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  • MPDC Moving Work Remotely due…

Next Event: New Year, New Career Job Fair, January 26 @ 11:00 am

News

MPDC Moving Work Remotely due to COVID-19 – Check here frequently for resources!

03.23.2020

  • COVID-19

Madison Park Development Corporation​ has been monitoring the guidance from the public health community designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 and taking measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all our staff, residents, program participants, and partners.

In response to directives from the City and State, MPDC has suspended all programming and closed our office, The Dewitt Center,​ and Hibernian Hall​ to the public until further notice. We will continue to monitor new information in order to decide when to re-open these spaces and resume programming. We will keep you updated on any new information in the coming weeks.

Although our physical spaces are closed, MPDC, Dewitt Center, and Hibernian Hall staff are available by phone & email during this time. Please contact us at 617-541-3900 or info@madison-park.org. Check here specific staff contact information.

We will be sending bi-weekly emails comprised of updates, digital event announcements, and a variety of COVID-19 related resources.

See our previous resource emails

March 27, 2020

April 13, 2020

April 24, 2020

May 8, 2020

May 22, 2020

City of Boston
The City of Boston has a free texting service to provide daily updates and information about the coronavirus. Text BOSCOVID to 99411 to opt-in for English. Language and communications access remain a priority for Mayor Walsh, so this text service is also available in Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Cabo Verdean Creole, and Portuguese:
  • Text BOSEspanol for Spanish
  • Text BOSKreyol for Haitian Kreyol
  • Text BOSFrancais for French
  • Text BOSKriolu for Cabo Verdean Creole
  • Text BOSPortugues for Portuguese
The City distributed a handout door-to-door with important public health information about the coronavirus. Hopefully, you received this information at your home.
Boston Transportation Department
To support COVID-19 recovery, the Boston Transportation Department is offering free 90-day Bluebikes passes to some of our most important workers: those employed at grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and local retail shops. Pass-holders will be able to take as many trips as they like during the 90-day period. Trips must be completed within 60 minutes to avoid usage fees. There is no obligation to continue paying for the pass once the 90 days are over. Sign up at boston.gov/bike-share
Resident Services at City Hall
While City Hall is still open and running, to reduce exposure, they discourage anyone from coming in unless you have an urgent need for services that cannot be done by phone or online. If you have questions, call the City’s hotline at 311 to get connected to a department. Residents are asked not to call 911 unless they are experiencing a medical emergency. All COVID-19 questions should be directed to the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050 or 311.
COVID-19 Facts & Resource Booklet
The City of Boston has developed a comprehensive Coronavirus Facts and Resources Booklet. The booklet includes information related to safety and reliable information related to COVID-19 in multiple languages. For many of us, sometimes finding reliable information in languages that reflect our community can be difficult. We hope that this resource can help to address some of the misinformation around COVID-19 and empower residents to take charge of their own safety for themselves and their loved ones.
 
COVID-19 Testing Facilities
Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) launched a new mapping tool to help Boston residents find locations offering COVID-19 testing. The City of Boston is partnering with community health centers to increase access to testing, particularly in neighborhoods experiencing higher rates of COVID-19.
City of Boston COVID-19 Guidelines
English
Spanish
Haitian-Creole
Portuguese
Somali
Cape Verdean Creole
Chinese
Russian
How you can help the City of Boston’s COVID-19 Efforts
  • Stay home if possible. If you must go outside, practice physical distancing from others (6 feet apart); avoid crowded places.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol; avoid shaking hands
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • If you think you might be sick, please call your doctor or 311 to be connected to the Mayor’s Health Line 617-534-5050.
  • Donate supplies to first responders here
  • Donate to the City of Boston Resiliency Fund here
  • Fill out the 2020 Census. The 2020 Census is happening now and only 16.7 percent of households have responded. The Census informs how billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers annually for the next 10 years. It’s more critical than ever to ensure that all Bostonians are counted.
Immigrants Living in the City of Boston
Resource Guide for Immigrants Regardless of Immigration Status
List of available funds for families and workers.
Volunteering with the City of Boston
In light of the current public health emergency due to COVID-19, there has been an outpouring of support from the residents of Boston. The City of Boston under Mayor Walsh is coordinating volunteers who are looking to help and connecting them to future outreach and volunteer opportunities.
The health and safety of everyone is their first priority. They ask that potential volunteers be aware of their own health before signing up to help. If you do not feel well, have a temperature, or are exhibiting any symptoms please do NOT sign up to volunteer. If you have questions about your fitness or ability to volunteer, please contact your doctor.
Please fill out this questionnaire and as the situation continues to evolve you will be notified of opportunities as they arise.
If you have any specific questions about volunteering please email volunteer@boston.gov.
City of Boston Veterans
The City of Boston has been reaching out to veterans service providers and residential homes in Boston, to help them mitigate any risk and address concerns they have. Veterans and their family members can call 311 or email veterans@boston.gov to be connected to the City’s Office of Veterans Services.
The City of Boston has also created a Pen Pal Program for veterans who may be feeling social isolation. They are working to identify those veterans now and match them with volunteers who will check in with them periodically. If you would like to volunteer to be a pen pal, please email vetvolunteer@boston.gov.
Boston Transportation Department
Are you a Roxbury resident? The City of Boston wants to hear from you.
The City is building a long-term transportation plan for projects in your neighborhood, and the Boston Transportation Department is using resident feedback to inform its decisions.
Take their survey today
SPARK Boston
See their April 22nd newsletter here.
See their April 24th newsletter here.
See their April 27th newsletter here.
See their April 29th newsletter here.
See their May 1st newsletter here.
See their May 8th newsletter here.
See their May 11th newsletter here.
See their May 15th newsletter here.
See their May 19th newsletter here.
See their May 28th newsletter here.
See their June 5th newsletter here.
Older Adults living in Boston
A resource from the City of Boston that is geared towards supporting the senior population in some of their needs due to COVID-19. It offers a similar service as a mutual aid group, albeit a bit more formally.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Guidance and directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and other state agencies related to COVID-19 can be found here.

Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito unveiled additional details related to the four-phase reopening of the Massachusetts economy.  Please view the Reopening Advisory Board report to learn more about the discovery process and the framework for the phases of reopening.

Phase One of the reopening will include some retail operators.  Hotels and restaurants will follow in Phase Two (with restrictions).  Performance venues, museums, and bars will be a part of Phase Three, while the largest venues (arenas, clubs, stadiums) will not be permitted to reopen until Phase Four.  The transition between phases will be predicated on a series of public health and testing metrics.

Check out the Commonwealth of MA’s Dashboard of Public Health Indicators
Sign up for Massachusetts COVID-19 text alerts
To get up-to-date alerts sent directly to your phone, text COVIDMA to 888-777. You can also call the informational and referral hotline, 211.
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UNION OF MINORITY NEIGHBORHOODS

UMN Help-Line for those experiencing poverty and unemployment is now live.
They are open 10 AM to 3PM Monday thru Friday to assist our community in the Boston area with resources and referrals with:

Food Pantries
Housing Issues
UnEmployment Help
And more…
1-888-271-2298
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The Boston Cyclists Union

BCU and Wagner Foundation have partnered with the Bluebikes program to provide limited-income individuals with subsidized annual passes to Greater Boston’s bike-share program. The subsidized Bluebikes passes cost just $5, versus $100 for a standard annual pass, in order to improve access to an affordable, healthy and socially distant mode of travel. The Boston Cyclists Union pass program is also distinguished from Bluebikes’ own income-eligible program by further subsidy (from $50 to $5 annual cost) and additional flexibility to enroll online in order to limit in-person interactions this season.

People will qualify for the program if they receive a form of public benefits such as MassHealth, Food stamps, SSI/SSDI, etc, or are under 400% of the Federal Poverty level (see below). Their program does not require individuals to produce written proof of income level.

