THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND’S ANNUAL
No Show Ball 2020
For 25 years, the devoted donors, board and staff of the Lenny Zakim Fund have supported the work of our grantees who have been an inspiration and catalyst for grassroots change and social justice. Thank you for supporting Lenny's vision and making a difference in the lives of so many in our communities. Joyce Zakim and Peter Greenspan
The Lenny Zakim Fund
THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND 25TH ANNIVERSARY/NO SHOW BALL VIRTUAL PROGRAM WELCOME REMARKS
Suzi Kaitz Board Chair, The Lenny Zakim Fund
SPEAKERS
Ronnie Millar Executive Director, Rian Immigrant Center Erika Rodriguez Executive Director, Chica Project Kaylany Vicente 9th grade student, PieRSquared
MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
JESSCX and Jesse Taitt
LZF BRIDGE BUILDER AWARD
Eric Esteves Executive Director, The Lenny Zakim Fund John Rattigan Managing Partner, Boston, DLA Piper
Rob Sherman Senior Counsel, Boston, DLA Piper and Founding LZF Board Member
REMEMBERING LENNY ZAKIM
The Zakim Family
Suzi Kaitz Board Chair, The Lenny Zakim Fund
CLOSING REMARKS
Eric Esteves Executive Director, The Lenny Zakim Fund
CAMEO APPEARANCES BY: Karen Chen, Chaplin Clementina Chery, Geralde Gabeau, Judi Krupp, Gloribell Mota, Jude Goldman, Ben Novak, Leah Okimoto, Fmr. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Paula Poundstone, Celeste Reid Lee, Teddy Riley, Chris Rock, Ray Romano, Gabriela Romanow, Susan and Glenn Rothman, Bobby Sager, Elaine Sager, Harold Schwartz, Ellie Starr, Sarah Silverman, Mark Sokoll, Jimmy Tingle, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and LZF’s 2020 Board of Directors.
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LETTER FROM ERIC ESTEVES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear friends, Thank you for being a part of the Lenny Zakim Fund’s story of change and growth. Change is constant, inevitable, and often daunting. Yet, change also helps society – especially those who are marginalized or forgotten – to widen the circle of inclusion and equality for all. That is what drew me to the Lenny Zakim Fund and to become its Executive Director. I am inspired to play a role in helping to lead that change fueled by your shared commitment to social justice and your generosity of spirit and treasure. Over the past 25 years, with the help of a broad coalition of dedicated supporters, the Fund has embodied Lenny’s vision and earned widespread recognition for helping grassroots leaders and organizations build strong foundations that have made a difference in the lives of thousands throughout Massachusetts. We are successful because of your commitment to the ideal that true social change can best be initiated and carried out by those who face inequities and social problems in their own communities and have the creativity and drive to become changemakers where they live. The No Show Ball 2020 is a celebration of change, growth, and solidarity. As we all navigate these unprecedented, uncertain times, I am grateful for the generosity and empathy you have shown the Lenny Zakim Fund staff and grantees, which has been truly overwhelming. Thank you to the grassroots leaders, activists, and organizers who comprise our 2020 grant recipients. Your remarkable dedication and passion are valued and appreciated. I look forward to connecting with and learning from our grant partners and all those who are committed to advancing social, economic, and racial justice. Thank you to our donors who have enabled the hundreds of small, grassroots organizations we have supported for a quarter of a century. Every gift, no matter the size, has made a difference and collectively enabled LZF to award approximately $10 million dollars throughout the course of our existence. We are particularly grateful for the unwavering commitment of our founders who seeded our early growth. In particular, I would like to thank DLA Piper for the firm’s long-standing relationship with and support of the Fund. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition as the recipient of the Bridge Builder Award. Achieving social change and equity in our communities requires building bridges between grassroots organizations, the people they serve, donors, volunteers, and community leaders. As the Lenny Zakim Fund celebrates this significant milestone, know that we remain ever committed to continuing that bridge-building legacy. Together, we can all make a difference and help sustain this work for another 25 years. In Solidarity,
Eric Esteves Executive Director | 2 | The Lenny Zakim Fund
LETTER FROM SUZI KAITZ, CHAIR OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dear friends, On behalf of the Lenny Zakim Fund’s Board of Directors, I am honored and delighted to join you in celebrating the Fund’s twentyfifth anniversary. In ordinary times, our tight-knit community would be gathering, shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, marking this extraordinary achievement at a fabulous party with a glittering view of the Zakim Bridge. Instead, I look forward to welcoming you to a unique and exciting evening at the Lenny Zakim Fund’s 25th anniversary virtual celebration on November 17, when we will rise up together to honor a quarter of a century of determination, solidarity, and impact. As we mark this milestone during one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history, it feels especially important to honor those who are at the center of our work -- the changemakers and community heroes we have funded and supported in many different ways since 1995, helping them to broaden the path toward equity for all. Through the current pandemic and growing pursuit of racial justice, the work of our grant recipients has never been more critical, while their spirit and determination has become stronger than ever. Of course, our celebration must also be a tribute to the giving spirit of all those who have sustained the Fund with their generosity of treasure and time, providing the resources that have enabled us to award nearly 1,400 grants over these 25 years. We continue to be so grateful to the vital group of donors who first helped to launch the Fund and embrace the vision of our founder and their friend, the late Lenny Zakim. While change is inevitable over 25 years -- and at the core of our mission -- I believe LZF has become the organization that Lenny would have hoped for, if he were with us today. Our virtual celebration takes place on what would have been Lenny’s 67th birthday. I look forward to raising a glass with you in his honor. Yes, we have a lot of accomplishments and relationships to celebrate and we plan to do so with joy. At the same time, it is important to view this moment as an opportunity – another chance to push even harder to bend the arc of justice and continue to reimagine how philanthropy can break down barriers and systems of oppression and support equity for all. The Lenny Zakim Fund believes that love and compassion are at the heart of philanthropy, they strengthen the foundation of the bridges we must continue to build to ensure a future in which inclusion and belonging are firmly rooted in every community. Thank you for your love and for your dedication to creating a world in which the fundamental rights, well-being, and dignity of all people are recognized, upheld, and celebrated. With deep gratitude,
Suzi Kaitz Chair, Board of Directors 25th Anniversary/No Show Ball 2020 | 3 |
ABOUT THE LZF The Lenny Zakim Fund strengthens grassroots organizations and community leaders through technical training, coaching and counseling, pro bono legal services, networking, and grantmaking. The Fund is a trusted partner and convener of social justice programs and enables grassroots leaders to create powerful change in their own communities.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF FOUNDER CHAIR
Leonard Zakim
Suzi Kaitz
VICE-CHAIR TREASURER
Yasmin Cruz Ferrine
Beth Dill
SECRETARY
Josh Zakim BOARD MEMBERS
Miki Akimoto Asmaa Donahue Lisa Gordon Mark Irvings Timothy James
Joe Rodio Rob Sherman Deena Zakim Joyce Zakim Shari Zakim-Yacouby
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PROGRAM & OFFICE ADMIN
Eric Esteves
Dominique Ramos
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Allison Picott
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BOARD MEMBERS EMERITI Jennifer Winn Aronson Amy Belkin Monfenson Mary Carty, Former Executive Director Clementina Chery Joseph Chery Gregg Croteau Janice Ditchek Donna Latson Gittens Joseph Goodman Jude Goldman, Former Executive Director Steve Grossman Jon Jennings Angela Johnson Caren Keller Judi Krupp Richard Krupp
Celeste Reid Lee Kevin O’Malley Sofia Lingos-Papaliodis Peter Meade Charlayne Murrell-Smith Gabriela Romanow Michael Ross Glenn Rothman Susan Rothman Elaine Sager Harold Schwartz Michael Schwartz Sam Slater Mark Sokoll Ellie Starr Jonathan Samen, In memoriam Martin E. Kantor, Honorary Lucille S. Kantor, Honorary
BRIDGE BUILDERS THE BRIDGE BUILDERS HONOR AND RECOGNIZE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF OUR DONORS, VOLUNTEERS, FORMER BOARD MEMBERS, AND OTHER IMPORTANT FRIENDS OF THE FUND. THE BOARD DEEPLY APPRECIATES ALL THAT THEY DO FOR THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND.
