Financial/Credit Counseling

DotWell

Location

1452 Dorchester Avenue, 4th Floor

Dorchester, MA, 02122

United States

42° 18' 3.6576" N, 71° 3' 35.4564" W

See map: Google Maps

Phone:

(617) 474-1442

Fax:

(617) 474-0465

Email:

bethany.dionne@dotwell.org and info@mydorchester.org can direct interested parties to specific programs

Website:

http://www.dotwell.org

Mission:

DotWell is a community-based organization, specifically a formalized collaborative effort of its two founding organizations: the Codman Square Health Center (CSHC) and the Dorchester House Multi-Service Center (DHMSC). DotWell was previously known as the Health Services Partnership of Dorchester (HSP).

DotWell generates trust and respect by providing the highest quality comprehensive clinical and community-based services; a well-maintained physical plant that meets the needs of the community; a team of staff that are both entrepreneurial and practical; state-of-the-art technology available for use by the staff and the community; and unparalleled involvement by a diverse group of stakeholders including staff, clients, board members, elected and appointed officials, and collaborators.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Karen Van Unen, COO; Joel Abrams and Sandra Cotterell, Co-CEOs;

Key Partners:

Codman Square Health Center and Dorchester House Multi-Service Center; Boston Medical Center; Healthworks at Codman; many local services providers.

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:

Call Visit http://www.dotwell.org/?page_id=45 for specific departments' contact information.

Key Programs Offered:

Adult Education

Civic Health Institute

Financial Health
Free tax preparation
Financial Counseling
Financial Coaching

Recreation and Fitness
Dorchester House Pool: Asthma Swim, Swim Lessons, Lifeguard Training, more
Sports clinics: Basketball (Beantown Slam), Tennis,
FANtastic Kids: Weight management program for ages 8-12
Various recreational activities offered through Generation Next Academy/GNA Teen Center

Healthworks at Codman: Located at 450 Washington Street, this women and children's gym uses a variety of practices to ensure community health: sliding-scale memberships, 3-month "prescription" membership for overweight patients of Codman Square Health Center, personal training, nutritionist "interview" at intake, fun classes, special events and activities, friendly and informed staff

Youth Programs
Community Health Career Internships: Summer health internships for teens. Daily schedule includes one hour of workshop time focused on key life skills areas including civic engagement, job readiness, financial literacy and wellness. Internships can include administrative, clinical, youth programming and recreation placements.
Skills for Life: Highly interactive class for teens combining lessons in personal finance with career exploration by making field trips to Harvard Business School, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and other organizations.

Dorchester FAMILY School Initiative: The Dorchester FAMILY School Initiative (DFSI) is a multi-organizational partnership that connects three public elementary schools in central Dorchester with health and social service organizations, colleges, other enrichment groups, and parents.
(You can find DFSI under "Youth and Family" on MyDorchester.)

Generation Next Academy/GNA Teen Center: formerly the DotWell Teen Center, GNA is a place where youth ages 13-18 can gain the necessary skills to prepare for the future.
(You can find GNA under "Youth and Family" on MyDorchester.)

Last Updated:

03/14/2011

Fisher & Associates

Location

571 Talbot Ave.

Dorchester, MA

United States

42° 17' 10.7772" N, 71° 3' 52.3908" W

See map: Google Maps

Phone:

617-282-TAXX (8299)

Email:

fishertaxprep@gmail.com

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates):

Mon to Fri - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun - 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Mission:

Serving our customers with Integrity and Honesty!

Fisher & Associates, Inc., a local M/WBE (Minority and Woman Owned Business), opened its doors for "New Business" on Saturday, January 15, 2011. President Lucinda Fisher has been a successful Accounting and Tax Professional for over 10 years. Her Office Management and Administration is also comprised of local and minority residents.

Ms. Fisher has successfully cultivated her past client base by providing valuable tax advise to taxpayers and assisting them in getting the maximum tax refund they are entitled to. Fisher & Associates, Inc. is certified with the City of Boston Small and Local Business Office and the Center For Woman Enterprise.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Lucinda Fisher

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:

Sign up for the mailing list here.