Learn more here.

A few notes about the program:

-BCU only has 150 passes and expects they will go quickly so they encourage people to sign up ASAP if they are interested.

-Currently, they require a credit or debit card to sign up but we hope soon as restrictions open up to have an in-person cash option.

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State Representative Liz Miranda

State Representative Liz Miranda’s Community Care Response Team is working hard to partner people in the 5th Suffolk district of Roxbury and Dorchester with the services we all need to deal with the effects of COVID-19.
Sign up here to receive updates.
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Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins

In an effort to support the community and our partners, the Juvenile Alternative Resolution Program (JAR) staff of the Juvenile Unit at The Office of Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins, has compiled a guide containing an extensive list of resources available for those who may be struggling with issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic across Suffolk County.

SCDAO COVID-19 Resource Guide

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Attorney General Maura Healey
Attorney General Maura Healey announced that her office has filed an emergency regulation designed to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive debt collection practices during the COVID-19 crisis. This emergency regulation will remain in effect for 90 days or until the conclusion of the declared state of emergency.
The AG’s Consumer Protection Division encourages members of the public to call 617-727-8400 or file a complaint online if they witness or experience aggressive debt collection or predatory lending during this public health emergency.
In response to the COVID-19 emergency, AG Healey also issued an emergency regulation last week to prohibit price gouging of essential products like hand sanitizer, face masks, and gloves.
Visit AG Healey’s COVID-19 resources page for information about how the office can assist you during this crisis.

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Madison Park Development Corporation / Census 2020

MPDC is proud to be a Census 2020 Partner!
From mid-March until the end of July, the 2020 Federal Census will take place. This is Boston’s once in a decade opportunity to get its fair share of billions in federal funding to support public resources and services. The 2020 Federal Census will also determine our political representation from Congress to the City Council. As you may know, much of the funding that comes from the Census count helps the most vulnerable among us. It provides, for instance, healthcare, public education, food and nutrition programs, affordable housing, and child care for low-income families.
Information is taken from Census.Gov
Mass Counts Committee
MPDC is proud to be a member of the Mass Counts Committee! We work with MA Voter Table along with other area partners to ensure our communities have an accurate count! Find out more at http://mavotertable.org/

WHY CENSUS 2020 MATTERS TO ROXBURY

Additional Census 2020 Resources
Learn all about the importance of the 2020 Census (in various languages) here. Check out the 2020 Census response rates by city at https://www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us/ for posts on the city’s response rate and what’s at stake in the city.

Census Disinformation Resources
Disinformation is false or misleading information that has been intentionally designed to confuse and manipulate the public. The best way to inoculate against disinformation around the 2020 Census is to uplift positive messages about the importance of census participation. This recent webinar explains how to track, assess, report and respond to census mis/disinformation. Additional resources:
  • Census and Security
  • Disinformation 101
  • 2020 Census: Protecting Yourself Against Scams
  • Detecting Disinformation
Thank you to our Funders!
Mass Census Equity Fund
State Secretary of the Commonwealth Office
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Good Neighbors

Get help from a Good Neighbor

Free deliveries and friendly check-ins for those at-risk for COVID-19. Get what you need safely, from a volunteer neighbor.

Request a Good Neighbor or call them (877) 958-8785

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WinnCompanies

Connecting Communities to Opportunity: Search for services, resources, and community partners to meet your housing, health, employment, education, economic mobility, and community engagement need.

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Mutual Aid for Roxbury & Jamaica Plain

Mutual aid is a powerful way to build strong connections – we all have something to offer and we all have something we need.
1. If you are looking for help:
Find your nearest Neighborhood Point Person on this map, and reach out to them for support here. They are here to help connect you with what you need.
Look at the Offerings Spreadsheet, to see if someone is already offering the help that you need, and reach out to them! If you do not see what you need on this spreadsheet, you can add your information to this Needs List and someone from the core team will follow up. You can also use the Needs List if you’re not comfortable reaching out to someone directly.
If you’d prefer not to add your name and contact information on the public spreadsheet, you can email Mutual Aid at mutualaidjamaicaplain@gmail.com with your request and they can add it to the sheet for you anonymously.
There is no ask that is too big and no one will ever be shamed for asking for what they need.
2. If you want to offer help:
First fill out this form: Mutual Aid Jamaica Plain/Roxbury Offerings
This spreadsheet (which is public and non-editable) is where you can then see the resources, skills, etc. that community members (including you!) have offered to share. Using information from this public spreadsheet, others can reach out to you directly for support.
After you’ve filled out the form offering help, please periodically check the Needs List, which will be updated regularly. Reach out directly to anyone you are able to help, and keep Mutual Aid updated via email about that communication!
After you’ve offered help if something changes and your information needs to be edited, email Mutual Aid at mutualaidjamaicaplain@gmail.com. For example, if you’ve completed a request from someone, we can remove your name or a part of your response so that you won’t receive more requests for help you can no longer offer.
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Boston.com

Boston.com has launched an initiative called Boston Helps, a place with links where one can request help, or offer it. The page also has links for ways that you can help contribute to efforts such as donations and more.
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Vital Village

The amazing folks at Vital Village have created a Google spreadsheet full of resources. It can be filtered & you can submit additional resources.
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Resource Guide by Kim Lucas

A fantastic list of resources compiled by Kim Lucas can be found here.
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Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

LISC is tracking COVID-19 response resources here.
Please share additional resources with Tia Vice.
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Boston and Beyond

A great weekly round-up of resources!

This weekly email includes events, trainings, jobs, meetings, and resources specific to violence prevention and more generally of interest to the Boston community. The email is a collation of items that aims to inform one another of Boston resources, as well as promote collaboration without ‘reinventing the wheel.’

City of Boston 
The City of Boston, in partnership with Project Bread, YMCA of Greater Boston, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, and other community organizations, will provide free meals to all youth and teens at various locations and times across the City.
Please note the following important details:
  • All pick-up sites are set up to be “grab and go”.
  • Practice social distancing (keeping six feet between yourself and others).
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Meal sites list can be found here.

EXPANDING FOOD ACCESS FOR FAMILIES AND SENIORS

o Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) is a special food benefit authorized by the federal coronavirus bill. It’s available for all Boston Public Schools and Charter School students while schools are closed. Households will receive $5.70 per child per school day for the duration of school closures—or $28.50 a week per child. If families currently receive SNAP benefits, the P-EBT will be added to their cards. If families aren’t enrolled, they will get cards sent to them in the mail.

o Using P-EBT benefits does not impact any adult or child’s immigration status, and the Public Charge rule does not apply to P-EBT benefits.

o If families have questions about P-EBT, SNAP, WIC, or other food resources, they can call Project Bread’s Hotline at 1-800-645-8333. They can also contact the city’s Office of Food Access at 617-635-3717 or by email at food@boston.gov.

o The City of Boston continues to serve seniors through the Meals on Wheels program.

 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Pandemic EBT (P-EBT)

In P-EB, or Pandemic EBT, is a federal program. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), in collaboration with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), received approval to operate this program in response to the COVID-19 related school closures. P-EBT provides food supports to help families with children who were receiving free and reduced-price school meals pay for food.

For more information and outreach materials (flyers, FAQ, etc.), visit map-ebt.org

What is P-EBT?

The Pandemic – Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Program is additional money for families to buy food while schools are closed due to COVID-19.

  • Families will get $5.70 per child per day for every day school is closed

  • Using P-EBT does NOT impact you or your child’s immigration status. The public charge rule does NOT apply to P-EBT benefits

  • Use P-EBT with grab and go student meal sites

Will I get P-EBT?

You will receive P-EBT funds if your child(ren):

  • Receive free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program OR

  • Attend a school where every student gets free meals

  • If you think your household qualifies but you do not get a letter by late May, call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 800-645-8333.

