Our Three Year Plan
MPDC is proud to share its 2024-2026 Strategic plan, guided by a framework of promoting community wealth building in Roxbury. We acknowledge the historic barriers faced by Boston’s Black and Brown residents in access to housing, employment, and asset and wealth building opportunities, resulting in the current racial wealth gap. This “North Star” is guiding MPDC’s commitment to creating access to wealth building for our residents and the broader neighborhood.
In our 58th year, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the legacy of our founders and a vision for Roxbury grounded in comprehensive community development. MPDC advances its mission daily by supporting a vibrant and healthy Roxbury for residents and community members. In addition to offering stellar programs and resources, we will provide inclusive housing opportunities in the face of the growing crisis.
Over the next three years, we will continue to expand our youth and young adult workforce development programs while celebrating 20 years of arts, civic, and cultural programming at Hibernian Hall and continuing to advance The Dewitt Center's integral role as a community hub for resources, partnerships and programs. MPDC is also committed to organizational sustainability through the expansion and diversification of revenue by increasing our donor base, establishing an endowment for Hibernian Hall and The Dewitt Center, and seeking multi–year grants to offset operational expenses.
We are excited by this plan to implement effective strategies that are mission centered, transformative, and sustainable. MPDC will continue to assess, restructure, and partner with like-minded organizations to narrow the racial wealth gap for Black and Brown families in Roxbury and the City of Boston.
Learn more about our plan HERE.
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MPDC's 2024 Scholarship Program and Summer Youth Employment Program Applications |
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Apply to MPDC’s Scholarship Program today!
To be considered for the MPDC Scholarship Program, applicants should satisfy the following requirements:
- Be a resident of the greater Madison Park community as defined by the boundaries of Lower Roxbury – which include and are limited to residences in the 02119, 02120, and 02121 zip code areas;
- Enrolled full-time as a high school senior, graduating in Spring/Summer 2024 with plans to enter college after graduation;
- Applicant has a strong commitment to pursuing a Bachelors or Associates degree;
- Applicant has involvement in community service and a strong commitment to continue community service throughout college
Applications are due June 21st, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
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Join MPDC’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) today!
SYEP provides underserved in-school youth, ages 14-19, with career internships, job readiness skills, and educational enrichment. SYEP is intended to provide early workforce experience for young people who might not otherwise have this opportunity while supporting them with completing academics and college readiness.
Application deadline: June 7th, 2024 by 5 pm
For more information about MPDC’s SYEP, please email Yhinny Matos, Youth Workforce Manager.
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The Dewitt Center had a magical March! |
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On the last Friday of every month, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, The Dewitt Center hosts Teen Night in collaboration with Village In Progress and many other MPDC departments. Together, they provide a safe space for MPDC teen residents, Dewitt Center members, and other community members to participate in fun activities, socialize with their peers, and enjoy refreshments. Teen night activities range from game nights to video game tournaments and gym activities. Teen Nights are open to all MPDC residents and Dewitt Center members ages 13-19.
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On Saturday, March 23rd, one of The Dewitt Center's program partners, Modern Mentor, hosted their Spring Fling Bunny Hop for children 14 and under. Over 60 community members were in attendance to support this fantastic event. The children danced, enjoyed refreshments and arts & crafts, and had the opportunity to take pictures with the Easter Bunny. To end the day, participants engaged in an egg hunt in The Dewitt Center Tech Lab and were able to go home with goodies to fill their baskets.
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Jean Appolon Expressions African Dance Workout happens every Monday at The Dewitt Center from 6 to 7 pm. The class is free for MPDC residents and is taught by JAE Artistic Manager and Company Dancer Mcebisi Xotyeni. In the hour-long class, participants of all ages get an excellent cardio warm-up through African dance movements. They are guided through a series of stretches and strength-building exercises. Dancers will travel across the floor, moving in progressions, and the class finishes with a combination of all attendees learning and dancing together to live drumming.
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NEFA Public Art for Spatial Justice Grant
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On Friday, March 29th, MPDC was awarded a New England Foundation for the Arts' (NEFA) Public Art for Spatial Justice Grant. This grant is intended to support the field of public art through grantmaking and field-building collaborations. Madison Park Development Corporation, in collaboration with acclaimed Roxbury artist Ekua Holmes, is one of several Massachusetts-based organizations to have received this funding and honor.
View the full list of NEFA’s 2024 Grant Recipients here.
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Madison Park Next Door:
Information about the Federal Home Loan Bank
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This program aims to provide grants to income-eligible households in New England, explicitly offering up to $50,000 in down payment and closing-cost assistance to people of color purchasing their first home.
The program is designed specifically for people of color defined as Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic, Asian, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders.
Below are the Program Details
- Eligibility: People of color earning up to 120% of the area median income
- Grant Amount: Up to $50,000 in down-payment and closing-cost assistance
- Application Period: April 1, 2024, to April 26, 2024
- Enrollment Cap: $500,000 per member in 2024
- First Come First Served
Important Dates
- Application Period Opens: Monday, April 1, 2024, at 8:00 a.m.
- Application Period Closes: Friday, April 26, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
- Approval Notifications Sent: May 6, 2024
- Enrollment for Qualified Homebuyers Begins Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (Must apply with an approved lender)
Additional Programs offered by FLHB
It is important to explore all homeownership assistance programs, including the Equity Builder Program and Housing Our Workforce, to help address the affordable housing crisis in New England.