Last Updated:

04/12/2011

Washington Heights Tenants' Association

Location

69 Ruthven St.

Dorchester , MA, 02121

United States

42° 18' 48.3876" N, 71° 5' 29.868" W

See map: Google Maps

Phone:

617-445-8731

Email:

jalvira78@yahoo.com

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates):

Office hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Computer classes: Monday and Wednesday 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Blood pressure clinic: every first Thursday of the month 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Girls program (partnership with Girl Scouts): Fridays 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Jessie Alvira

Key Partners:

Mass Impact

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:

Stop by or call Jessie Alvira for more information

Charge for services:

$75/room rental (capacity 50); $100 ESL classes (can be paid in installments)

Key Programs Offered:

Free computer classes for MS Office and typing, drop-ins welcome. Registration required.
NSTAR forgiveness program workshops one day a month
ESL classes
Blood pressure clinic
Give turkeys and toys to residents during the holidays
Girls group meets weekly for girls grades 6-12
Computer lab (can be rented for trainings)
Tax assistance
BYF jobs in summer for teens

Community Meeting Space Available:

Yes

Last Updated:

01/12/2011

Boston Community Capital

Location

57 Warren Street

Boston, MA, 02119

United States

42° 19' 44.094" N, 71° 5' 0.3948" W

See map: Google Maps

Phone:

617.427.8600

Website:

www.bostoncommunitycapital.org

Mission:

Boston Community Capital (BCC) is a community development financial institution whose mission is to build healthy communities where low-income people live and work. We accomplish this mission by investing in projects that provide affordable housing, good jobs, and new opportunities in low-income communities, connecting these neighborhoods to the mainstream economy.

Since 1985, BCC has invested more than $550 million to support organizations and businesses that benefit underserved communities. Our loans and investments have helped:

Build or preserve affordable homes for over 10,000 families and individuals

Support child care facilities serving over 7,000 children

Finance schools and youth programs serving over 2,000 low-income students

Renovate over 750,000 square feet of commercial real estate in distressed inner-city communities

Create more than 1,400 jobs in low-income communities

Generate over 1.4 million kilowatt hours of solar capacity annually on affordable housing serving over 1,100 families and individuals,

Provide fixed-rate mortgages that have allowed over 80 families facing foreclosure to remain in their homes.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Elyse D. Cherry, Chief Executive Officer and Venture Fund President

Key Partners:

DotWell (BCC refers to DotWell's financial counseling program);

Key Programs Offered:

BCC’s programs and initiatives include:

Boston Community Loan Fund (BCLF); lends money to community projects such as affordable housing, child care facilities, schools, youth programs and community facilities.

Boston Community Venture Fund (BCVF) makes equity investments in businesses that create jobs or provide services for LICs.

New Markets Tax Credits leverages private sector investment into distressed communities across the United States.

Foreclosure Relief Programs focus on stabilizing neighborhoods hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis, and helping families facing eviction due to foreclosure to remain in their homes.

SUN Initiative; Stabilizing Urban Neighborhoods is a program created to help you keep your home if you are a homeowner or tenant going through foreclosure.
For more information call 617-933-5880. Click here to take eligibility survey.

Last Updated:

11/04/2010

Loan Committee
Victor Rivera; Chair, Bank of America

Meg Bennett ; Deutsche Bank

Eva Clarke ; MMA Financial

Laura Hackell ; Independent Consultant

DeWitt Jones; Boston Community Capital

Maria Maffei; Independent Consultant

Linnie McLean; Trillium Asset Management (former)

Glenn Morgan; SkyWorld

Jennifer Pinck; Pinck and Company

Rebecca Regan; Boston Community Capital

Steven Tromp; Wainwright Bank 

Venture Committee
Edward Dugger, III; Chair, UNC Partners, Inc. 

Charles Clark; Youth Build, USA

Elyse Cherry; Boston Community Capital

DeWitt Jones; Boston Community Capital

James Walsh, S.J., Esq.; Attorney

MAFCU Federal Credit Union

Location

1205 Adams Street

Dorchester, MA

United States

42° 16' 20.5104" N, 71° 4' 2.2728" W

See map: Google Maps

Phone:

617-278-5600 or 800-556-2328

Email:

nmccart@mafcucreditunion.org

Website:

www.mafcucreditunion.org

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates):

Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 am to 4 pm
Thursday, 8:30 am to 6 pm
Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm
Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm

Mission:

MAFCU Federal Credit Union is a nonprofit financial cooperative owned by, and operated for, our members. We are dedicated to helping members reach their financial goals by providing excellent financial products, outstanding member service, and valuable financial education. All earnings go right back into the Credit Union so that we can offer better rates and services. Keeping true to the credit union philosophy of people helping people, our focus is on our members.