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Elevate Boston Foundation

In their ongoing efforts to assist our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Elevate Boston in partnership with Wilahmena’s Place and The Breakfast Spot are helping to fight food insecurity by providing families in need with food care packages, toiletries, and essential information.

Grab and Go Foodcare Packages are available for pick up Tuesdays and Fridays from 12pm-3pm at 1544 Columbus Ave, Roxbury.

Registration on-site or pre-register here.

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Project Bread
With school closures due to COVID-19 outbreak, many schools and community partners are preparing to make meals available to students when school is closed.
For the most up-to-date information Project Bread has available, please visit this link or view a map of locations below or via this link. Please be aware that plans are continuously changing, so continue checking back if you do not find any meals for your community.
For more information and to learn of other food assistance resources available, please contact Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline. The FoodSource Hotline can be reached at 800-645-8333 from 8 am-7 pm Monday-Friday, and Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm, and can provide information in 160 languages through their Language Line.
While families should always take precautions when venturing out to meal sites, schools and meal providers are following every safety protocol and best practices for social distancing at meal sites to combat the spread of disease. To ensure the safety of everyone, if parents or children are experiencing symptoms, they are asked not to attend meal sites and to reach out to their school district for assistance in accessing meals.
For school promotion and other resources, click here.
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Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center

 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Greater Boston Food Bank

Safety.com

In these unprecedented times, returning to school for children of all ages is filled with guidelines and protocols to keep everyone safe, slow the spread of COVID-19, and prepare for the unpredictable impact of flu season. To help join in this effort, Safety.com has published a guide for students, caregivers, and teachers with advice from a doctor on how to best say safe. 

You can view the guide here:
https://www.safety.com/news/how-to-stay-safe-as-a-student-during-covid-19/

City of Boston

The Mayor’s Office of Public Safety has launched a series of online activities for youth and young adults across the City of Boston.
Department of Youth Engagement & Employment
A comprehensive list of resources for youth can be found here.
Emergency Childcare
Emergency programs are being made available to emergency workers on a limited basis who have no other option for childcare during this public health crisis.
As part of the Commonwealth’s Emergency Child Care program, some locations have been approved to operate as Emergency Childcare Programs. These providers and locations are listed on the Commonwealth’s Early Education & Care site.
City of Boston’s CopeCode Club

Social distancing is important in preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but staying home is not always fun or easy. During these stressful times, it is more important than ever to take care of ourselves and those around us. CopeCode Club is a campaign that supports Boston youth in identifying healthy ways to cope with feelings that stressful situations like the COVID-19 response produce. Over the next several weeks, youth are invited to join others across the city in practicing positive coping skills from the comfort of your own home.

SUCCESSLINK JOBS

The SuccessLink youth summer job program is now accepting applications!

They provide entry-level employment experiences to more than 3,500 youth during the year. School-year jobs are during the months of November through April. Summer jobs take place from July through August.

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Boston Public Schools

BPS will be sending out an email to each family (student and or parent) to set up a time to pick up their Chrome Books. Learn more here.

The Boston Public Schools has created a page with resources by grade and tips for at-home learning.

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Department of Early Education / Emergency Exempt Childcare

To slow the spread of coronavirus, Governor Baker issued an emergency order on March 18 temporarily closing all early childhood education programs across the State of Massachusetts. All families should keep children out of group care settings to the greatest extent possible. Emergency Child Care Programs are for when all other non-group-care settings have been exhausted and families have no other options.
This closure applies to all center-based and family child care programs. It does not apply to residential schools, community group homes, temporary shelters, transition-to-independent living facilities, teen parent programs, and DYS secure facilities.
Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs will be the only child care programs that are allowed to operate during this time. This prioritizes public health and safety while maintaining critical service.
In light of the separate March 23 order designating certain “Essential Workforces,” EEC is now modifying its guidance to explain that priority access to emergency child care shall be given to vulnerable children, and the children of families designated as “COVID-19 Essential Workforces,” with emphasis on those in the health care, public health, and human services and law enforcement, public safety, and first responder fields.
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)

Accessing Early Intervention Tele-Health visit
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued emergency guidance allowing early intervention agencies to provide services to children and families using phone/video communication. These services are referred to as “telehealth services”. Due to the current state of emergency and unknown time frame that social distancing will be recommended, families are highly encouraged to continue participating in early intervention using the telehealth model. Click here to learn more about telehealth visits from Thom Child & Family Services.
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Madison Park Development Corporation

MPDC is offering virtual HiSET preparation!

If you are interested in preparing for the HiSET exam, we are offering free online preparation for students 17-24 in all five testing areas (Math, Science, Reading, Writing, and Social Studies) virtually.  If you are interested and want to hear more? Please visit https://bit.ly/MPDCHISET and fill out our referral form and one of our staff will contact you.

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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org

Many graduating students lost the services of their community centers when the pandemic hit. Months later, now with school closed for the summer, those looking for guidance in the direction of their careers are still restricted to online sources.
AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is committed to promoting success in higher education. They have put together a series of guides to employment that covers graduate employment, master’s degree hiring considerations, and internship fundamentals.
You can take a look at their series here:
Employment Guidance Series
Graduate Employment Guide – https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/get-job-after-college/
Master’s Degree Hiring – https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/most-in-demand-masters-degrees/
Internship Fundamentals – https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/college-internships-and-employment/
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Roxbury Prep

Roxbury Prep has been focusing on making sure all students and families are safe and continue to get a quality education. Therefore, Roxbury Prep has put together a robust Remote Learning Plan and they are providing this material as an Open Source resource for all families during the school closure period. K-8 instruction can be accessed and shared via their website.

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Perks at Work

Community Online Academies (COAs) are virtual full days of learning/development and health/wellness for kids and adults – taught by the highest quality teachers, instructors, speakers, from the community.
Attendees can dial into as many or as few sessions as they like – full-day participation is not required.
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School Facts Boston Blog Resource List

  • The Harvard Graduate School of Education has compiled a “Virtual School” lesson plan database for teachers and families, organized by the age group of students.
  • Storyline Online has a host of interesting and well-known folks reading books out loud for children.
  • For parents of students with Autism, National Geographic offers tips and resources for learning from home.
  • From the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), best practices for serving students with disabilities in online settings: A Parent’s Guide to Virtual Learning: 4 Actions to Improve Your Child’s Experience With Online Learning and An Educator’s Guide to Virtual Learning: 4 Actions to Support Students with Disabilities and their Families.
  • The state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has put together a comprehensive list of resources as well.
  • Need a break from all of the online learning? These online dance classes might help!

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Activities for Children during COVID-19

A great list of activities & resources curated by Mommy Poppins.
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The Ultimate Parent Lockdown Guide

Parents, Boston Magazine knows you’re stressed. With schools closed and social contact discouraged, it’s hard to think of ways to keep the kids active, entertained, and educated. That’s why they put together this guide to getting through a lockdown with your little ones.
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Parenting Journey – It Takes a Village Emergency Fund

Make a request to Parenting Journey’s It Takes a Village emergency fund. The rapid spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has turned life as we know it on its head. Families are struggling to make ends meet. Parents and families can request a stipend to help ease some of the financial burdens you are experiencing during these unprecedented times. This money will be delivered in the form of an online gift card. If you would like to request access to these funds, please fill out this form.
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United Way

Thank you to United Way for providing these resources!
Keeping Children Informed and Engaged
Below are some resources to help parents in talking to their children about COVID-19 and some fun activities to keep children engaged while out of school.
MassAIMH – resources from mental health professionals
Families First – Tips and Resources for the whole Family
Family Nurturing Center – Coronavirus Response Resource Lists
DESE – Educational Resources for Students and Families
Activities from Playworks
Playworks has created a video library of interactive games to encourage physical activity to help mitigate stress and anxiety and promote safe and fun play. Playworks also recently launched a live virtual recess that happens Monday through Friday at three different times a day. If you do try it out feel free to give them a shout out with #PlayAtHome or @PlayworksNewEngland on social media. More information on both opportunities below:
  • On-Demand Video Content: Playworks Coaches lead games, Minute Movers, and Brain Breaks to support physical activity, release energy, and increase focus. Use whenever your kids might need them or organize Virtual Recess play dates with friends!
  • Live Recess Streams (M-F, 12 pm, 2 pm, and 4 pm EST): Playworks Coaches will be broadcasting Recess live on Facebook. Tune in for stretching, warm-ups, interactive games, cheers, and cool-down activities.