The Equity Builder Program (EBP) offers grants to help first-time buyers earning up to 80% of the area median income with a down payment, closing cost, home rehabilitation assistance, and homebuyer education and counseling. Housing Our Workforce (HOW) offers grants to help homebuyers earning above 80% and up to 120% of the area median income with a down payment and closing cost assistance. For both programs, EBP and HOW, FHLBank Boston will begin accepting enrollments for qualified households on Monday, April 1, 2024. Approved members will have full access to the funds allocated to the EBP funding round until they have met their maximum amount or until the pool runs out. Funds are always on a first-come, first-served basis.
The programs offered by FHLB could be valuable to anyone who is currently in the home-buying process and has pre-approval. Please get in touch with your lender to ask if they are participating in the FHLB programs and apply for funding to be applied to your loan. This could increase your purchasing power.
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Thank you to MPDC's March
Newsletter Contributors
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Justina Thompson
Kelly Lydon
Laquisa Burke
Meghan Higgins
Zeyanna Defortunato
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MPDC x IMSO
Food Pantry @ The Dewitt Center
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WHEN: Every 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAY of each month
11:00 am
WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)
The Dewitt Center and the Islamic Multi-Service Organization (IMSO) host monthly food pantries. Canned goods, fruit, pasta, spaghetti, and more will be available for pickup! Supplies are limited.
For more information, please contact IMSO at
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Now accepting applications for
MPDC's Hope Community Garden
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DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Saturday, June 1st
The Garden opens in April 2024
All ages are welcome!
Kids' Garden Club (2-18)
Hope Garden Plots for kids and older adults
We offer garden education and training, social connectivity, special events, home gardening, and other opportunities!
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MPDC's Healthcare Support Services
Training Program
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WHEN: Wednesdays and Thursdays
April 23rd to June 6th
MPDC, in partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital, is excited to bring you an exclusive paid training program to help jumpstart your career at Boston Children’s Hospital. The third cycle is now open and accepting applications from community members!
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April School Vacation Week @ The Dewitt Center |
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WHEN: Tuesday, April 16 to Friday, April 19
Various times
WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)
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Urban League First Time Homebuyer Resource Workshop |
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WHEN: Tuesday, April 16
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
WHERE: Urban League of Eastern MA
(88 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA)
Excited about buying your first home but not sure where to start? Join us at the Urban League of Eastern MA for their First-Time Homebuyer Workshop! Their experts will walk you through the entire process from start to finish, covering everything from budgeting to closing. Don't miss this opportunity to get all your questions answered and gain the confidence you need to make your dream of homeownership a reality. Sign up now!
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Beginner-Friendly AI/Machine Learning, Game Design, and Art Animation Event |
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WHEN: Tuesday, April 16 to Friday, April 19
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)
Join BYTE Ventures and The Dewitt Center for an immersive exploration into the fascinating worlds of AI/Machine Learning, Game Design, and Art Animation! Whether you’re an aspiring game developer or artist or simply curious about cutting-edge technologies shaping digital entertainment, this event is tailored just for you. No prior experience with AI, game design, or animation is required – just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm to learn!
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Hibernian Hall presents
Roxbury Roots
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WHEN: Friday, April 26
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
WHERE: Hibernian Hall
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA)
Join Hibernian Hall for a night of gathering and live storytelling around the campfire. "Roxbury Roots" is back by popular demand after its first successful year!
Allow the night to take you through a great range of human experiences filled with laughter, tears, and truth. Each story is unique, and each voice is authentic. Stick around for food, refreshments, and lots of prizes.
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Prepare for Lobby Day at the MA State House Info Sessions |
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WHEN:
Training #1: Know Your Representatives
Session 1: Monday, April 29 @ 11:30 am
Session 2: Thursday, May 1 @ 4:30 pm
Training #2: Advocacy 101
Session 1: Monday, April 29th @ 11:30 am
Session 2: Thursday, May 1 @ 4:30 pm
Lobby Day
Monday, May 13
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
WHERE: MPDC Offices
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA)
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WHEN: Friday, May 17
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
WHERE: Hibernian Hall
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA)
Step into a world of vibrant colors, tropical rhythms, and transformative art at Hibernian Hall’s Arts on the Rox! Enjoy live performances, food and refreshments, Samba dancing, and fun surprises for all guests to partake in and enjoy.
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WHEN: Monday, May 20
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
WHERE: TBA
This forum empowers youth to become agents of change, fosters leadership skills, and cultivates a sense of civic engagement. Join MPDC for a day filled with inspiration, empowerment, and opportunities to connect with fellow young changemakers!
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MPDC's Kick-Off for National
Homebuying Month
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WHEN: Thursday, June 6
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
WHERE: The Dewitt Center
(122 Dewitt Drive, Roxbury, MA)
Madison Park Development provides numerous homebuying workshops and financial resources to support residents wanting to purchase their homes. The training program aims to educate MPDC residents about the home-buying process, provide residents with an economical pathway to building wealth, and create an affordable rental opportunity for another deserving family. Come to The Dewitt Center to learn more about Madison Park Next Door! |
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Madison Park Next Door First-Time
Homebuyers Class
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WHEN: Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
WHERE: MPDC Offices
(184 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA)
Are you ready to leap into homeownership? MPDC's comprehensive classes will guide you through the entire process, from understanding mortgage options to confidently navigating the homebuying journey. Register now and take the first step toward realizing your homeownership goals!
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