Mahesh Aditya Susan Barry Shana Bryant Hehershe Buseuego Richard Caturano Alan Chebot Debby Cherry Natanja Craig-Oquendo Elizabeth DeLima Michael Eckton Cheryl Forte Marshelle Shelley Gatlin Josie Greene Kalman Heller Felicia Heywood Theo Hill
Barbara Howard Drew Hyman Elisabeth Jackson Carol Kanin Douglas Krupp Cairo Mendes Maria Mulkeen Yvette Philip Bobby Sager Sharon Sankey Charlayne Murrell-Smith Elisa Sosa Amy Shulman Weinberg Robert Weinberg Jerry Wishnow
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25TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS MANY THANKS TO OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORS! LOVE IN ACTION DLA Piper SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATES Barr Foundation The Boston Foundation Suzi Kaitz and Jonathan Katz Caren Keller and David Boonshoft Klarman Family Foundation Douglas and Judi Krupp Susan and Glenn Rothman Bobby and Elaine Sager BRIDGE BUILDERS Arbella Insurance Foundation Eric and Jennifer Winn Aronson Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Asmaa Donahue and Mahesh Aditya Susan and Mark Irvings Joan Lenington and Rob Sherman John and Sonia Lingos Family Foundation The Prospect Fund Santander Bank The Slater Foundation TraceLink Bob and Amy Shulman Weinberg COMMUNITY CHANGE AGENTS Beth Dill and Eric Enge Michael and Linda Frieze Marlene and Jerry Goldstein Lisa Gordon and John Treadway Joyce Zakim and Peter Greenspan Kalman and Ellen Heller The Kaitz Family of National Lumber Income Research + Management Barry and Susan Tatelman WBUR 90.9 FM Winthrop Wealth Management | 6 | The Lenny Zakim Fund
MISSION COLLABORATORS Steven and Risa Aronson Brian and Mary Carty Alex and Cortina Delpleche Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation Empire Loan Charitable Foundation Robert and Esta Epstein Michael Fanger and Linda Sattel Josie Greene and Glenn Asch Richard Kaitz David and Celeste Lee Joseph and Ciara Rodio Mark and Ellie Winthrop Josh and Grace Zakim LZF ALLIES Miki Akimoto Joan and Steve Belkin Brianna Boggs and Madeline McNeely JC Burton Cambridge Trust Belden and Pamela Daniels Stacey DePasquale Jason Goldie Lynne and Joe Goodman Barbara and Steve Grossman Mark and Ellyn Harmon Roz and Sandy Hollander Timothy James Florence Koplow Jay and Amy Belkin Mofenson Charlayne Murrell-Smith New Boston Ventures Robert and Gabriela Romanow Joseph Savage James and Pamela Schwartz Mark and Marjorie Sokoll Ellie Starr Michael Whouley and Sally Kerans Jerry Wishnow and Pei Pei Wu Deena Zakim and Jesse Chebot Judi and Edward Zuker
25TH ANNIVERSARY HOST COMMITTEE Asmaa Donahue and Mahesh Aditya Miki Akimoto Jennifer Winn Aronson Brianna Boggs JC Burton Mary Carty Clementina Chery Alex and Cortina Delpleche Beth Dill and Eric Enge Yasmin Cruz Ferrine Jude Goldman Lynne and Joe Goodman Lisa Gordon and John Treadway Joyce Zakim and Peter Greenspan Barbara and Steve Grossman Kalman and Ellen Heller Susan and Mark Irvings
Timothy James Suzi Kaitz Douglas and Judi Krupp Celeste Lee Joan Lenington and Rob Sherman Sofia Lingos-Papaliodis Joseph Rodio Susan and Glenn Rothman Harold Schwartz Sam Slater Mark and Marjorie Sokoll Ellie Starr Bob and Amy Shulman Weinberg Jerry Wishnow Deena Zakim Josh Zakim Shari Zakim-Yacouby
HONORARY HOSTS: Sonia Diaz-Chang, Massachusetts State Senator Annissa Essaibi George, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Boston City Councilor Julia Mejia, Boston City Councilor Liz Miranda, Massachusetts State Representative Jon Santiago, Massachusetts State Representative Chynah Tyler, Massachusetts State Representative
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CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF GRASSROOTS SOLIDARITY Since 1995, the Lenny Zakim Fund (LZF) has worked side-by-side, in solidarity with grassroots organizations by developing deep relationships and building bridges among people and communities to advance social, economic, and racial justice. Founded by the late Lenny Zakim, LZF’s mission is to listen to those most impacted by inequity and provide the funding, essential resources, and support they need to create lasting change. We support nonprofit organizations throughout eastern Massachusetts in seven funding areas: Access to Food, Housing, and Economic Security; Children and Youth Development & Education; Civil and Human Rights Advocacy and Support; Health Promotion and Accessibility for All; Organizing and Support for Immigrants & Refugees; Violence Prevention, and Criminal Justice Reform, and Family Outreach; and, LGBTQIA Community Support & Organizing. LZF’s work with these grassroots organizations is guided by seven principles: social justice, grassroots leadership, diversity and belonging, learning, bridge building, responsiveness, and love. From the beginning, the Lenny Zakim Fund has focused on those grassroots organizations who are “below the radar screen”, often in the nascent stage of their development, and thus not visible to other individual or institutional funders. A grant from the Lenny Zakim Fund is often the first step taken by many grassroots organizations who are looking for an opportunity to turn a vision into a sustainable reality. LZF awards grants to small nonprofit organizations (defined as having annual operating budgets of $350,000 or less) with a limited ability to raise other funds. Grants range between $1,000 and $20,000 per year and may be renewed for up to five years. Being a grantee of the Lenny Zakim Fund has come to be considered a “seal of approval” by other grant-making organizations and foundations, such as The Boston Foundation, Cummings Foundation, Social Innovation Forum, family foundations, and individual philanthropists in awarding their own grant funding. Over the past 25 years, LZF’s grants program has grown exponentially both in terms of the number of grants awarded and the total dollar amount of the grants. In 1996, LZF's first year of grantmaking, we awarded twelve nonprofits a combined total of $52,200. In 2020, for the first time in the Fund’s history, we awarded over $1,000,000 in
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grant funding to a total of 83 grassroots organizations between our annual grant program and the COVID-19 Emergency Recovery and Relief Fund. Overall since 1995, LZF has awarded nearly 1,400 grants totaling approximately $10,000,000 to 363 nonprofit organizations. In addition to grant funding, the Lenny Zakim Fund also provides its grantees with a complimentary array of benefits and services such as free seminars and workshops; pro bono or low cost legal services through our partners, DLA Piper and The Lawyers Clearinghouse; networking opportunities with their nonprofit peers; mentoring and best practice advice from LZF staff members; and, access to LZF board members, donors, and other supports who are eager to share their knowledge and expertise. Over the years, these resources have proven to the grantees to be as valuable – if not more so – than the money they receive. The Lenny Zakim Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization that relies upon the generosity of others to fund our annual operating budget, which includes our grants program. LZF is led by a highly efficient and talented three-person staff who is aided in its grant allocation and management assistance through a committed and active volunteer Board of Directors and Bridge Builder volunteers. LZF is able to keep its annual operating expenses low thanks to donated office space, accounting and audit, administrative and IT support it receives, as well as free or discounted communications, design, and printing services. As LZF looks ahead to the next 25 years, it is our hope that the need for the Lenny Zakim Fund will cease to exist as systemic inequity is rendered a thing of the past. Yet, we remain deeply committed to social justice and to the fundamental rights and dignity of all people. LZF pledges to continue to stand in solidarity with grassroots leaders as a partner, advocate, and funder to help change the course of people’s lives.
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REMEMBERING OUR FOUNDER & INSPIRATION, LENNY ZAKIM (1953-1999) “WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THINGS. IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH TO START A REVOLUTION OF THOUGHT AND SPIRIT. IT TAKES ONE PERSON AND THEN ANOTHER. WHEN IT WORKS, IT’S A WORK OF ART.” - LENNY ZAKIM Lenny Zakim believed that one person can change the world. During his 46 years he boldly demonstrated that truth time and again. His dedication to building connections and coalitions between people of different faiths, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds continues to have impact today, around Greater Boston and far beyond. The Lenny Zakim Fund, so proud to bear his name, is only one example of his profound ability to promote change. For twenty years, first as Civil Rights Director and then as Executive Director of the New England Region of the Anti-Defamation League, Lenny fought tirelessly to put an end to racism, antiSemitism, civil rights violations, and hatred of all kinds. Among his many accomplishments, he organized Boston’s first Black-Jewish seder, promoted conversation between Boston’s Catholic and Jewish communities, and created Team Harmony, bringing great athletes together with students to talk about teamwork, mutual understanding and respect. In 1985, Lenny worked with the AntiDefamation League to create a one-year anti-bias campaign in an effort to heal deep wounds caused by prejudice and racial discrimination in Boston. Called “ A World of Difference,” the program soon became a national curriculum and continues to inspire students, teachers, law enforcement and other community leaders in countries worldwide.
