Community Teamwork

I am deeply honored to have been invited to witness the historic signing of the Affordable Homes Act by Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. This landmark legislation represents a transformative moment in Massachusetts history, marking the largest housing bill ever passed in the state at an astounding $5.2 billion. The Affordable Homes Act encompasses 49 policies designed to address the critical housing needs of our community, from expanding homeownership opportunities to supporting the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), seasonal housing supports, and funding incentives for housing development across all income levels. As State Senator Lydia Edwards aptly put it, “We didn't forget you—those at Mass and Cass, sleeping at the airport, those working 2-3 jobs to pay their rent. This isn’t mission accomplished; its mission established.” This bill is not just a commitment to reversing a four-decade downward trend in housing development, but a profound promise to uplift and support every individual in our state. I am grateful for the leadership of the Governor Healey Administration Ed Augustus, the State Legislature's support Aaron Michlewitz Karen Spilka Ronald Mariano Andy Vargas, led by Senator Edwards and Rep Jim Arciero and the tireless efforts of all who have worked towards this pivotal achievement Abundant Housing MA Jesse Kanson-Benanav Kassie Infante. Together, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable housing future. #AffordableHousing #Massachusetts #HousingReform #CommunityFirst #GovernorHealey #HistoricLegislation

I am deeply honored to have been invited to witness the historic signing of the Affordable Homes Act by Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. This landmark legislation represents a transformative moment in Massachusetts history, marking the largest housing bill ever passed in the state at an astounding $5.2 billion. The Affordable Homes Act encompasses 49 policies designed to address the critical housing needs of our community, from expanding homeownership opportunities to supporting the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), seasonal housing supports, and funding incentives for housing development across all income levels. As State Senator Lydia Edwards aptly put it, “We didn't forget you—those at Mass and Cass, sleeping at the airport, those working 2-3 jobs to pay their rent. This isn’t mission accomplished; its mission established.” This bill is not just a commitment to reversing a four-decade downward trend in housing development, but a profound promise to uplift and support every individual in our state. I am grateful for the leadership of the Governor Healey Administration Ed Augustus, the State Legislature's support Aaron Michlewitz Karen Spilka Ronald Mariano Andy Vargas, led by Senator Edwards and Rep Jim Arciero and the tireless efforts of all who have worked towards this pivotal achievement Abundant Housing MA Jesse Kanson-Benanav Kassie Infante. Together, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable housing future. #AffordableHousing #Massachusetts #HousingReform #CommunityFirst #GovernorHealey #HistoricLegislation

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the AmeriCorps Seniors Convening in Baltimore! It was fantastic connecting with fellow program directors and diving into the insightful breakout sessions. I’m inspired by the incredible work being done and eager to bring new ideas to our own initiatives. If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference as an AmeriCorps Senior, please reach out at mhorn@commteam.org. Let's continue to make an impact together! 💪 #AmeriCorps #Volunteering #CommunityImpact #Networking

I am deeply honored to have been invited to witness the historic signing of the Affordable Homes Act by Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. This landmark legislation represents a transformative moment in Massachusetts history, marking the largest housing bill ever passed in the state at an astounding $5.2 billion. The Affordable Homes Act encompasses 49 policies designed to address the critical housing needs of our community, from expanding homeownership opportunities to supporting the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), seasonal housing supports, and funding incentives for housing development across all income levels. As State Senator Lydia Edwards aptly put it, “We didn't forget you—those at Mass and Cass, sleeping at the airport, those working 2-3 jobs to pay their rent. This isn’t mission accomplished; its mission established.” This bill is not just a commitment to reversing a four-decade downward trend in housing development, but a profound promise to uplift and support every individual in our state. I am grateful for the leadership of the Governor Healey Administration Ed Augustus, the State Legislature's support Aaron Michlewitz Karen Spilka Ronald Mariano Andy Vargas, led by Senator Edwards and Rep Jim Arciero and the tireless efforts of all who have worked towards this pivotal achievement Abundant Housing MA Jesse Kanson-Benanav Kassie Infante. Together, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable housing future. #AffordableHousing #Massachusetts #HousingReform #CommunityFirst #GovernorHealey #HistoricLegislation

Today we honor the creation of the Purple Heart Medal and the recipients who were wounded or killed in service of this country. The housing rights of veterans are protected by Massachusetts law. It is illegal to discriminate against someone in housing because of their veteran or military status. There are also housing subsidy programs that benefit veterans.  If you suspect that you have been discriminated against in your housing situation, contact the CTI Fair Housing Program at (978)654-5637 or fairhousing@commteam.org. We are happy to provide interpreters or reasonable accommodations if needed. -- Hoy honramos la creación de la Medalla Corazón Púrpura y a los destinatarios que resultaron heridos o murieron al servicio de este país. Los derechos de vivienda de los veteranos están protegidos por la ley de Massachusetts. Es ilegal discriminar a alguien en materia de vivienda debido a su condición de veterano o militar. También existen programas de subsidios de vivienda que benefician a los veteranos. Si sospecha que ha sido discriminado en su situación de vivienda, comuníquese con el Programa de Vivienda Justa de CTI al (978)654-5637 o fairhousing@commteam.org. Estaremos encantados de proporcionarle intérpretes o adaptaciones razonables si es necesario.