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Mass Mentoring

The KELLY Award is an educational gift of $20,000 that will be awarded to a young person, nominated by a positive youth-adult role model in their life. Payable over 4 years, it will support a wide spectrum of educational pursuits. Apply by May 22nd.

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Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Boston

Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Greater Boston is offering a FREE support group for parents and caregivers of young children in SPANISH!
Their groups are going to meet every weekday from 10-11 am. NO REGISTRATION needed. They are primarily interested in reaching parents of children 0-5 years of age but will be so happy to have anyone who needs the support join us. Groups are all online via Zoom and phone.
As always, the Center for Early Relationship Support continues to provide FREE support groups to New Parents which are now all accessible via zoom or phone. Here is a link to those groups:
https://www.jfcsboston.org/About/Upcoming-Events/Upcoming-Events/free-groups-for-parents-of-newborns

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Boston Neighborhood Network
Just because school is out doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. Every day, BNN will be Live with homework help, reading, math, and science for elementary and pre-school aged children. Make sure to check it out on bnnmedia.org Comcast 9 | RCN 15 | Verizon 1961
City of Boston
Recovery Services
The City of Boston recently updated Boston.gov/recovery with online recovery support resources. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, you can call 311 (or (617) 635-4500) to access recovery services.
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Boston Public Health Commission

Daily updates & information regarding COVID-19.
Boston Public Health Commission Mayor’s Health Line
The Mayor’s Health Line is a free, confidential, multilingual information and referral service. ​We help and welcome all residents regardless of immigration status. If you or your family needs legal assistance we provide referrals to legal services. 617-825-5000
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Daily updates, resources, and information regarding COVID-19 from MA DPH.
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Boston Medical Center

“As the United States surges with COVID-19 cases, black communities are already besieged with disproportionate rates of illness and exacerbated consequences, including hospitalization and death. According to city data, 40% of those who are diagnosed with COVID-19 in Boston are African American or black, yet that population only makes up 20% of the city’s population. A similar trend is being reported in other states across the country, according to preliminary findings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
Check out this interesting video from Boston Medical Center featuring Dr. Thea James (a 2019 MPDC Community Catalyst Awardee).
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FamilyWize discount on Prescription Medications
Given everything that’s happening with the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever it’s important for community members to adhere to their prescribed medications. FamilyWize has become critically important during this crisis.
CVS and Walgreens (could be others too) are providing free delivery of prescription medications. Therefore, when people call in to get a script filled or refilled, they can ask that the FamilyWize discount be applied by providing them the following information that is on the FamilyWize card (see below). Since they do not require registration, there is no need for clients to physically show a card.
BIN: 610194
Card ID: FW100
Group ID: FW100
PCN: FW
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BAGLY

During this time of unprecedented uncertainty, BAGLY remains steadfast in its commitment to support LGBTQ+ youth through thick and thin.
For critical LGBTQ+ youth resources, see their Critical Resources. For all other LGBTQ+ resources visit their COVID-19 page.
To stay up to date with the latest BAGLY news, like or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and join their mailing list.
If you have any concerns or questions, email them at info@bagly.org.
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Daily Om

DailyOM features a universal approach to holistic living for the mind, body, and spirit and supports people who want to live a conscious lifestyle.
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255
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SAMHSA

The Disaster Distress Helpline  can provide immediate counseling to anyone who needs help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic

☎️ Call 1-800-985-5990 📱 Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746

The Samaritans

Samaritans has been closely monitoring the situation around the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) including guidelines from the CDC and the MA Department of Public Health. To ensure safety and encourage physical distancing, they have made some temporary changes to our programs and events.
  • 24/7 Crisis Services: If you’re feeling overwhelmed and confused, please know that you are not alone. Their Helpline remains open 24/7 for calls and texts at 877-870-4673. Their incredible Helpline volunteers will be working remotely to answer the calls and texts from people who are struggling.
  • Grief Support Services: In light of recommendations for physical distancing, SafePlace meetings will be held virtually via Zoom until they’re able to resume meeting in person. Meetings will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm – 8 pm. Please visit their Grief Support Services page for information on virtual SafePlace meetings.

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Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety

Check out these resources for anxiety and your mental health in a global climate of uncertainty.

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Dreams 2 Reality

Dreams 2 Reality is hosting weekly workouts! Participate here.

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Boston Association for Childbirth Education

Nursing Mothers’ Council
Free Breastfeeding Support
Text or Email. Online Support Coming Soon!
Follow them on IG and Facebook or visit their website:
https://bace-nmc.org/breastfeeding-help/
Shari McBurney has also shared some birthing resources. These are primarily birth-related support options as NO ONE should give birth alone.
https://www.deepseeddoula.com/covidresources?fbclid=IwAR32fB71R0_aiLEK-8fLObmaNtYxj9PKSxiFpf3yD3NI73xR8Qy9MaGp99c
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Network of Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Service Providers in MA

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Cambridge Women’s Center

CWC has launched Emotional Support & Resource Referral Helplines! Folks anywhere can call-in Monday-Saturday 10 am-8 pm to speak to a volunteer about anything on their mind or any situation they need help with. Call (617) 354-6394 or (617) 354-8807 and dial ‘1’ for emotional support and ‘2’ for resource referrals. This is a new remote system so please bear with us as they work out any kinks! You can always leave them a message and they will get back to you as soon as possible.
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Mindful.org

Zoom Exhaustion is Real. Here are Six ways to Find Balance and Stay Connected

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Harvard Pilgrim

Mindfulness and meditation, 8:30-9:00 AM Tuesdays (https://zoom.us/j/946535238) and Fridays (https://zoom.us/j/580279161) 

Meditation hotline for bite-sized moments of mindfulness: 877-589-6736

Mindfulness Classes (https://www.youtube.com/user/MindtheMoment) 

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Expressing Your World: Free Art Therapy for Youth

Zach, a Boston 6th grader, created this wonderful Art Therapy Workbook and he would like to share it with everyone. The workbook includes exercises to help young people explore their emotions and experiences, through breathing and art exercises. Here’s the workbook if you or a young person you know could use it. Zach asks that you fill out the short 4 question survey at the end.

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Ten Percent Happier

Guided Meditation, 3 pm everyday (https://www.tenpercent.com/live?utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tenpercentlive)

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4 Corners Studio in Dorchester

Yoga videos: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bTAgRvMBBGw6U9Bmd85Rtbq1EWvhu3SihX9Y16ivAKo/edit4 Corners Studio in Dorchester

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Yoga with Adrienne

Yoga for Beginners (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7AYKMP6rOE) 

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Peer Support x PureSpark

Moderator: Nieisha Deed, A Mental Health Advocate with lived Experience, A Public Speaker unafraid to speak authenically, and the Founder of PureSpark “Helping you find your spark in the darkness”

What is a peer Support Group?

Peer Support is a group of supportive peers typically led by someone who has a close relationship with the group topic. Peer support by PureSpark is looking to support:

-peers that may currently be living with a mental illness,
-peers that have a loved one who is living with a mental illness,
-peers that have experienced symptoms of mental illness in the past,
-peers that may be experiencing “unfavorable” emotions/feelings during a stressful time (i.e. COVID-19).

Register here.