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After Lenny’s 1995 diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a rare cancer of the bone marrow, he soon recognized the need for complementary therapies to help people with cancer to cope with and endure the rigors of treatment. As a result, the Lenny Zakim Center for Integrated Therapies at Dana Farber was created and continues to offer a full range of complementary therapies today, celebrating its 20th anniversary earlier this year. Through the rest of his life Lenny never stepped away from his strong sense of community responsibility and, along with friends and other generous donors, established the organization we are celebrating tonight. The Lenny Zakim Fund was founded with a deep personal belief that extraordinary social change could be created at the grassroots level by advocating personal empowerment and community partnership. The mission was clear: They have the will. They have the creativity, but they lack the means. We give them the means. Lenny’s wife Joyce, and three grown children, Josh, Deena, and Shari are deeply involved with The Lenny Zakim Fund, as it continues to personify Lenny’s deep personal belief in advocating individual empowerment and community partnership as a means to better the lives of all people. The Lenny Zakim Fund symbolizes the work of a very special man who dedicated his life toward shaping a better society, one in which justice pervades and human differences are celebrated. And so it is fitting that we both celebrate the Lenny Zakim Fund’s 25th Anniversary and remember Lenny tonight on what would have been his 67th birthday.
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LZF DONOR HONOR ROLL As the Lenny Zakim Fund celebrates 25 years of grassroots solidarity, we would like to recognize and express our sincere gratitude to the following donors who have so generously and loyally supported LZF with lifetime gifts of $50,000 or more and those who have made gifts for 10, 15, 20, or more consecutive years. DONORS OF DISTINCTION Barr Foundation Joan and Steve Belkin Carol and Alan Bernon and the Carol and Alan J. Bernon Charitable Foundation Paul Bernon Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts The Boston Foundation Brian and Mary Carty Terri and Alan Chebot Cummings Foundation DLA Piper Michael and Manisha Eckton Michael Fanger and Linda Sattel Penny and Dan Fireman Cheryl Forte and the Orville W. Forte Charitable Trust Michael and Linda Frieze and the Frieze Family Foundation Courtney and Jason Goldie Jamie Golden Jerry and Marlene Goldstein and the Kaplan Goldstein Family Foundation Lisa Gordon and John Treadway Josie Greene and Glenn Asch and the Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation Grossman Marketing Group Zachary Haroutunian and the Barsoumian Foundation Hearts on Fire Anthony Hixon and Mr. Owl Foundation The Hyams Foundation Mark and Susan Irvings John and Sonia Lingos Family Foundation Charlotte Kaitz and family Suzi Kaitz and Jonathan Katz Caren Keller and David Boonshoft Seth and Beth Klarman and The Klarman Family Foundation | 12 | The Lenny Zakim Fund
George and Lizbeth Krupp Judi and Douglas Krupp and Krupp Family Foundation Richard Krupp Alan and Harriet Lewis, the Lewis Family Foundation, and Grand Circle Corporation Jay and Amy Beklin Monfeson Paul and Phyllis Fireman and The Paul and Phyllis Fireman Foundation The Prospect Fund Charles and Patty Ribakoff Robert and Gabriela Romanow RSM Sue Rothenberg Glenn and Susan Rothman Bobby and Elaine Sager and the Sager Foundation Joan Lenington and Rob Sherman Harold and Linda Schwartz Sam and Jessica Slater and The Slater Foundation Katherine Straus and the Luminous Web Foundation Ellie Starr Susan and Barry Tatelman and the Susan and Barry Tatelman Family Foundation Temple B’nai Israel Jeff and Penny Vinik and the Vinik Family Foundation Robert and Amy Shulman Weinberg Arthur Winn Simone Winston and Winston Flowers Mark and Ellie Winthrop Joyce Zakim and Peter Greenspan 20 TO 25 YEARS OF GENEROSITY Anonymous Alice and Michael Baker Brian and Mary Carty Janice Ditchek and Glenn Rosenbloom
Michael and Kitty Dukakis Michael and Linda Frieze and Frieze Family Foundation Mark and Janet Gottesman Steve and Barbara Grossman and the Grossman Family Fund Sandy and Roz Hollander Janet Kahan and Stanley Shulman Judi and Douglas Krupp and the Krupp Family Foundation Roberta and Alan Levinton Faith and Dick Morningstar Ross and Susan Neisuler Robert and Gabriela Romanow Glenn and Susan Rothman Bobby and Elaine Sager and the Sager Family Foundation Allison Schnipper Joan Lenington and Rob Sherman Ellie Starr Seth and Beth Klarman and The Klarman Family Foundation Gerald and Phyllis Zakim Joyce Zakim and Peter Greenspan Jack and Lydia Zakim Stuart Zakim 15 TO 19 YEARS OF SUPPORT Robert and Helen Alkon and Alkon & Levine, P.C. Richard and Rosemary Allen William and Roberta Anderson Philip and Cathy Angellis Judith Armell Carl and Andrea Axelrod Richard and Mary Barry Esther Bearg Edith Becker, Alison Hausler, and Florie Gold Joan and Dennis Beer Joan and Steve Belkin Eric and Sandy Brenman Mark and Andrea Brodin Michael and Marie Byrne Daniel and Claire Caine Mimi Callum Martin and Judy Charns Terri and Alan Chebot Henry and Mary Chidgey Dayl Cohen Richard and Debby Cole Billy and Bonnie Cook
Allen and Carole Davis Sidney and Cheryl Dockser Bruce and Mady Donoff Carol Donovan Marvin and Marilyn Eichner Michael Fanger and Linda Sattel Judith Fine Deborah Frank Frank Friedman and Sarah Kianovsky Hal and Laure Garnick Mitchell A. and Barbara S. Glazier Jude Goldman and Ed Braverman Abbe and Sally Greenberg Greenberg Foundation of Sioux City Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation Barbara and Jonathan Howard Drew Hyman Mark and Susan Irvings Peter and Maddy Jacobson Donna and Marty Kalikow Dennis and Carol Kanin Caren Keller and David Boonshoft Lisa Kessler Edward and Barbara Krupat Harriet and Paul Krupp Ed and Jill Kutchin Martin and Janice Labell Richard Lapchick and Ann Pasnak Gene and Katherine Lee Geoff Lewis and Amy Caplan Michael Lieberman and Randi Abramson Carl and Naomi Lopkin Marie Maurice Judith Meirowitz Tischler David and Carol Mersky Scot and Lorraine Miller Morris and Trudy Merker and Morris Merker and Co. Lewis and Esther Muhlfelder Charlayne Murrell-Smith and Kenneth Smith Larry and Muriel Nobel Daniel and Barbara Palant Allen Palmer and Nancy Feingold Palmer Maureen and John Pistorio David Pollock and Marion Cooper Pollock Kurt and Arlene Pressman Kenneth Preuss 25th Anniversary/No Show Ball 2020 | 13 |
