BPDA delivers $390k in community benefits to local nonprofits from various South Boston development projects
May 24, 2024
The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) today celebrated the disbursement of $390,000 to 21 community organizations that serve the South Boston community at an event Friday at Julie’s Family Learning Program, one of the grant recipients. The work these organizations do runs the gamut from youth sports programs, to combating food insecurity, to support for senior citizens. This funding comes from the Summer Street Hotel, Parcel K, 20 West Fifth Street, 200-204 Old Colony Avenue, and 765 Third Street projects in the South Boston neighborhood. The organizations that received the largest amount of funding include Julie’s Family Learning Program and South Boston Neighborhood House, also known as “The Ollie.”
“This funding is just one of the many benefits that comes from planning-led, responsible development,” said Chief of Planning Arthur Jemison. “I’m proud that these developments will be able to support the ongoing positive work these important organizations are doing in the South Boston community, and I want to congratulate all those involved.”
The organization receiving the largest grant from this round of funding ($40,000) is Julie’s Family Learning Program. This organization offers free educational programs to underserved populations, aimed at developing strong families and successful adults. Julie's has a special focus on family literacy that brings parents and children together for activities focused on learning and family fun. In addition to the programming, this funding will help Julie’s Family Learning Program provide meals to students, emergency assistance, and career training.
"We are so grateful to the Boston Planning & Development Agency for the impact of their generous support," said Julie's Family Learning Program's Executive Director Michelle Persson Reilly. "Julie's works to empower mothers and other adult learners to transform their lives and stabilize their families. The BPDA provided funds for supportive services that are critical to student success while at Julie's and as they move on to further education, training, or employment. The grant helps with daily meals, emergency support, transportation, case management, and career guidance, allowing students to focus on their studies and moving towards their hopes and dreams."
The organization receiving the second largest amount of funding ($33,000) is the South Boston Neighborhood House. This organization has worked in South Boston for 115 years, offering social services to new mothers, families, senior citizens, and everyone in between. The grant money provided from this round of funding will support the Ollie Diaper Depot, which provides free diapers and wipes to any family in need.
“South Boston Neighborhood House (SBNH) is grateful to the City of Boston and Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) for the distribution of Community Benefits funding to support so many great programs and initiatives across our community,” said SBNH Executive Director Kathy Lafferty. “Here at the Ollie this funding will support our Community Diaper Depot, a free diaper distribution program that provides free diapers, baby wipes and other needed essentials and resources to thousands of families and babies each year.
“South Boston nonprofits and community organizations provide exceptional support for our youth, families, seniors, and the underserved, and this funding will help them continue to deliver impactful programming and services.” said Councilor Ed Flynn. “It’s critical we continue to work together through careful planning, development, and community engagement.”