The passing of Joseph S. Slavet this month brought an exemplary life of 104 years to a close, and it is fitting to reflect on his contributions to social and racial justice and economic mobility, especially as we mark the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 – President Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” Joe led Action for Boston…
Turning down a lucrative offer to become a professional saxophonist at the end of the Great Depression, Joseph S. Slavet decided to finish his studies at Boston University instead — only to trade classrooms for combat while serving in the Army during World War II. Determined to make a difference after the war, he worked at first in Philadelphia and…
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) secured more than $7 million in state and federal tax returns for residents of Greater Boston and the Mystic Valley during the 2024 tax season that ended on April 17th. This is a $1.6M increase from last year. Of this $7 million, $685,000 was returned to filers via the Child Tax Credits (CTC), $186,529…
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…
ABCD Medical Director Frinny Polanco Walters, MD, MPH spoke with BNN Media for Black Maternal Health Week about our screening of the film Birthing Justice, the panel discussion that followed and shared insights about how Black women can advocate for themselves and their unborn babies.