James and Susan Rapoport Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation David Rogovin and Susan Liebeman Jeff Rosenberg and Marcia Cooper Jeffrey and Cheryl Sacks Judith Sallet Harold and Linda Schwartz Lawrence and Ellen Scult Risa Shames and Neil Silverston Steve Shulman and Debra Yanofsky Samuel Silverman Gary and Lynne Smith Stephen Smith Mark and Marjie Sokoll Benjamin and Renee Summers Donna, Eric and Amy Tehel Susan Tofias Keith and Susan Tornheim Herbert and Andrea Wheeler Jeffrey and Robyn Winik Mark and Ellie Winthrop Jerry Wishnow and Pei Pei Wu Audrey Zabin and Neal Levitan Louis Zand and Lynn Holden 10 TO 14 YEARS OF GIVING Jacques Abatto and David Goldman Christine Allen and David Huss Julie and Laurent Amouyal Betsy Amsel Eric and Jennifer Winn Aronson Carol Axelrod and Ed deFranceschi Suzanne and Arthur Back Jay and Amy Belkin Mofenson Judy and Glenn Bell Diane and Fred Berk Helen Berman Bernie Robbins Jewelers, Inc. Paul Bernon Arnold and Susan Biegen Jay Blitzman and Sandy Jaffe Jonathan Bornstein Marc Bransky Marjorie Bresler Lisa and Michael Bronner Rabbi Samuel and Jeanette Chiel Ellen Cohen and Daniel Haber Mitchell and Leslie Cohen George and Yolanda Cohen
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Stewart and Marie Cohen Cathy Colman Ranny Cooper and David Smith Sharon and Stuart Cott Senator Cynthia and Mr. Harvey Creem Elizabeth De Lima Alan Dershowitz and Carolyn Cohen Jim Dittmar and Deborah Kay Ed and Sheila Doctoroff Joan Doyle Michael and Roberta Drukman Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation Michael and Manisha Eckton Rosalie Eisen Robert and Esta Epstein and The Abbey Group Betsy Feldman Howard and Lori Fensterman Michael and Sandra Ferraro Bruce and Kathie Fieldman Kathryn and Richard Fields Marshall Forstein and Khari Farrell Cheryl Forte and the Orville W. Forte Charitable Trust Michael and Marina Fox Harvey and Brenda Freishtat and the Freishtat Family Fund Melvin Friedman Jeff and Laura Friedman Tamar and Kenneth Frieze Paul Fruitt Steve and Lori Gans Steven and Linda Gelda Jeffrey Gelpey Constance Gilson Richard Glantz Steven and Cindy Goldrich Neal Goldrich and Hildy Saperstein Ronni Goldsmith and Joe Donelan Jerry and Marlene Goldstein and Kaplan Goldstein Family Foundation Joe and Lynne Goodman Elson Harmon Hearts on Fire Kalman and Ellen Heller James Amherst Hill and Sherry Rose Hahn Neil Hodes and Beth Neiman Barry and Doris Hyman Roree Iris-Williams and Kerry Iris
Sol and Jackie Israel Michael Jacobs and Irene Sege Jacquelyn and Howard Furman Family Fund John and Sonia Lingos Family Foundation Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation Norman and Cydney Josephy Richard and Erica Kaitz Seymour and Joell Karas Steven and Michelle Karol Michael and Shelly Kassen Robert Keller Alan Khazei and Vanessa Kirsch Anthony and Lydia Komaroff Kevin and Ester O’Malley and the Law Office of Kevin O'Malley Louise and Aaron Lazare David and Celeste Lee Steve Lessin and Eva Victor Paula Leventman Lisa and Stuart Lewtan Richard and Roanne Licht Linda Lopas Melissa Ludtke Josh and Jessica Lutzker Mark Pesci, Inc. Susan McCoy Maureen and Michael McGoldrick William McPherson Jerome Medalie and Beth Lowd Bruce and Marcia Moore Ed and Joanne O'Connor Joseph and Carole O'Malley Robert and Leslie Ogan Panorama Jewelry Steven and Theresa Patrie Carolyn and Peter Lynch Marc and Bethlee Potolsky Michael and Julie Rand Janice Reagan and Wally Taylor Elaine and Bernard Reisman Charles and Patty Ribakoff Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Family Foundation Joseph and Ciara Rodio Lorna Rodio Franklin Ross RSM Barbara and Arnold Sager
Gail and John Samuelson and the Martha B. Korman Charitable Fund Jonathan Sarna and Ruth Langer Steven Schlang and Laurie Mass Harriet Schley David and Suzanne Schuller Linda Schwabe Ruth Shapiro Joel and Bonnie Shelkrot Julianne and Joseph Shelzi Dick and Patty Simon Robert Singer and Anne Rayman Mark Sklar Sam and Jessica Slater and The Slater Foundation Alan and Laurie Starr Larry Stifler and Mary McFadden Herman and Judith Swartz Susan and Barry Tatelman and the Susan and Barry Tatelman Family Foundation Temple Emanu-El Rick and Sandy Thau The Boston Foundation The Prospect Fund Ronni and Ronald Casty and The Ronald G. Casty Family Foundation Todd and Jill Tsakiris Helene and Maurice Tuchman Anita and Donald Tunis David Turok and Annabel Sheinberg Julie Watts Robert and Amy Shulman Weinberg Lesley Weiss Donald Wertlieb and Lorre Beth Polinger Kenneth and Barbara Wexler Stephen Whitfield Michael Whouley and Sally Kerans Arthur Winn Leon Wolf Jacques and Charlotte Wolf Josh and Grace Zakim Deena Zakim and Jesse Chebot Shari Zakim-Yacouby and Phil Yacouby Alice and Abe Zimelman Leslie and Ken Zises
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BRIDGE BUILDER AWARD RECIPIENT: DLA PIPER Tonight, as the Lenny Zakim Fund celebrates our 25th Anniversary, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for one particular supporter who has been an incredible champion of not only our organization, but many of our grant recipients over the past fifteen years: DLA Piper. Our relationship with DLA Piper began in 2005 thanks to Rob Sherman, a founding and longtime LZF board member and Senior Counsel at DLA Piper, who helped us to secure donated office space within their Downtown Crossing office when he joined the firm. The support LZF has received from DLA Piper over the years extends far beyond the beautiful, well-appointed office space, to include free use of their conference rooms and AV equipment for our numerous seminars, board and other meetings; administrative and back office support; and, pro bono legal services made available to LZF and to all current and past LZF grant recipients. A global law firm with law offices located in more than 40 countries, DLA Piper has had a long-standing commitment to providing pro bono legal services to “under-served regions around the world to support access to justice, social and economic development and sound legal institutions.” For the Lenny Zakim Fund and many of our grassroots partners, we have been incredibly fortunate to be represented by DLA Piper’s pro bono attorneys in a variety of legal matters, ranging from real estate disputes, to corporate matters, to civil and criminal proceedings. DLA Piper has been there for our grant partners at some of their most critical moments when their very own continued existence or the lives of those they serve have been on the line. Collectively, over the past fifteen years DLA Piper has donated well in excess of $500,000 in office space, administrative support, and pro bono legal services to the Lenny Zakim Fund. It is because of DLA Piper’s generous in-kind donations over the years that LZF has consistently been able to direct more money to fund our grants program and other resources to support the grassroots organizations who need and deserve our support each year. In recognition of our long-standing partnership with DLA Piper, we are pleased to honor the firm with the Lenny Zakim Fund’s Bridge Builder Award. We would like to express our gratitude to DLA Piper for the professional support and collegiality the firm and its people have shown our staff and grantees over the years. In addition to our own Rob Sherman, we would like to especially acknowledge and thank John Rattigan, managing partner, and Elaine Carmichael, office administrator, of DLA Piper’s Boston office, for their support and leadership and for fifteen years of standing in solidarity with the Lenny Zakim Fund.
