millions of families and children who will be losing this life-saving benefit in January, we beg the…
The 2020 ABCD Annual Report featured a story about Rachel Carle, a Danvers resident who was laid off in the early days of the pandemic. A senior director with a booming Cambridge company, she was 30 years into a satisfying career when suddenly everything changed. “When I lost my job, I didn’t know where to turn. I was panicking, afraid…