ABCD is part of the Community Action Network, created with the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act, which was signed into law in 1964. The Act was a sweeping plan to improve the lives of all Americans, regardless of their circumstances. As a community action agency, ABCD has a tripartite board structure consisting of members from the local private sector,…
Nicholas Apodiakos, who takes care of his ailing 94-year-old mother in their home, sorted through this winter’s heating oil bills: a whopping $1,703 only four months into the season. “We go through oil like water,” Apodiakos said recently. Apodiakos, 55,does not work because he is caring for mother, Rose, full time. Her health complications — diabetes, cholesterol, frequent seizures, and…
A unique celebration for a special group of volunteers who, despite their age, never lost sight of what they have to offer. Among them is 95-year-old Miriam Manning. We first met Manning in 2015. At 91, she set out every day for the Dorchester Headstart on Geneva Avenue, where she volunteered as a ‘foster grandparent.’ On Friday, dozens gathered at…
Some moments deserve a dance party. A unique celebration for a special group of volunteers who, despite their age, never lost sight of what they have to offer. Among them is 95-year-old Miriam Manning. We first met Manning in 2015. At 91, she set out every day for the Dorchester Headstart on Geneva Avenue, where she volunteered as a ‘foster…
A key inflation measure grew at the fastest pace in 40 years The last time prices rose this fast, today’s seniors were in their prime and drawing paychecks. Now they’re older, retired, and feeling the crunch in a world where everything suddenly costs more. Higher rents and heating bills and steeper gas and prescription drug prices are pinching almost everyone….
Urban struggles, cost pressures form the backdrop of senior life It’s hard to grow old in the city without much money. The urban landscape, with its cracked sidewalks, patchy transit, and the lurking possibility of violence, is a daily challenge. So is the lingering threat of COVID that hovers in congested buses and crowded waiting rooms. … Cranking up the…
BOSTON — It’s one of the largest anti-poverty agencies in the country. It was also one of the first. ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development) of Boston serves more than 100,000 people a year. And John Drew, who’s been a part of it for more than 50 years, is ready to retire. Boston 25 News anchor Kerry Kavanaugh recently sat down…
The coronavirus pandemic didn’t stop the Salvation Army Massachusetts Division from hosting its annual Christmas Castle event in Dorchester Monday. About 5,000 families were able to get food and toys for Christmas, including Alice Ramos and her nephew. “This COVID’s been really hard. My sister tested out positive at the beginning of COVID and it made it difficult for her…
The 23rd annual Field of Dreams charity softball tournament took place Monday at Fenway Park; Action for Boston Community Development — or ABCD — uses the event to raise money to help underserved teens with paid jobs, mentoring and workshops Amateur athletes had the chance to “play ball” inside historic Fenway Park — while also helping underserved teens. Action for…
Non-profits across Massachusetts are expecting a surge in people who will be needing help this winter because of the rising costs of home heating. This week, National Grid announced a 64 percent electricity rate increase starting on November 1st. National Grid is also proposing a 22 percent increase in its natural gas rates, and Eversource is proposing a 38 percent…