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FROM JOHN RATTIGAN, DLA PIPER BRIDGE BUILDER AWARD RECEIPIENT We at DLA Piper are honored to be recognized at this historic moment as part of the Lenny Zakim Fund’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. DLA Piper is deeply committed to pro bono work, and as a global law firm, we devote significant resources to working with underserved communities throughout the world. In 2019, our lawyers and staff around the world devoted over 214,000 hours to pro bono initiatives, making us one of the largest providers of pro bono legal services globally. Our aim is to be innovative and collaborative in our efforts so that we can provide the best possible service to our pro bono clients, help improve access to justice, and help fortify a pro bono culture across the legal profession. We believe that we have a special responsibility to the communities where we live and work, and we take that responsibility seriously by partnering with cutting-edge organizations in the cities and regions where we have offices. In Boston, our 15-year partnership with the Lenny Zakim Fund, including serving as the Fund’s home, has been a tremendous success; it deepens our roots in the community and, in turn, gives grassroots organizations access to high-quality legal services. DLA Piper’s partnership with the Lenny Zakim Fund goes far beyond fulfilling our responsibility to engage in pro bono work. Providing a home for the Fund and critical legal support for the Fund’s grantees helps to deepen our commitment to the Boston community, sustains us, and helps us to be the best we can be as lawyers and as people. We at DLA Piper look forward to continuing our relationship with the Lenny Zakim Fund for many years to come. Congratulations to LZF on this 25th Anniversary Celebration. John Rattigan, Managing Partner of the Boston Office of DLA Piper
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SPEAKER AND MUSICAL PERFORMER BIOS RONNIE MILLAR Executive Director, Rian Immigrant Center Founded in 1989, the Rian Immigrant Center (www.riancenter. org), formerly the Irish International Immigrant Center, empowers immigrant and refugee families on the path to opportunity, safety, and a better future for all. Rian does this by providing legal, educational and resource and support services; advocating for just and humane immigration policies; and building community through our inclusion, civic engagement, and international exchange programs. As New England’s Welcome Center for immigrant and refugee families, Rian seeks to be proactive, responsive and innovative in meeting the needs of immigrant families. Ronnie joined the Rian Immigrant Center in 2011, initially serving as Deputy Director, before assuming the role of Executive Director in 2013. Ronnie has worked in social justice and community development for more than 15 years, as the Director of the Corrymeela Center in County Antrim – Ireland’s oldest peace and reconciliation center – and with the South Boston Boys and Girls Club. Upon immigrating to the United States, he worked at Digital Equipment Corporation as an engineer and manager for 14 years. As a graduate of the College of Public and Community Service at UMASS Boston, Ronnie has extensive experience in community work as a mediator and facilitator and serves on the boards of several community projects. ERIKA RODRIGUEZ Executive Director, Chica Project An LZF grantee since 2016, Chica Project (www.chicaproject. org) is committed to closing the opportunity gap for Latinas by empowering them with the skills, confidence, and network necessary for them to thrive personally and professionally. Chica Project is a statewide incubator of opportunities for Latina youth and other Women of Color, we operate at the nexus of youth development, women’s advancement, and Latino leadership. Chica Project offers a supportive intergenerational network of accomplished female role models and multicultural peers. Erika is a first-generation Dominican, born and raised in Boston. Erika’s passion is to empower youth of color to analyze power and oppression in society and to embrace their gifts, strengths, and leadership through love and the spirit of community. She first became involved with Chica Project as a volunteer mentor and conducted research for the organization before later becoming the organization’s Executive Director in 2017. Before leading Chica
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Project, she worked for Beantown Society and The City School. Erika is a recipient of the Boston Neighborhood Fellow Award and El Mundo Boston’s Latino 30 under 30 award. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Africana Studies from Simmons College. Erika was also a member of LZF’s first Transformational Leadership Cohort (TLC) program, which was launched in 2019. KAYLANY VICENTE 9th grade student, PieRSquared PieRSquared (www.piersquared.org) matches Boston middle and high school students with local college math professors, grad students and peer/mentor tutors for free math tutoring. The mission of PieRSquared is to help these students develop confidence and competence in math for the purpose of encouraging broader academic and career choices. Located within the Bolling Building (Boston Public Schools headquarters), PieRSquared was founded in 2015 by Beth Segers in partnership with Haley House (a former LZF grantee) who provides students with a free, healthy snack every day during after school hours. PieRSquared has been an LZF grantee since 2017. Kaylany is a 9th grader at the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, where this year she is studying geometry. She has been a regular member of PieRSquared since she started Algebra 1 and is joyful, curious, kind, and smart. JESSCX Jessica “JESSCX” Johnson is a Boston based artist who explores self-identity and Black life through collage, video art, mixed media works, and song. Combining Buddhist principles of mindfulness and presence with West African traditions of story-telling, JESSCX creates work intended to usher all who bear witness to it into states of reverence of the past, understanding of the present, and hope for futures to come. The Berklee College of Music trained artist exists at the intersection of visual and aural art-making. In 2019, her voice was spotlighted on the debut album of Warner Music Group signed rapper IDK, titled “Is He Real?” also featuring Tyler the Creator, Burna Boy, and Pusha T. JESSCX is the curator of the Black History Matters 365: Now and Forever exhibition on view at the Lunder Arts Center’s Raizes Gallery in Cambridge. JESSE TAITT Jesse is a pianist, composer, arranger, and educator, who developed his sensitivity and technical facility at Boston Arts Academy and Berklee College of Music, where he earned a dual degree in Jazz Composition and Professional Music. Jesse served as the music director for Jazz Urbane and is an active pianist in the Boston music scene.
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LENNY ZAKIM FUND GRANT RECIPIENTS 1996-2020 Since 1996 The Lenny Zakim Fund has made nearly 1,400 grants grants that total nearly $10,000,000 to 363 community organizations. Together, you and The Lenny Zakim Fund have made life better for thousands of people. Tonight we celebrate all the organizations in The Lenny Zakim Fund family. 3rd Eye Youth Empowerment
ACCESS ESOL
Aaron’s Presents
Action Against Asthma Program
A Better Tomorrow Services, Inc.
Adaptive Sports New England
A Suitable Image
AfterSchool Partners
Asian American Support and Resource Agency
African and American Friendship
Action for Boston Community Development, Summer Violence Prevention Program
Aaron's Presents
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African Bridge Network African Community Economic Development of New England
African Cultural Services (Africano Waltham) Aid to Incarcerated Mothers Alexander Matthew Mendes Memorial Fund All Dorchester Sports League, Inc. Alray Scholars Program
Adaptive Sports New England
American Chinese Christian Educational & Social Services America Scores New England Ana da Hora Workers Center Angkor Dance Troupe, Inc. Anna Myer Dancers Apprentice Learning Asian American Resource Workshop
Association of Haitian Women Association of Liberians of the Merrimack Valley Attleboro Area Interfaith Collaborative
BELL (Building Enterprises for Learning and Living) Foundation The Berea Seventh Day Adventist Academy Bethel AME Church
Attleboro Area Council of Churches
Bird Street Community Center
Autism Sprinter
Black Economic Justice Institute, Inc.
Backyard Growers BalletRox
Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence
Bosnian Community Center for Resource Development
Asian Women for Health, Inc.
Beantown Society
Boston Missionary Baptist Community Center Boston Youth Wrestling BMT Support Online
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Autism Sprinter
Boston Medical Center/Pediatric Assessment of Communication Boston Medical Center / Strive Project Health The Boston Project Ministries Boston Raiders Youth Football and Cheer Leading Club
Bobby Mendes Peace Legacy bodhi and mind yoga Books of Hope Boston Affordable Housing Coalition Boston Aging Concerns-Young & Old United, Inc. Boston Area Gleaners Boston Cancer Support Boston Center for Independent Living Boston Children Services Boston Children’s Chorus Boston City Singers
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Boston EDF Countdown to Kindergarten Boston Explorers The Boston Foundation Summer Safety Funder Collaboration Boston GLASS Community Center Boston Health Care for Homeless Boston Medical Center, The Breastfeeding Center
Boston Urban Youth Foundation Boston Workers Alliance Boston Youth Wrestling Bottom Line Brazilian Immigrant Center Brazilian Women’s Group Bread and Roses Housing Bread of Life Brockton After Dark
Boston Medical Center/Home Visit Program for Medical Reside
Brockton Interfaith Community
Boston Medical Center / The Kids Fund
Bruce Wall Ministries
Brookview House, Inc. Building Bridges Through Music
Cambridge Cares About AIDS, Youth on Fire
Center for Labor Education and Research
Cape Verdean Community Task Force
Center to Support Immigrant Organizing
Career Connections Collaborative Caribbean U-Turn Casa Myrna Vazquez Inc. Catholic Charities South CEDC of Southeastern MA Center for Communication in Medicine Center for Cooperative Development and Solidarity
Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores
City Mission Society of Boston City of Somerville, TADA Program City School City Stage Company
Centro Latino, Inc.
City Year
Charlestown Youth Ministry
CityKicks
Chica Project The Children’s Room Children’s Services of Roxbury/Youth and Police in Partnership Chinese Culture Connection Chinese Progressive Association Citizens for Safety City Life/Vida Urbana
CLASP/Quincy Geneva Cleveland-Marshall Community Center Coaching For Change Coalition for Asian Pacific American Youth Coalition for Social Justice Education Fund Codman Academy Charter School
English at Large
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Colonel Daniel Marr Boys and Girls Club Communities Together, Manos Felices Community Cooks Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts, Inc. Community Educational Center of the North End and East Boston, Inc. Community Service Care
Community Servings Concerned Citizens Committee Cooperative Artists Institute Cooperative Economics for Women Cooperative Metroplitan Ministries
Dennis McLaughlin House Dimock Community Health Center, Smart Kids Afterschool Disability Policy Consortium Discover Roxbury
Council of Churches of Springfield
Doc Wayne Youth Services
CVC Unido
Dorchester Bay EDC, Youthforce
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Empowering People for Inclusive Communities
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DARE Family Services/Fam Plan
Dorchester Youth Collaborative
Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition
Dream Out Loud Center Dreamfar High School Marathon, Inc. East African Community Outreach East Boston Ecumenical Community Council East Boston Social Centers, Inc. East End House Educational Development Group Empowering People for Inclusive Communities Encuentro Diaspora Afro English at Large
Essex County Community Organizing
Franklin Park Coalition
EV (Earthen Vessels, Inc.)