MAFCU embraces the credit union philosophy of concern for community. MAFCU works collaboratively with members, affiliates, and the surrounding community in a variety of ways — hosting events, participating in MAFCU's affiliate groups' fundraising efforts, and supporting community projects throughout the area.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Nicole James, President and CEO

Key Partners:

Follow the link for a complete list of affiliate groups.

Charge for services:

No

Key Programs Offered:

Financial Information Seminars and Loan Products

Scholarships available:

Yes

Also (or Previously) Known As...:

Medical Area Federal Credit Union

Last Updated:

01/20/2011

"The Credit Union was proud to be part of the Dorchester Lower Mills Holiday Stroll on Thursday, November 18. A tent was set up at MAFCU's future new branch, 1205 Adams Street in Dorchester Lower Mills. Dozens of people stopped by for cupcakes and hot chocolate. Kids got their face painted and enjoyed balloon creations along with holiday presents, and got their pictures taken with Santa."

Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)

Location

110 Claybourne Street

Dorchester, MA, 02121

United States

42° 17' 45.6" N, 71° 4' 15.24" W

See map: Google Maps

Mailing Address (if different than physical location):

Phone:

(617) 288-2700

Website:

http://bostonabcd.org/dorchester-nsc.aspx

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates):

9 AM - 6PM Tue - Fri; 10 AM - 5 PM, Mon.

Mission:

Since its inception in 1962, ABCD has remained devoted to its mission of promoting self-help for low-income people and neighborhoods. ABCD empowers disadvantaged people by providing them with the tools to overcome poverty, live with dignity, and achieve their full potential. It emphasizes education, skilled job-training and asset development. While ABCD's overall focus remains long-term self-sufficiency, we understand that sometimes, things happen. ABCD offers a number of programs that help families through these times of crisis, including fuel assistance in winter, food pantries, and rental assistance. Once stability has been established, ABCD helps people move forward with a focus on education and skill development. The agency works closely with area businesses and academic institutions to develop programs that educate workers who are consistently applauded for their abilities and commitment to excellence.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Alison Carter-Marlow

Key Partners:

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:

Call or visit the center.

Charge for services:

Most programs and services are free. Childcare services charge fees on a sliding scale, and interested participants complete an intake to determine fees.

Key Programs Offered:

Fuel Assistance and Weatherization

ABCD fuel assistance helps more than 15,000 low-income households in Boston, Brookline and Newton pay fuel bills during the heating season. Applications are taken from November through March at ABCD's offices.

Eligibility for this program is your maximum income cannot exceed 60% of estimated State Median Income. For more information contact (617) 288-2700x200.
Tax Preparation

January through April. For more information contact (617) 288-2700x200.
School Vacation, After-School, and Summer Childcare Programs

Summer Enrichment Program dates for 2010 are July 6th-August 27th. Program hours: Monday-Thursday 8AM-6PM, Friday 7AM-5PM. Open to children in first grade through age 12. Limited discounts for tuition and EEC slots available. Vouchers accepted. To receive vouchers, call Child Care Choices of Boston at (617) 348-6677. To register or receive more information call (617) 288-2700x206 or x203.
Summer Works, Winter Works, and Adult Employment Services

Employment programs for youth and adults. Summer Works begins July 6 and ends August 13th. Interested participants apply in early spring for Summe Works and in September for Winter Works. For more information call (617) 288-2700 x214 or x216.
Food Stamps, Mass Health, Seasonal Programs, and Case Management

The DNSC can help you apply for Food Stamps and Mass Health, and also offers case management services. Seasonal programs include November and December Holiday Food and Toy Assistance programs. Thanksgiving referrals begin October 25th through November 12th on a first-come, first-served basis. Toy Assistance referrals begin November 29th. For more information on these programs, contact (617) 288-2700x202.
Other Services

The DNSC also offers GED and ESOL referrals, limited translation services, information and referrals on housing and higher education, and referrals to Dorchester Head Start preschool programs. 110 Claybourne Street is also a BPS Summer Feeding Site.