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Free Yoga Boston

Most yoga classes are online now, so here’s a list of some free virtual classes. Also, here’s a blog post about starting a yoga practice at home.

There’s always news on the FYB Facebook page.

A Few Things
YouTube has a bunch of yoga videos.

A doctor is prescribing yoga for her patients to relieve stress and build immunity.

Jessamyn Stanley talks about the role of cannabis in her yoga practice.

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Community Caring Clinic

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Unidos US

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Boston City Councilor At-Large Annissa Essaibi George

Roxbury Presbyterian Church

  • Services at 11 am on Sundays, 1-929-436-2866, Meeting ID number: 379 616 507#
  • Prayer and bible study: Wednesday, 6 PM: 1-929-436-2866, 626 885 272#  

The Cory Johnson Program Weekly Conference Call

No matter what you are feeling right now, whether fear and overwhelm from the Coronavirus crisis or anxiety and sadness from other traumatic loss, The Cory Johnson Program remains committed to offering support and connection.
During these challenging times, they offer CAN WE TALK? weekly by phone. As this is a group experience, it is a phone version of a ‘drop-in’ program. Anyone can call if you want you can share your feelings and thoughts for 2-3 minutes. While there isn’t time for everyone to share, know that listening is active support for everyone on the call. They start with music and begin sharing with a poem. Like their in-person program, the CAN WE TALK? phone call offers support within the community.
Can We Talk? is offered by phone every Thursday night at 6:30 PM,
They commit to doing so as long as needed.
Conference Call Line Instructions:
Step #1: Dial: 1-929-436-2866
Step #2: Enter Meeting ID: 887995182#
Step #3: Press # to join the call. (There is no Participant ID)

 

The Center for Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology, Inc.

Over 20 licensed therapists and growing volunteering their time to listen to anyone who needs a little help to get through this time. We have many languages represented, and underserved communities, as well. Inshallah, we are able to add a little more to the world in a positive manner in this trying time.

US Department of Housing & Urban Development

The Federal Housing Administration is taking steps to assist borrowers who find themselves unable to pay their mortgage due to COVID-19. Visit https://www.hud.gov/coronavirus to learn about the measures being taken to prevent borrowers from going into foreclosure.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Baker-Polito Administration announced a new $20 million, statewide fund to assist low-income households facing difficulty making rent and mortgage payments. The Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program will provide direct funding to eligible households who have suffered financial hardship during the State of Emergency put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19.
ERMA will expand eligibility for rental and mortgage assistance to more low-income households who have been impacted by the crisis by adjusting the income threshold beyond the state’s traditional Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program. This includes households within the 50-80% range of Area Median Income (AMI). Like the RAFT program, ERMA will provide up to $4,000 for eligible households to pay rent or mortgage payments in arrears going back to payments due April 1, 2020. Beginning July 1, applicants can reach out to the eleven agencies that administer RAFT on the state’s behalf, this includes the nine Housing Consumer Education Centers, as well as LHAND and the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance.
https://www.masshousinginfo.org/

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City of Boston

If you know anyone who is worried about paying rent if their income has been affected by COVID19, please have them reach out to the Office of Housing Stability.
Rental Relief Fund
The second round of funding is now open for the City of Boston’s Rental Relief Fund. They will conduct the lottery on Monday, June 22. Anyone that applied for the first round will be automatically included in the second round. The pre-screening form will be available in English, Español, Kriolu Kabuverdianu, Kreyòl ayisyen, Português, Tiếng Việt, and 中文.

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Boston Housing Authority

During this incredibly difficult time, the Boston Housing Authority is calling on all owners of rental properties to assist us in helping Boston families find stable housing. The Boston Housing Authority has hundreds of voucher holder families actively seeking housing. Many of these families include children enrolled in Boston Public Schools and are in a shelter or otherwise homeless. Now more than ever, it is incredibly important to provide these families with stable housing and decrease the shelter population in order to alleviate overcrowding and enable social distancing.

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Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Housing Response
Affordable housing providers led a voluntary moratorium on evictions and rent increases that has been featured in the national media.  Housing providers are working together to anticipate resident needs and share resources, policy suggestions, and strategies for ensuring the safety, health, and economic security of residents. Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) has compiled an excellent list of housing and other resources and is convening weekly virtual meetings on Fridays at 2 to discuss housing responses needed.  LISC is offering flexibility to its borrowers, and short term bridge loans to speed access to funding for those awarded Federal, State, or Local Government business disruption support. Click here or contact Margaret Keaveny (mkeaveny@lisc.org) for more regarding LISC lending’s response.  LISC is also working to respond to the housing stability needs of communities affected by the crisis and advance broader housing solutions in this changing context.
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MetroHousing Boston

Metro Housing|Boston’s Housing Supports department includes many programs, activities, and resources that can help prevent eviction and homelessness. These initiatives are funded by public contracts and private grants and donations, and help low-income renters to achieve housing stability and better lives.
If you feel you are at risk of being evicted or facing a situation that may result in homelessness, your first point of contact should be with our Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC). There is no income limit to participate.
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
The state-funded RAFT program is a tool used by the HCEC team to provide eligible households or individuals up to $4,000 per 12-month period that can be used to help keep their housing, obtain new housing, or otherwise avoid becoming homeless.
FOR DETAILS ON THE RAFT APPLICATION PROCESS AND TO ACCESS THE PRE-APPLICATION FORM, CLICK HERE.
Section 8 Voucher Holders
If you are a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) and need assistance, please contact the Leased Housing Gateway Team at gateway@MetroHousingBoston.org or by calling 617.425.6611.
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City Life/Vida Urbana

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Greater Boston Legal Services

MA Department of Unemployment

The  MA Department of Unemployment Assistance and Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development are hosting virtual town hall meetings to help with unemployment applications.
Click here to sign up for a virtual town hall.
The quickest way to file a successful unemployment claim is through the UI online portal which can be viewed here.
Guide to filing a new unemployment claim
Find a step-by-step guide to filing a new unemployment claim here.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are unable to work because of a COVID-19-related reason but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits.
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Boston Black Hospitality Coalition

The Boston Black Hospitality Coalition aims to preserve the few gathering spaces for the city’s many black residents – our neighborhood bars & restaurants. Our businesses play a critical role in community and economic development. Highlighting this we seek to ensure a prolonged future for our black-owned institutions.
THE FUTURE OF BOSTON’S BLACK OWNED RESTAURANTS & BARS
STATE OF EMERGENCY
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every member of our community, the country, and the world. During this devastating public health crisis, we are also forced to grapple with an economic crisis that has disrupted our livelihoods and significantly undermined the financial security of our most vulnerable community members. BBHC in partnership with the NAACP – Boston Branch, and on behalf of Boston’s black-owned restaurants and bars, some of which have lost more than 90% of their revenue in the effort to abide by local, state, and federal social distancing guidelines, is asking for support to ensure that these businesses will continue to exist long after this crisis is over.
As it stands, there are 8 black-owned liquor licenses in the city of Boston. All of them representing decades of advocacy from our elected officials and community-based organizations. Unless a strategic response is implemented immediately, our businesses – neighborhood anchors and pillars that represent an iconic legacy of black entrepreneurship and community development in Boston – will be forced to close their doors forever. [1]
Here’s why:
A Snapshot of Boston’s Black-Owned Restaurants & Bars Amidst the Pandemic
  • 90% of our business revenue came from onsite consumption that is no longer possible due to stay-at-home advisories and social distancing guidance;
  • 83% of our businesses are located in Roxbury;
  • 75% of our customer base is people of color (“POC”);
  • 88% of our primarily POC workforce was laid off during this crisis, affecting 116 households;
  • $1.2 million dollars of estimated lost revenue for the period from March, April, and May 2020
  • 100% of our businesses will have to consider closing doors for good if the status quo continues.[2]
BBHC appreciates the ongoing community and government efforts to support all small businesses during this time. However, to date, the black-owned restaurants and bars represented by this coalition have not received adequate financial support to survive this crisis. Our businesses have an arduous path ahead of us, and the BBHC needs our community’s help. BBHC is challenging city and state officials, public and private institutions and individuals with the ability to make a difference to do their part to ensure our historic businesses and dedicated employees can weather this storm and be here to serve our friends, families, and communities once the storm clears.
If nothing is done, the representatives of the coalition will be faced with a financial decision that would ultimately result in the closure of institutions who contributed to the combined 180+ years of service to Boston’s Black community.
Together we can overcome this crisis and preserve every aspect of Boston’s rich history, including its historic black-owned restaurants and bars.
[1]The importance of ensuring that this community’s black-owned restaurants and bars survive this period of economic hardship cannot be overemphasized. Prior to this crisis, black-owned restaurants and bars were already grossly underrepresented within Greater Boston’s robust restaurant and hospitality industry. For example, of the 745 restaurants and bars with full alcoholic beverage licenses, only 3are black-owned (i.e., less than 1%). According to the U.S Department of Commerce, as of 2012, only 4,463 businesses that fall within the accommodation and food services industry were minority-owned (as compared to the 13,705 non-minority-owned businesses). Moreover, only 9% of those 4,463 minority-owned businesses are considered black-owned.
[2]This data was provided by the members of the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition who are listed here.
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Victim Rights Law Center
Navigating employment remedies and unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic can be confusing. The Victim Rights Law Center attorneys are still helping survivors with their employment needs and monitoring changes to employment policies that affect survivors’ options. Visit their website for more information on employment remedies for survivors, or contact them for help.
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Pioneer Valley Workers Center