Friends of the Rafael Hernandez School
Express Yourself
Friends of the William E. Carter School
Families Creating Together
Friends of Yemin Orde
Families First Parenting Programs
Friends of Youth Opportunity Boston
Families for Justice as Healing
FriendshipWorks
Fathers’ Uplift
Fuller Craft Museum Future Chefs
First Five
Gang Peace
Food Link, Inc. The Food Project
Gateways: Access to Jewish Education
For Kids Only
Generations After
Found in Translation
Generations, Incorporated
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Muslim Justice League
Genuine Voices Girls’ LEAP Training Institute Good Grief GOTCHA, Grace Renaissance Academic Studies Progra Greater Boston Food Bank, Elderly Brown Bag Program Greater Boston Interfaith Organization Greater Boston Morehouse College Alumni Greater Boston PFLAG
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Greater Four Corners Action Coalition
Haley After School Program
Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Bi-lingual High School Intern Program
Handi Kids
Greater Lawrence Health Van
Haven Project, Inc.
Groundwork Southcoast Haddis Girma Continuity Forum, Inc. Haitian American Youth Soccer
Hands to Heart Center – Yoga for the People Hawthorne Youth and Community Center Health Care For All Healthy Malden Inc. Healthy Waltham
The Haitian Coalition
Hearts and Noses Hospital Clown Troupe
Haitian Coalition of Somerville
Hebron Food Pantry, Inc.
Haitian Multi-Service Center
HomeStart
National Domestic Workers Alliance
Lynn United for Change Empowerment Project
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Hospitality Homes Hull Lifesaving Museum, Maritime Apprentice Program Hyde Square Task Force Immigrants Family Service Institute (IFSIUSA) InnerCity Weightlifting Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion The Intergenerational Literacy Project Institute for PanAfrican Cultural Education
New England United 4 Justice
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Irish Immigration Center Island of Hope Jeremiah E. Burke High School, Attendance Incentive Program
Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center Journeys of Hope Justice at Work Kids Can Cook
Jewish Family & Children's Services, CHAI and Jewish Festival Program
Kids in Tech
The Jewish Musical Theatre Firelech
Laboure Center (Catholic Charities)
John Andrew Mazie Memorial Foundation
LaPinata
JOIN for Justice
The Knight News La Pinata
Latin American Health Institute
Pan African Cultural Educational Services Institute
Latin American Planning and Development Learning Works Lena Park Community Development Corporation, Reading Rainbow
Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts
Louis D. Brown Peace Institute
Leventhal-Sidman JCC/New American Teen
Lucy’s Love Bus
Living Independently for Equality Inc. (LIFE Center)
Lynn United for Change Empowerment Project Lynn Worker Center
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PieRSquared
LYSOA (Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advoacy) Madison Park Corporation Massachusetts Coalition of Domestic Workers Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition Massachusetts Voter Education Network Massachusetts Alliance on Teen pregnancy Massachusetts Respite Coalition Matahari Women Workers’ Center
Mobile Diagnostic Services
Mattapan Youth Soccer League, Inc.
Moreland Affordable Housing Corporation
McCormack Middle School 8th Grade Scholars
Most Precious Blood Church
Medicine Wheel Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Mobile Pantry Mill City Grows Mission Hill Youth Collaborative Mission SAFE Mission Works
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Multicultural Dropout Outreach Coalition/ One Step Closer Multi-Service Center musiConnects
Neighbor to Neighbor Massachusetts Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) Neighborhood Schools Neighbors Dorchester Youth United
Muslim Athletic League, Inc.
Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE)
Muslin Justice League
Neighbors Who Care
My Life My Choice
New England Coalition for Cancer Survivors
New England United 4 Justice New England Youth Soccer New Start Project North Shore Workers' Community Fund Notre Dame Education Center Notre Dame High School
Partners In Health, Haitian Teens Confront AIDS, Soldiers in Health
The Resource and Reclamation Center
Partners In Learning
Roxbury Comprehensive Health Center
Peace at Home
S.T.A.N.D.
Pediatric Respite Task Force
Safe Havens: The Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence
PieRSquared PAIR Project – Political Asylum/Immigration Representation
Safe Houses
PREP Solutions
Saheli, Support and Friendship South Asian Women
Project 10 East
Salem Cyberspace
ONE Lowell
Project FREE-Comm Boston Pub. Housing
Science Club for Girls
OTLC
Project HIP-HOP
OUT MetroWest
Project Think Different
On Common Ground On the Rise, Inc. One Can Help, Inc.
Our Deaf Survivors Center
Sibling Connections
Rachel's Table
Our Place Theater Project
Raising Our Children's Children
Our Restorative Justice
RAW Art Works
Our Space Our Place, Inc. Parent Child Home Program
The Shanbaro Community Association
Refugee Immigration Ministry Resiliency for Life
Si Se Puede Afterschool Sister Mary Hart Children’s Program Sisters Unchained Sitters without Borders
Resilient Sisterhood Project
Social Capital Inc.
Resilient Coders
Soldiers of Health
Parents' and Children's Services
Rise Above Foundation
Solutions at Work
Partakers, Inc.
ROCA, Inc.
Parenting Resource Associates
Sociedad Latina
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Somali Development Center Somerville Commission on Women, TADA! Somerville Community Corporation Songbird Sings South Boston en Accion Southcoast LGBTQ Network South End/Lower Roxbury Youth Workers' Alliance
Spare Change
Steps to Success
SpeakOUT Boston
Student Immigrant Movement
Spontaneous Celebrations Sportsmen's Tennis Club Sr. Mary Hart Children's Programs
The SAMund, upport for Young Adult Cancer Survivors
St. Anthony's Parish
Talking Information Center
St. Mark Community Education Program
TBC
Starlight Children's Foundation New England
Center for Cooperative Development and Solidarity (photo taken at Zumix, Inc.)
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Sudanese Education Fund
Teen Voices Teens Advocating a Global Vision Thrive Communities of Massachusetts
Timilty 54th Massachusetts Project
Waypoint Adventure, Inc.
To the Moon and Back
We Are Better Together
Transformational Prison Project (TPP)
WEATOC
Transition House, Dating Violence Intervention Troubadour Union of Minority Neighborhoods United Interfaith Action
Youth Options Unlimited
The Welcome Project West End House Boys & Girls Club of Allston-Brighton What’s Up Magazine Women Encouraging Empowerment, Inc. (WEE)
United Methodist Urban Services
Women in Community Development
United Somali Youth
Women of Means
Universal Human Rights International
Women’s Supported Housing and Empowerment
Up You Mighty Race Performing Arts Company
Worcester Interfaith
UTEC
Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP)
Victory Christian Assembly of God Viet AID (Vietnamese American Initiative for Development, Inc.) Virginia Thurston Healing Garden
YouthHub YWCA of Malden, Entrepreneurial Networking Group for Immigrant Women YWCA of Greater Lawrence, Women's Health Advocacy ZUMIX, Inc.
The Women’s Theological Center
Urban Dreams Venturing Out
YOFES, Open Access to Music Education for Children
WriteBoston Yad Chessed The Yellow Brick Road Project Yellow Jackets Youth Organization
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2020 LENNY ZAKIM FUND GRANT RECIPIENTS AARON’S PRESENTS
ANDOVER, AARONSPRESENTS.ORG
Within his brief life, Aaron’s strength of spirit, his will to live, and his ability to elicit love and compassion, inspired his parents to honor him by creating Aaron’s Presents.
Founded in 2014, Aaron’s Presents’s mission is “Inspiring kids to give of themselves for the good of the world.” They envision a world where children learn to seek happiness, healing, and purpose by giving of themselves with empathy and passion for the benefit of others. They do this by offering young kids (8th grade and below) a rare hands-on opportunity to create and lead a positive project that benefits others.
ADAPTIVE SPORTS NEW ENGLAND BOSTON, ADAPTIVESPORTSNE.COM
Increasing participation in sports among youth and young adults who have visual or mobility impairments.