Starting in Spring 2024, Middlesex Community College partnered with MassHire Lowell Career Center to develop trainings for 17 students from Haiti currently residing in the Lowell Inn and Conference Center (ICC). After completing sessions in Home Health Aide (HHA) & English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), MCC hosted a graduation ceremony on July 19 to celebrate. “Education is the key to success,” said Berline Coimin, student speaker at the graduation. “With a lot of effort & determination, I took the HHA class & the English class. It was a life experience because communicating in English is the key that will open the door for us in this country...” In the program, students completed 6 weeks of MCC’s ESOL & 80 hours of HHA training, as well as a written & hands-on HHA exam. Instructors from each program worked together to make sure the training was individualized... “We are grateful to MassHire for bringing the idea of this program to us & for their support throughout, as well as to MCC’s Corporate & Community Education & Training division for working on this labor of love,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President...“To the graduates...we are very proud of you & I expect that one day I will shake your hand as you earn an associate degree or certificate...” “The ESOL/HHA program for the emergency shelter residents is another great example of a successful collaboration between MassHire and MCC,” said Nancy Gagnon, MassHire Career Center Manager. “By addressing some of the most glaring barriers..., this program allows these individuals to find employment and start their career in our community...” MassHire also hired a Creole interpreter Myrlande “Mimi” Emanuel to work with instructors to help students go through the program... “It was a very nice experience to get to help the students,” Emanuel said... Taught by MCC instructor Charles Zhang, the ESOL classes focused on listening, reading, speaking and writing in English...“We need to do a better job in tapping into the talents and brilliance of our immigrant population,” Zhang said. “The HHA/ESOL program is a ground-breaking project pioneered by MassHire and MCC to train a group of newcomers in Mass. to be employment ready in this high demand field in just a few months... I hope this program can be modularized throughout the New England area & beyond.” In the HHA classes, the students learned healthcare skills, such as patient care, safety & rights; tracking vital signs, record keeping & stress management; & lifting & turning patients. “As a group, they demonstrated a strong work ethic along with a caring & compassionate manner,” Instructor Debra Shaw said. “Many were juggling work, childcare & school as well as trying to navigate this new culture and language...” Pictured: 1 HHA/ESOL graduates & MCC community members 2 MCC President Phil Sisson speaks to grads 3 MCC instructor Charles Zhang speaks to grads 4 Interpreter Mimi Emanual poses w/ traditional Haitian food she made

Happy Disability Independence Day! Today we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which protects the freedom of people with disabilities to enjoy public spaces, access employment opportunities, and live their everyday lives with the same ease as their able-bodied neighbors. In housing, people with disabilities are also protected under the Fair Housing Act. For more information on housing rights or to get help with a housing discrimination issue, contact the Fair Housing Program at fairhousing@commteam.org or at (978)654-5637. You can also request assistance on our website. -- ¡Feliz Día de la Independencia de la Discapacidad! Hoy celebramos 34 años de la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA), que protege la libertad de las personas con discapacidades de disfrutar de espacios públicos, acceder a oportunidades de empleo y vivir su vida cotidiana con la misma facilidad que sus vecinos sin discapacidades. En materia de vivienda, las personas con discapacidad también están protegidas por la Ley de Vivienda Justa. Para obtener más información sobre los derechos de vivienda o para obtener ayuda con un problema de discriminación en la vivienda, comuníquese con el Programa de Vivienda Justa en fairhousing@commteam.org o al (978)654-5637. También puedes solicitar asistencia en nuestra web.

"Workplace friendships are about more than just socializing on the clock — they can help professionals increase job satisfaction and avoid burnout, according to research from Gallup." I would add to this conversation that fostering friendships at work is a form of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work because both involve creating cultures and relationships where people feel supported, heard, safe, empowered, engaged, and honored for all of who they are - their stories, their identities, their experiences - and not just for the work outputs they produce. Not having caring, supportive relationships that we can lean on in tough times (and good times, too) where we can share our challenges, vulnerabilities, and mistakes are major contributors to burnout, low morale, and decreased productivity and motivation. If your organization wants to foster inclusion and belonging and also achieve your goals, build in opportunities for people to connect and get to know one another as human beings, not just as employees. We are intrinsically social beings seeking connection, and while sometimes we face personal traumas or institutional barriers that prevent such connections, having these types of relationships in all areas of our lives are essential to promoting both self care and community care. #friendsatwork #diversityinclusionbelonging #gallup https://lnkd.in/eMHDwj7i

Karen Frederick, CEO Carl Howell CPO Board Officers: Sheila Och, MPH Aleksandra Tugbiyele Glenn Goldman Dennis Piendak Bernadette Wheeler

Fair housing means your right to be free from discrimination in your living space. Learn about housing rights during the Fair Housing Program's summer training series. Sessions will be offered in English and Spanish. For more information and to register, go to https://lnkd.in/ebgC6iWb -- Vivienda justa significa su derecho a no sufrir discriminación en su espacio vital. Aprenda sobre los derechos de vivienda durante la serie de capacitación de verano del Programa de Vivienda Justa. Las sesiones se ofrecerán en inglés y español. Para obtener más información y registrarse, visite https://lnkd.in/ebgC6iWb. #FairHousing #KnowYourRights #HousingDiscrimination #HousingLegalRights Aaron Ginsberg Lily Foss