While the state application is only in English (despite many previous and current efforts to rectify this), the Pioneer Valley Workers Center in Northampton created an online tool to translate the UI application into Spanish. They’re working on a Portuguese translation as well!
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Boston Tax Help

The federal government passed a law providing financial help due to the disruption from the COVID-19 crisis (CARES Act). There are $1,200 payments available to help provide some financial assistance to most Americans. Can I get the Stimulus (Economic Impact) Payment?

Yes, you can!

  • If you do not get any benefits or help from the government you can still get the stimulus check. If you are a single individual you should get up to $1,200. Those with children may qualify for more.
  • If you do not file taxes because you make no or very little money (under $12,200 per year), you can provide your information to the IRS and receive the federal stimulus money. Most will get the $1,200.
  • If you have a bank account and can provide your banking account number and routing number to the IRS, you will get your money sooner. Click here to open a non-predatory bank account. If you need help you can call BTHC staffer, Michael at 617-918-5279
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WorkShare Program
WorkShare is designed to help both employers and workers during a temporary slowdown in business. Instead of laying off workers, your employer can apply for the WorkShare program. Under WorkShare, you will work reduced hours and receive unemployment benefits along with your reduced wages. All workers in the same plan must share the same percentage reduction in their regular work hours. Reductions may range from 10% to 60%.
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Restaurant Strong Fund

The Greg Hill Foundation has teamed up with Samuel Adams* to support those from the Massachusetts restaurant industry who have been impacted by the COVID-19 closures. Their goal is to provide $1,000 grants to as many qualifying grantees as possible.
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One Fair Wage – Emergency Coronavirus and Tipped and Service Worker Support Fund

One Fair Wage is providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive. Are you a restaurant worker, delivery driver, or Uber/Lyft driver who has been affected by coronavirus and the economic downturn? One Fair Wage is here to help. Sign up for assistance here .
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Restaurant Workers Community Foundation

Restaurant Workers Community Foundation was founded in 2018 to advocate for gender equality, racial justice, fair wages, and healthy work environments in the restaurant industry. In the wake of the coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic, RWCF’s full focus is on supporting workers, small business owners, and an industry in crisis.
Restaurant workers make up 10 percent of America’s workforce, and they are among the country’s most vulnerable populations. More than 2.45 million restaurant workers live in poverty, and only 14 percent receive employer-sponsored health benefits.
As restaurants across the country cut hours, suspend business, and close for good, many restaurant workers will be faced with long-term loss of income. For months to come, they will need help accessing government benefits and mental health services, paying their rent, and feeding their families.
RWCF has established a Restaurant Workers COVID19 Crisis Relief Fund to:
  • Immediately direct money to organizations leading on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community.
  • To bolster their impact investing budget to provide zero-interest loans to businesses to maintain payroll during closure or re-open once this crisis has passed.
  • To establish a relief fund for individual workers facing economic hardships or health crises as a direct result of COVID-19.
RESOURCES for RESTAURANTS and WORKERS : RWCF is compiling an extensive list of resources and links related to the COVID-19 Crisis on its website, and, soon, they will collect data (qualitative and quantitative) from affected workers and restaurant owners so that they can work with local and national leaders to address the systemic issues the COVID19 pandemic has exposed.
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Bartender Emergency Fund Program

Please read through the Selection Criteria and Eligibility Requirements for the Bartender Emergency Assistance Program and if you believe that you are eligible, please fill out the application making sure to include the required supporting documents.
You do NOT need to be a USBG member to apply for a philanthropic grant.
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Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Financial Opportunity Centers and Credit Building
LISC partners providing career-building support, financial coaching, income supports and credit-building have had to transition to working remotely, expanding distance-learning, coaching, and employment services in order to best serve their clients, who need their services now more than ever. Their  Boston Builds Credit  team is considering the credit impacts of this crisis and developing guidance and policy strategies for mitigating negative credit implications for vulnerable populations as a result of the economic impacts of this crisis.
Coronavirus and Equity
Communities that are already facing marginalization are being hardest hit by the virus and its economic repercussions, starkly exposing inequities. The Massachusetts Public Health Association has formed an emergency task force to address equity issues. LISC supports their  proposed policies  to ensure equitable access to emergency sick time, access to safe quarantine, moratoria on evictions, foreclosures, and terminations of public benefits. The Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance has modified an existing funding opportunity for grassroots and community organizations to make funds available for short-term campaigns to respond to emergent health equity and housing needs in the face of COVID-19. Contact Kelsey Salmon-Schreck, at the Conservation Law Foundation ,  ksalmonschreck@clf.org , for more information – applications are due April 3.
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JobGet

JobGet is the fastest job platform for anyone looking for a job in the retail and hospitality industry, reducing the timeline from weeks to minutes. Getting a job shouldn’t take hours filling online applications and waiting for weeks to hear back.

Madison  Park Development Corporation

MWBE Contractor Relief Fund

MPDC & Life Science Cares (LSC) launched The Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) Contractors Relief Fund, an initiative to offer emergency financial assistance for Minority and Women-Owned Contractors in Greater Boston!
Apply today! https://bit.ly/MWBEContractorsReliefFund or contact Katrina Conrad at kconrad@madison-park.org / 617.849.6226 for more information.
As a community development corporation, MPDC comprehends the economic hardships of small contractors during COVID-19. Many MWBE contractors have found it challenging to access grants, funds, and unemployment assistance currently being offered by state and federal agencies.
Made possible by a grant from Life Science Cares and spearheaded by Katrina Conrad, MPDC’s Workforce Diversity Project Manager, the MWBE Contractor Relief Fund offers a one-time relief grant of up to $2,500 to qualified MWBE contractors who have been affected by COVID-19. The fund is open to Greater Boston-based MWBE contractors that currently have a city of Boston monitored project, employ ten or less, and did not qualify for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.
MPDC is also currently seeking additional contributors to the MWBE Contractor Relief Fund. Interested individuals or companies should visit Madison Park Development Corporation’s website at http://www.madison-park.org/make-an-impact/give/ or contact MPDC’s Resource Development Manager Kay Mathew at kmathew@madison-park.org/617.849.6335 to learn more about giving to MPDC.
#MPDCRox #Roxbury
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City of Boston