This organization offers young adults with visual or mobility challenges training, sports clubs, and teams to help them take part in the sport they love. Coaches are dedicated to ensuring that youth and young adults who have visual or mobility impairments know that they can participate in sports. Participants can choose from a wide range of sports, including running, skiing, rugby, basketball, archery, sled hockey, swimming, and skating, to name only a few.
AFRICAN BRIDGE NETWORK NEWTON, AFRICANBN.ORG
Giving Immigrant African Professionals the Tools For Success
The African Bridge Network (ABN) supports African immigrants with high levels of education and professional experience and/or capabilities who may find themselves under employed. ABN has reached out to this high skilled immigrant population which is truly untapped talent. Through professional networking, mentoring, a speaker series and workshops, recently arrived immigrants achieve their potential.
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AFRICAN CULTURAL SERVICES
WALTHAM, AFRICANOWALTHAM.ORG
Developing outreach, programming, and community within African immigrant and low-income families who would otherwise not have access to out-of-school support.
African Cultural Services (Africano) offers students and families opportunities to explore, interact with, and broaden their knowledge about their communities and themselves. This includes activities such as African dance, Africa in the classroom, the performing arts, music and art making, academic support, healthy snacks, gymnastics, and field trips. Africano also provides monthly community cultural events, professional development workshops, and in-school visits.
ATTLEBORO AREA INTERFAITH COLLABORATIVE
ATTLEBORO, ATTLEBOROAREAINTERFAITHCOLLABORATIVE.ORG
Advancing a healthy, secure and meaningful life for all within the community.
With multi-faith understanding and compassion, Attleboro Area Interfaith Collaborative (AAIC) alleviates hunger, promotes stability, and inspires the community to thrive through coordinating community resources for those in need. Their programs alleviate hunger and food insecurity, inspire interfaith activities, and build community leaders.
AUTISM SPRINTER
RANDOLPH, AUTISMSPRINTER.ORG
Social Skills Play, Family Support Groups and Community Forums
Information and spread joy for families of color with Autistic children Autism Sprinter supports low-income black and brown families with Autistic children who are frequently denied critical information and deprived of resources because of economic circumstances, linguistic and cultural heritage, and access to social capital. To combat this, Autism Sprinter supports a grassroots coalition of hundreds of families of color through an active web and social media presence, provides direct programming and organizes events.
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BACKYARD GROWERS
GLOUCESTER, BACKYARDGROWERS.ORG
Improving the health and wellness of low to moderate income Gloucester families by increasing access to, and consumption of, fresh vegetables.
Backyard Growers (BYG) is a grassroots organization helping to reshape Gloucester’s relationship with food. BYG provides resources and support to establish vegetable gardens at homes, housing communities, organizations, and schools, creating life-long gardeners inspired by the power of growing one’s own food. BYG has three programs: Schoolyard Gardens; Backyard Gardens; and Community Gardens.
BALLETROX
JAMAICA PLAIN, BALLETROX.INFO
BalletRox dance programs not only provide dance training, but also contribute to students’ social development and teach valuable life skills.
BalletRox offers youth who would not otherwise have the opportunity a chance to participate in a structured, disciplined, multi-year dance program with pathways to the mastery of dance and the development of leadership skills. Participants work closely with professional instructors who are skilled in dance instruction and youth development in an environment that is warmly accepting of all. The impact is that youth experience first-hand how focused effort leads to high-quality artistic work, increased creative and leadership abilities, and the joy and pride that come with belonging to a supportive, extended community.
BOSTON AFFORDABLE HOUSING COALITION BOSTON, MAHT.ORG
Preserving and improving at-risk HUD buildings as permanently affordable housing with a maximum of resident participation, ownership and control.
Boston Affordable Housing Coalition (d/b/a Mass Alliance of HUD Tenants) organizes tenant groups to increase their collective bargaining strength and access with owners, HUD, and other agencies. The nation’s first and most accomplished area-wide HUD tenant coalition, this organization is the only resident-run, membership coalition providing organizing and technical assistance to HUD tenants in Eastern and Central Massachusetts.
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BRAZILIAN WOMEN’S GROUP BRIGHTON, VERDEAMARELO.ORG
Started and run by Brazilian immigrant women, the Brazilian Women’s Group offers a vital resource for Brazilian immigrant women, empowering them in their workplaces, families, and communities.
The Brazilian Women’s Group (BWG) is a grassroots organization committed to improving the lives of Brazilian immigrant women and the wider Brazilian immigrant community of Boston. The BWG empowers Brazilian women to fight the myriad of injustices facing immigrants outside of and within the immigrant community, confronting such issues as domestic abuse, immigration, and work violations.
BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH MUSIC LYNN, BBTMUSIC.ORG
By bringing diverse neighboring communities together for the purpose of increasing cultural awareness and racial harmony using music, dance, and dramatic presentation, bridges are crossed, and multicultural connections are made.
Building Bridges Through Music’s Groove School, A Sharp After School Education Through Music Program uses music as a catalyst to integrate STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, math, and music), social skills development, music instruction, performance, and Music as a Second Language. Project No Limits offers performance opportunities to those facing physical challenges and intellectual disabilities.
CENTER FOR COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT & SOLIDARITY (CCDS) EAST BOSTON, CCDSEASTBOSTON.ORG
CCDS contributes their experience to create alternative economic and democratic processes based on collective care and put people and the environment over profit.
CCDS provides technical, educational, and organizational support to groups exploring workers’-owned cooperatives that will create opportunities for decent work and living wages for low-income immigrants of our community. CCDS will forward the cooperative culture because we believe it will create sustainable and permanent social and economic change.
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CENTRO COMUNITARIO DE TRABAJADORES NEW BEDFORD, CCT-NEWBEDFORD.ORG
Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores (CCT) assists refugees who have escaped civil war, the trauma of domestic violence, and other challenges to establish themselves here with respect and grace.
CCT is run by indigenous and immigrant Central American and other Latino workers to advance their human rights. CCT educates workers about their rights, advocates with them to protect against abuses, and organizes them at work sites and in the community to change abusive conditions.
CHICA PROJECT
BOSTON, CHICAPROJECT.ORG
Chica Project is focused on a future where every Latina will have access to the education, experiences, and guidance required to realize her true potential through concerted leadership development and a pipeline of intergenerational Latina mentors.
The mission of Chica Project is to close the opportunity divide for Latinas by empowering them with the skills, confidence, and network necessary to thrive personally and professionally. This is done through a volunteerbased mentorship program that connects young Latina women with Latina women who are successful in business, medicine, government, law, and many other fields.
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS (CEDC) NEW BEDFORD, CEDC-SM.ORG
Immigrants know they can count on the staff of Community Economic Development Center of SE MA (CEDC-SE MA) to provide vital services in a culturally competent manner. From tax prep to ESOL, CEDC-SE MA has their community covered.
The CEDC of SE MA seeks to create a more just local economy by building bridges to resources, networks, and cooperative action with poor and working families of the New Bedford area. They have been successful advocating for longer bus hours, support for small businesses, and provide valuable tax services for immigrants.
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DREAM OUT LOUD CENTER, INC.
NEW BEDFORD, DREAMOUTLOUDCENTER.ORG
The Dream Out Loud Center provides a supportive environment for both youth and adults who are pursuing a creative path and/or career.
The mission of The Dream Out Loud Center (DOLC) is to empower South Coast residents, in particular youth, to advance personal and career goals through inspiration, education and mentoring. The main program is a year-long, 8-week Creative Careers Program offered to New Bedford youth at no cost. All members participate in classes and utilize DOLC’s writing space, graphic design lab, music production equipment, band space and recording studio, while participating in business seminars and career-related discussions and being given a chance to be involved in the production of their publications, CDs, television shows, videos, theatrical productions, and/or musical performances.
EMPOWERING PEOPLE FOR INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES (EPIC) BOSTON & WORCESTER, EPICLEADERS.ORG
EPIC prepares young people with disabilities to be active community leaders through education, leadership development, and community service; and advocates for the community to put an end to Ableism and accept inclusion.
EPIC programs include: Community Trainings to educate community leaders on disability issues; Service Warriors, a corps of youth with disabilities that showcases their talents and skills; and the Young Leaders program, which helps develop the skills young people need to advocate for themselves.
ENCUENTRO DIASPORA AFRO
JAMAICA PLAIN, DIASPORAAFRO.BLOGSPOT.COM
Encuentro Diaspora Afro mobilizes and inspires the Afro-Latino community into action for racial justice and empowers young Afro-Latina women to be leaders in their community.