Scholarships available:

No

Vouchers accepted:

Yes

Transportation provided:

No

Last Updated:

11/29/2010

Two locations:

110 Claybourne Street Dorchester, MA 02121

Codman Square Health Center

Location

637 Washington St

Dorchester, MA, 02124

United States

42° 17' 21.7824" N, 71° 4' 16.8564" W

See map: Google Maps

Phone:

(617) 825-9660

Website:

http://www.codman.org

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates):

Urgent Care:
Monday-Thursday 8:30am - 10:00pm
Friday 8:30am - 9:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 3:00pm
Sunday 9:00am - 1:00pm

Primary Care:
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday & Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm

Mission:

To serve as a resource for improving the physical, mental and social well-being of the community. *** We opened our doors in 1979 with a dream: to build the best urban community in America. As part of this dream, we recognized that though health care begins by alleviating sickness, the journey to a true "culture of health" is achieved through the health of the whole person, and through the health of the whole community. Our two-physician staff that summer of 1979 may have been small, but our mantra was not: while disease is a lack of health, health is not simply a lack of disease.

Today, with a staff of 280 employees, expert clinicians and medical staff, and an astounding depth and breadth of community programs, we believe that we are on our way toward reaching our dream of building the best urban community in America. The Codman Square Health Center is committed to continued progress and we hope you will join us in fulfilling our vision of a culture of health in our community.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Sandra Cotterell

Key Partners:

DotWell, Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, Codman Academy Charter Public School, HealthWorks Foundation

Key Programs Offered:

Clinical Services:
Primary care (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Women’s Health)
Urgent care
Dental care
Eye care
Behavioral Health
Specialty care (Podiatry, Cardiology, Sports Medicine, Nutrition, Dermatology, Smoking Cessation, WIC office) Pharmacy (w/ Eaton Apothecary, 617.265.7400)

Full Service Laboratory
Diagnostic Care (X-ray, mammography, ultrasound, radiology)

Case Management: Asthma, Diabetes, Pre-natal, HIV Client support: insurance services, interpreter services, on-site childcare, financial counseling, legal advocacy, multilingual staff, referral management

Civic Health through DotWell

Public Health Services: Cooking Classes & Nutrition Programs Healthy Eating for Diabetes Eat Green, Save Green HIV counseling, education, outreach, support Support groups for new parents, dads, moms (drop-in!), as well as AA, & HIV

Food Security:
DTA Food Stamp program: There will be a representative at the Health Center on Fridays from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm in the Nutrition Office in the first floor lobby. Half hour appointments can be made in MSI. Walk-ins also encouraged.
Food Pantry: Pantry will reopen at Greenwood UMC. Details forthcoming. MORE!

Last Updated:

02/07/2011

Year 13 Pathways to MCAS Success

Location

29 Winter St 4th Floor

Boston, MA, 02108

United States

42° 21' 21.5352" N, 71° 3' 42.0084" W

See map: Google Maps

Phone:

(617) 737-0093 ext 3019

Email:

lmoschella@detma.org

Website:

www.theworkplace.org

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates):

Monday - Friday 9-5

Mission:

The Year 13 Pathways to MCAS Success is a collaboration among the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC), One Stop Career Centers, community colleges, and community-based organizations in Boston aimed at aiding those disadvantaged by the MCAS.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Leah Moschella

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:

Call or stop by!

Charge for services:

No

Scholarships available:

No

Vouchers accepted:

No

Transportation provided:

No

Number of people served each year:

51-250

Community Meeting Space Available:

No

Type of facility in which this program/organization located:

Community/Cultural Center

Lena Park Community Development Corporation

Location

1542 Columbus Avenue Suite 3

Roxbury, MA, 02119

United States

42° 19' 23.8008" N, 71° 5' 54.2256" W

See map: Google Maps

Phone:

(617) 442-4100

Website:

http://www.lenapark.org

Mission:

Lena Park's mission is to provide integrated programs and services which will strengthen families and build healthy communities for the residents of the City of Boston.
Our vision is to be the premier provider of programs and services of excellence, building a stronger, healthier, more self-reliant community transforming the way families live, learn, and relate to each other and the larger community.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

E. Lorraine Baugh

Charge for services:

No

Scholarships available:

No

Vouchers accepted:

No

Transportation provided:

No

Number of people served each year:

51-250

Community Meeting Space Available:

No

Catholic Charities Greater Boston at the Yawkey Center

Location

185 Columbia Rd.

Dorchester, MA, 02121

United States

42° 18' 23.4864" N, 71° 4' 38.9316" W

See map: Google Maps

Mailing Address (if different than physical location):

Phone:

(617) 506-6600 (ESOL Counselor)/ (617)506-6627 (ABEGED Counselor)

Email:

sara_jorgensen@ccab.org/christine_doret@ccab.org/michelle_perry@ccab.org

Website:

www.ccab.org

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates):

Day care opens at 7 a.m. and building at 8 p.m. Haitian Multi-Service Center open 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Yawkey Konbit Creole open 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Mission:

Catholic Charities Greater Boston is a community service center of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Boston. Catholic Charities Greater Boston provides direct service in Dorchester at the Yawkey Center, in Somerville, and in other Boston neighborhoods through an array of programs and services including Basic Needs Services, parenting programs, an after-school program for teens, a summer camp for inner-city children, elder social services, and a variety of residential programs. All are designed to address the complex issues that many individuals and families face today. More than 38,000 are served each year.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Vivian Soper

Key Partners:

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:

Call or visit.

Charge for services:

No

Key Programs Offered:

ABE/ESOL-Program offers Pre-ESOL Literacy Classes for Haitian Creole Speakers. All Students receive employment and computer skills training.

Basic Needs Emergency Services Sunset Point Camp Foster Grandparents Program Friendly Visitor and Elderly Outreach Program Healthy Families Intensive Asian Adolescent Services Intensive Haitian Family Intervention Shelters and Transitional Housing <a href="%3Cb%3EHaitian%20Multi-Service%20Center%3C/b%3E:%20The%20Haitian%20Multi-Service%20Center,%20the%20largest%20social%20service%20agency%20serving%20the%20Haitian%20population%20in%20Massachusetts,%20is%20a%20non-profit%20agency%20founded%20in%201978%20to%20meet%20the%20needs%20of%20the%20rapidly%20increasing%20number%20of%20Haitian%20refugees%20coming%20to%20the%20area.%20It%20joined%20the%20Catholic%20Charities%20network%20in%201984.%20Its%20mission%20is%20to%20serve,%20in%20a%20linguistically%20and%20culturally%20sensitive%20manner,%20the%20health,%20education,%20day%20care%20and%20the%20immigration/settlement/food%20needs%20of%20the%20Haitian%20community,%20numbered%20at%20about%2020-25,000,%20and%20to%20foster%20economic%20and%20social%20self-sufficiency.%20Today%20it%20serves%205,000%20families%20annually.%20On-site%20programs%20include:%20Adult%20Education%20%28literacy,%20ESL,%20EDP-External%20Diploma%20Program%29,%20Citizenship,%20Computer%20Literacy,%20Education%20for%20Employment,%20Day%20Care,%20Pregnancy%20and%20Parenting%20Support%20Programs,%20Immigration%20and%20Refugee%20assistance,%20Food%20Pantry,%20and%20Haitian%20Elders.%20The%20Center%20serves%20clients%20primarily%20from%20Dorchester,%20Mattapan,%20Hyde%20Park,%20Jamaica%20Plain,%20and%20Roxbury.%20Hours:%208:30%20a.m.%20-%207:30%20p.m.%0A%0A%0A%3Cbr%3E%3Cb%3EYawkey%20Konbit-Kreyol%20Center%20for%20Early%20Education%20&%20Care%3C/b%3E:%20Offered%20from%207:30%20-%205:30p.m.%20Open%20to%20children%20ages%202%20months%20to%209%20years.%20Financial%20Aid:%20-Vouchers%20accepted%20-HeadStart%20-Sliding%20scale%0A%0A%3Ca%20%20data-cke-saved-href=" http:="" www.ccab.org="" el_centro.html"="" target="0">El Centro del Cardenal Youth Education at Yawkey: This GED program helps out-of-school and high-risk youth—who did not thrive in the public school system—earn earn their GED. Students are generally between the ages of 14 and 21. These youth may be referrals from courts or the Department of Family and Children Services. GED and alternative education programs are bilingual. Career Pathways: The Career Pathways program supports both youth and adult programs with next-step options through career exploration, internships, job shadowing opportunities, and employment. It may also include individual case management.

Scholarships available:

No

Vouchers accepted:

Yes

Transportation provided:

Yes

Community Meeting Space Available:

No

Last Updated:

11/29/2011