The City of Boston encourages you to find the State of Massachusetts full list of “COVID-19 Essential Services”  here.
Restaurants, bars, and other establishments that sell food and beverage products to the public are encouraged to continue to offer food for take-out and by delivery, if they follow the social distancing protocols set forth in the Department of Public Health’s guidance. On-premises consumption of food or drink is prohibited.
The Licensing Board for the City of Boston has provided this advisory regarding the status of the prohibition of on-premise consumption of food and alcohol, the limitation on capacity, and the closure of non-essential businesses.
This Advisory is mandatory and applies to both licensees holding a common victualler food only license and those holding a common victualler with alcoholic beverages license. Any failure to adhere to the Order or the Advisory will result in disciplinary action by the Board which may include, but not be limited to, the immediate suspension of the license.
The Office of Small Business Development has put out a 2nd survey to help the City identify ways to support small businesses through this crisis. Please give them your feedback here.
The City of Boston has launched a website for residents to find local restaurants that remain open for take-out and delivery service during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. If your business is open for delivery and want to let the public know, be sure to sign up on Support Boston Restaurants
The Boston Transportation Dept. is creating temporary pick up zones in front of restaurants that have transitioned to takeout only or businesses that have increased delivery needs. If you would like to request a take-out/delivery zone in front of your business, please visit Boston.gov/takeout-zones.
Please visit boston.gov/small-business and click on the COVID-19 updates for additional info. You can also email smallbiz@boston.gov or call the Mayor’s Hotline at 311.
Small Business Relief Fund
Mayor Walsh announced the creation of the Small Business Relief Fund, established to assist Boston’s small businesses most directly impacted by closures, policies, or general loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This newly created fund is designed to quickly and strategically disburse grants to local businesses through a streamlined process that does not require businesses to assume additional debt. The Fund will begin accepting applications on Monday, April 6, 2020. Learn more here: https://www.boston.gov/departments/economic-development/small-business-relief-fund?utm_source=Economic+Development&utm_campaign=Small+biz+covid+040220&utm_medium=email
The City of Boston has also created a Financial Relief Handbook and FAQ document for small businesses. It’s a resource for navigating both public and private capital programs. It puts information and guidance about all the different programs together in one place.
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Empowerment Grant for Small Businesses

The State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) is proud to offer The Empowerment Grant for Small Businesses as an acknowledgment of the devastating economic impact that the COVID -19 pandemic has had on the Massachusetts small business community.

The Empowerment Grant Program aims to support the well-being and continuity of small businesses by providing access to capital and empowerment through engaging in OEE resources.

Grant resources will be focused on small business owners serving Massachusetts Gateway Cities. The State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment encourages minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and/or immigrant-owned small businesses located in gateway communities to apply.

For details, please see Section III of the Program Summary. Applicants are encouraged to illustrate how they can utilize funds to support initiatives that will allow them to continue operating during and/or after the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants may request up to $2,500 for the proposed need.

A full description and details can be found in the Program Summary.

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Small Business Strong

‘Small Business Strong‘ is a private and public sector partnership set up to help small businesses navigate the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Small Business Strong’ recognizes that our 650,000 Massachusetts small businesses are the lifeblood of our towns, cities and communities. These businesses – many of which are often women and/or minority-owned –  have been hit the hardest by the current economic fallout from COVID-19.  ‘Small Business Strong’ wants to provide expedited, pro-bono resources to small businesses ranging from access to capital to consulting, business restructuring, business growth, digital marketing and customer engagement plans.

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The Institute for Non-Profit Practice

INP recently announced The Tomorrow Fund, a movement to help nonprofit and community leaders, especially leaders of color, rebuild, reimagine, and restore as they navigate the monumental challenges that lie ahead.

INP was built to empower leaders to work together, across differences, to solve intractable social and environmental problems. They were founded to fundamentally disrupt the status quo and ensure that nonprofit leadership is exponentially more effective, connected, equitable, and diverse. As our nation confronts systemic racism and oppression, it is more critical than ever that leaders have access to the information, experts, and community they need to expedite social change.

That’s why, with the support of generous donors who believe in the power and potential of nonprofit leaders, they will, for the first time in our history, waive tuition for every student in the class of 2021.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about their award-winning leadership programs, we encourage you to join them for a virtual information session.

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TSNE
TSNE is gathering a list of resources for nonprofits that may be able to provide relief or assistance during this challenging time. This is not a complete list and TSNE will continue to make updates here as more resources become available.
Read TSNE’s April 29th newsletter.
Read TSNE’s May 12th newsletter.
Read TSNE’s May 28th newsletter.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
  • Boston Resiliency Fund – City of Boston
  • Coronavirus Emergency Fund – CJP
  • COVID-19 Family Support Fund – United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
  • COVID-19 Loan Fund – Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation
  • COVID-19 Response Fund – The Boston Foundation
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans – Benefits.gov
INFORMATION FOR NONPROFIT RESPONSE
  • Coronavirus & Nonprofits – Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio
  • COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits & Funders – The Bridgespan Group
  • [Webinar] Nonprofit and Campaign Strategies for COVID-19 — NGPVAN and EveryAction
  • What Nonprofits Should Do Right Now – Nonprofit Finance Fund
RESOURCES
  • Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Resource List
  • Emergency Remote Work Kits – LogMeIn
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Protect MA

BECMA, in collaboration with IncluDe and The Sofenomenal Agency Group, launched PROTECT MA — an online marketplace that will connect Black and Latinx designers, developers, producers, and manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) to businesses that need it. This effort is meant to allow businesses to not only protect the health of our communities but also generate wealth to sustain them.

Women’s Foundation of Boston Response Fund

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Women’s Foundation of Boston has launched a new fund to support women and girls in Greater Boston. In Boston, as in most cities, the most vulnerable are disproportionately women and girls. We know that women and girls in Greater Boston face growing challenges over the next few months and beyond. A public health emergency such as COVID-19 dramatically increases the risks for women and girls already in poverty. Current partners who would like to request a relief grant to mitigate the impact of the global Coronavirus crisis on their operations should fill out and submit a COVID-19 Response Fund Letter of Inquiry.
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Mass Cultural Council

COVID-19 Relief Effort for Organizations

A variety of resources for organizations, including webinars starting shortly as well as individual coaching: https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/covid-19-relief-effort-for-organizations/

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Boston Chamber of Commerce

A daily updated list of resources for small businesses put together by The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
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New England Grass Roots Environment Fund’s

COVID-19 Rapid Response fund
Available for community-driven efforts (volunteer-driven, guidelines of budget <$100k & no more than 2 full-time staff equivalents), with a minimum of 3 people involved. The project must respond to a need as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The deadline is on a rolling basis. ​More info: here, or email tess@grassrootsfund.org with questions.
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Massachusetts Nonprofit Network

Summary of Funds Being Set Up to Support Orgs and Communities
PHILANTHROPIC AND GOVERNMENT RELIEF
Philanthropic and governments across Massachusetts are setting up funds to support organizations and communities that have been impacted by the coronavirus. See below for a list of funds. MNN is updating this list as often as possible.
  • The Boston Foundation
  • City of Boston – Boston Resiliency Fund
  • Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
  • Foundation for MetroWest – MetroWest Emergency Fund
  • Greater Worcester Community Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund
  • Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation – COVID-19 Loan Fund
  • United States Small Business Administration – Economic Injury Disaster Loans
  • United Way of Central Massachusetts
  • United Way of Greater New Bedford
  • United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
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Nellie Mae Foundation

The Nellie Mae Education Foundation created this rapid response fund to respond to the hate crimes and bias against Asian American communities resulting from COVID-19. The Foundation has allocated resources for the Racism is a Virus Too rapid response grant fund to support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that provide services for AAPI communities. Download the RFP here.
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Philanthropy Massachusetts

Disaster and Emergency Relief Resources
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Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Small Business Response
Many small businesses have had to shut their doors to stem the spread of the virus, and others have had to adapt quickly to doing business remotely or in other ways that avoid personal contact. The impact on small and minority-owned businesses has the potential to be catastrophic.
The LISC Small Business Recovery Grant Program for Massachusetts is now open. This program will provide grants to hard-hit small businesses in Massachusetts to weather the immediate financial impact of closures and social distancing measures required to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Small Business Recovery Grant Application is now available.
For one snapshot of potential impact, see the survey of Black-owned businesses conducted and posted by the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA).
LISC is pivoting the focus of its small business assistance programs and seeking resources to provide emergency funding and strategic technical assistance.
A $2.5 million investment from Verizon will help LISC to begin offering critical relief and resiliency-building support, especially to entrepreneurs of color, women-owned businesses and other enterprises in historically under-served places.
Mass Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) quickly offered $10 million of small business loans and received a crush of applications in just a few days. The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has now activated the Economic injury Disaster Loan Program in Massachusetts.
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New England Grassroots Environmental Fund

The Seed grant program is available to all community groups (even if you have an active grant/application for another project) for urgent needs to offer community responses to COVID19
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US Small Business Administration

Any Massachusetts nonprofit or small business may apply for the SBA disaster relief fund. Click here to access the application.
U.S. Small Business Administration #Coronavirus (#COVID19) resources are now available in 17 languages other than English.
➡️ Learn more: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-recovery-information-other-languages
Mass Cultural Council
Mass Cultural Council released the results of their online survey of artists and arts & culture organizations created to assess the dire impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts & culture community. They are urging state legislators to pass measures that will address the needs of our community to mitigate the devastating economic loss we face.
MCC’s preparedness for the Cultural Sector
Watch the recording for their COVID-19 Preparedness Webinar: https://youtu.be/sXeCGjPgb8c

Mass Cultural Council has just announced support for both individual artists and organizations.

Individual artists are eligible for up to $1000; https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/covid-19-relief-effort-for-individuals/

A variety of resources for organizations, including webinars starting shortly as well as individual coaching: https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/covid-19-relief-effort-for-organizations/

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The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture

The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture created a new Artist Relief Fund for artists located in Boston whose incomes are being adversely affected by COVID-19.
Artist Resource Update (4/17/2020)
The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture in the City of Boston has announced a call for proposals for transformative public art projects. More info here.

Please fill out this survey from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and MassCREATIVE. It’s open to all artists and cultural workers based in MA and will provide invaluable data that we can use for advocacy and designing future supports.

The Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture is hosting a weekly meeting for individual artists from anywhere in the Greater Boston area. The link to join is here.

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Radical Imagination for Racial Justice (RIRJ)

Grants for artists of color to imagine a racially just future with their communities

Are you an ALAANA+ artist? (By ALAANA+ we mean: African, Latinx/a/o, Asian, Arab, Native American, Indigenous, First Peoples, Black, African American, Multi-racial, People of Color, Caribbean…)

Do you live and/or work in Boston, MA?

If yes, do you identify as a…

  • Cultural organizer

  • Artist activist

  • Culture bearer

  • Maker of things

  • Creator of dynamic experiences

RIRJ wants to support you, your creative practice, your artistic voice, and YOUR world-building vision in collaboration with your community.

RIRJ seeks to support Boston-based artists of color (of all ages 14+) who are excited to bring to life their visions of a racially just society.

Learn more and apply here!

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ROXFILM

Take a moment to read, in celebration of our local alumnae.
Erin Trahan of WBUR talks to ROXFILM ALUM ABOUT MAKING FILMS NOW.
We need your feedback:
A Quick Survey
.  We are going outside!  What do you want to see us bring back amidst the twilight skies?

Also, check out:
The Old Guard – Gina Prince-Bythewood’s new film on Netflix. Based on a graphic novel .
The High Note – Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson
Da 5 Bloods  –   Spike Lee’s new film
Uncorked with Courtney Vance, Neicy Nash and Mamoudou Athie

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HowlRound

HowlRound panel discussion: Artists In a Time of Global Pandemic (for US-Based freelance artists and cultural workers). Access it here.
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Arts Administrators of Color Network

Arts Administrators of Color Network has set up a national Arts Leaders of Color Emergency Fund which folks can donate directly to in support of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists & administrators (consultants, facilitators, box office staff, seasonal/temporary employees, etc.) who have been financially impacted due to COVID-19.
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The Record Co.

The Record Co. has established the Boston Music Maker Relief Fund to provide financial relief to Boston area music makers experience lost income as the result of performance cancellations related to COVID-19.
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met is launching #CongressSaveCulture, a campaign to support broader efforts advocating for financial relief for non-profit arts organizations to be included in the $2 trillion stimulus package currently being debated in Congress. The relief package is expected to include funding for many industries impacted by COVID-19, including airlines, casinos, cruise ships, and more.
There are three relatively simple things you can do now:
1. Go to the American Alliance of Museums website and send a letter to your representatives in Congress
2. Share the hashtag #CongressSaveCulture on your social platforms (along with a comment or photo that reflects your passion for The Met and/or all the arts)
3. Sign their petition to support arts organizations
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ARTSBOSTON

Weekly newsletter 3/31/2020
Art and Wellness for Mental Health Awareness Month
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Caramelo Boston
Are you ready to move your body with us this week? They are continuing their donation based-classes and they can’t wait to dance in their kitchen/living rooms/basements/bedrooms with you!
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The Center for Cultural Power

If ever there was a moment for cultural strategy — it’s now. A global pandemic has magnified the flaws of our capitalist system, but, also, the power art and culture to uplift, disrupt and build community. The Center for Cultural Power offers #NoGoingBack: A COVID-19 Cultural Strategy Activation Guide for Artists and Activists to meet the moment.
Check it out!
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WBUR

WBUR has compiled a list of grants and resources for artists and non-profits with lost income due to COVID-19
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Celebrity Series of Boston

Resources compiled by the Celebrity Series of Boston

Flow Chart: How Creative Professionals Impacted by COVID-19 Can Access Government Relief

Boston Globe 3/31: What small business owners need to know about the $2 trillion stimulus package

CNN 4/1: What small businesses need to know about the government’s new forgivable loan program

US Department of the Treasury: CARES ACT – Assistance for Small Businesses

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM (PPP) INFORMATION SHEET: BORROWERS

State of Massachusetts: Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus (COVID-19)

A State-by-State Resource Guide for Music Professionals Who Need Help During Coronavirus Crisis (Updating)

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New Atlantic Development / Opportunity for Roxbury Artists

The development project at 2147 Washington is including a 4,000 square foot common workspace/makerspace. The developers are looking speak with artists about what types of equipment are most useful. They will have several permanent and temporary art installation opportunities to include elements in their building and courtyard design that would best facilitate a variety of installation types. View more information about the project here.

If you are interested in learning more or participating in the formal conversations contact:

William Madsen Hardy – bill@newatlantic.net

Owner

236 Huntington Ave, Suite 314

Boston, MA 02115

617.335.8821

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Americans for the Arts

Monthly Newswire

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#Powerof3Challenge

The #Powerof3Challenge is a social media creative challenge where artists post a video spreading truth and creativity through music and tagging 3 other creator friends who can step up to the challenge. (thus spreading an infectious message.) http://Powerof3Challenge.com
 
See posts in real-time at http://instagram.com/bigpicanthems
 
The power of 3 connections can spark a movement!
 
This music video features First Be.
Written and Directed by Ben Gilbarg.
Featured Artists: @J_estee, @Paradise_mcfee, @Cashrules
Music Produced by: @the_real_brownz_boogie

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The Theater Offensive

The Theater Offensive has launched a new relief fund for artists who apply as queer and/or trans people of color, and also for past participants in their youth programming. Check out how to apply here.

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