Encuentro Diaspora Afro is dedicated to dismantling racism, improving the lives of women and men of African descent, and creating a just society. Through organizing, education, training, and dialogue, Encuentro mobilizes the Afro-Latino community for racial and social justice, empowers youth, and builds bridges between Latino and African-American communities.
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ENGLISH AT LARGE
WOBURN, ENGLISHATLARGE.ORG
Students drive their education and identify what’s important for them to navigate their new life in America in this innovative ESOL organization.
English learners are often discouraged by breadth of the task ahead of them. By teaching English through context, English at Large’s volunteer driven, student-centered framework engages students by meeting them where they are. This gives students the tools and the confidence to succeed from the jump.
FAMILIES CREATING TOGETHER
JAMAICA PLAIN, FAMILIESCREATINGTOGETHER.ORG
Families Creating Together (FCT) creates much needed social, emotional and community support for children with disabilities and their families through expressive arts and emphasizes connections across generations.
Families Creating Together helps to create healthy families. By working with the whole family, including siblings who do not have a disability, and across generations, Families Creating Together fills a gap in supports for kids with disabilities, provides children and parents the tools they need to weather adversity, and helps to tell the unique story of each participant.
FAMILIES FOR JUSTICE AS HEALING BOSTON, JUSTICEASHEALING.ORG
With a focus on community wellness alternatives, the mission of Families for Justice as Healing is to reduce the incarcerated women population and raise awareness of the impact on children and communities of the incarceration of women.
This group of formerly incarcerated women and their children are active participants in legislative advocacy and community outreach. Through organizations and petitions, they work to change the culture in the United States that turns to prison for solutions.
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GROUNDWORK SOUTHCOAST
NEW BEDFORD, GROUNDWORKSOUTHCOAST.ORG
Investing in environmental leadership of youth and communities that builds racial and social equity in the south coast of Massachusetts through hands-on environmental projects.
Groundwork Southcoast (GWSC) invests in developing environmental leadership of youth and residents that builds racial and social equity to steward urban waterways and brownfields in environmental justice communities in southeastern Massachusetts. Through sustained regeneration, improvement and management of the physical environment, GWSC develops community-based partnerships that empower people, businesses and organizations to promote environmental, economic and social well-being.
HANDS TO HEART CENTER
BOSTON, HANDSTOHEARTCENTER.ORG
Yoga for the people: builds resilience, reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression & PTSD, is trauma informed and accessible to all, regardless of ability and income.
Hands to Heart Center (HTHC) shares the healing practice of yoga with people affected by addiction, poverty and trauma in Greater Boston. Through their high quality, customized yoga classes, HTHC works with non-profit organizations and high-poverty schools in Boston that serve vulnerable populations to develop and teach individualized classes that promote healing, increase capacity and build resilience.
HEALTHY WALTHAM
WALTHAM, HEALTHY-WALTHAM.ORG
Promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being for families and under-served populations in Waltham.
Through educational and collaborative programs that engage residents in healthy cooking and gardening, physical activity, and involvement in natural open space within the community, Healthy Waltham sponsors programs including: Healthy Eating to provide cooking demonstrations, workshops, and programs to increase fruit and vegetable consumption; Active Living, encouraging physical activity, such as community walks; Learning Gardens,in partnership with schools and other groups to teach appreciation for the Earth and where our food comes from; Events and Outreach to promote healthy lifestyles and civic engagement; Collaborations on wellness activities; and Advisory Groups, such as committees and organizations engaged in health policy and wellness.
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IMMIGRANT FAMILY SERVICES INSTITUTE (IFSI) ROSLINDALE, IFSI-USA.ORG
Haitian youth face isolation from non-Haitian peers and alienation from parents who are slower to acculturate. Through the music and a weekend academy, they and their parents build a path to success.
IFSI’s music and weekend academy programs target children of immigrants living in the Greater Boston area. The music program meets five days a week and serves up to 75 children. Through private and group lessons, participants develop the skills needed to be enlisted in an orchestra. IFSI has a wind and a string ensemble to allow participants to try different types of instruments before making their final choices. Participants also attend the weekend academy to help fill their academic gaps. Tutors are available to meet individually with students.
INSTITUTE FOR PAN AFRICAN CULTURAL EDUCATION MATTAPAN, PACEACHIEVEMENT.ORG
After school ends, the sound of happy children can be heard throughout the Mattahunt and Mildred Avenue Community Centers while they participate in the holistic curriculum of The Institute for Pan African Cultural Education.
PACE provides a fun and educational space for kids aged 5-17 in the Mattapan community. Through their Straight A’s Initiative (arts, academics, athletics, awareness is achievement) P.A.C.E. engages, encourages, and empowers young people. In addition to their academic support, P.A.C.E. provides martial arts, dance, music, cultural arts, and basketball programs to instill teamwork, self-discipline, and self-esteem through performance and competition.
KIDS IN TECH
LOWELL, KIDSINTECH.ORG
Creating the next generation of technology-savvy leaders through after-school computer science programs for kids and advancing computer literacy for all.
Kids in Tech excites, educates, and empowers children to use technology to promote a positive environment and foster lifelong interest through their after-school programming. Greater Lowell is experiencing rising growth in the technology sector. Kids in Tech strives to ensure that all students develop the necessary tech skills and aptitudes to participate in the 21st century innovation economy.
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LEVEL GROUND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS DORCHESTER, LEVELGROUNDMMA.ORG
Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts (LGMMA) unleashes the strength, power, and ingenuity of youth to fight for - and seize - their dreams.
LGMMA leverages the sports of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Boxing to cultivate positive relationships with and among youth exposed to some of the highest levels of poverty and violence in the city. LGMMA serves over 110 youth weekly in their Upham’s Corner studio and at after-school sites. One of the primary goals of LGMMA is ensuring that 100% of their seniors enter into college, a workforce development program, or directly into meaningful employment after graduation from high school.
LIVING INDEPENDENTLY FOR EQUALITY BROCKTON, LIFECENTERORG.COM
Providing opportunities for isolated individuals with physical disabilities to enjoy social interaction and find new meaning in their lives.
Living Independently For Equality (LIFE) kindles friendships within the community by offering activities in an accessible space. Their services include transportation, therapeutic and occupational therapy via crafting, and providing information, referral and advocacy assistance for members needing help in obtaining medical, social, and legal services.
LYNN UNITED FOR CHANGE EMPOWERMENT PROJECT LYNN, LYNNUNITED.ORG
Eviction and foreclosure plague Lynn’s low-income residents. Lynn United for Change and Empowerment is fighting back against unjust evictions and foreclosures.
The Lynn United for Change Empowerment Project (Lynn United) makes a difference in the lives of individuals by building social movements that can win systemic change. Lynn United bridges the gap between social service casework and social justice organizing by providing Lynn residents with the direct support, advice, and information needed in order to effectively address their own individual problems, while also becoming active participants in collective efforts to address the root causes of social problems, foreclosures, and evictions.
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LYNN WORKER CENTER
LYNN, FACEBOOK.COM/LYNNWORKERCENTER1 Empowering immigrant workers to fight for their rights
The Lynn Worker Center supports vulnerable, low-wage, immigrant workers as it combats wage theft, employee misclassification, and other injustices by providing direct, member-to-member support to immigrant workers who have suffered wage theft, discrimination, accidents and sexual harassment, and provides ongoing trainings about racism.
LYNN YOUTH STREET OUTREACH ADVOCACY (LYSOA) LYNN, LYSOA.ORG
Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy (LYSOA) offers youth an opportunity to find solutions to their differences other than violence
LYSOA’s purpose is to reach out to youth, young adults and their parents lacking a positive direction in life. LYSOA interacts on a street level, building relationships and offering the following services: job search, education referrals, community development, and family development. In collaboration with the Lynn Juvenile Probation Department, they assist youth with the different types of behavioral challenges they are facing on a daily basis. LYSOA also offers at-risk and proven risk youth conflict resolution by using mediation techniques.
MASSACHUSETTS COALITION OF DOMESTIC WORKERS BOSTON, MASSDOMESTICWORKERS.ORG
Bringing racial and social justice and dignity to all domestic workers in Massachusetts.
The driving force in passing the MA Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights (BoR) in April 2014, the Massachusetts Coalition of Domestic Workers (MCDW) educates and supports domestic workers in asserting their rights. Part of their educational programming includes training leaders from the community to organize for equitable treatment of domestic workers.
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MASSACHUSETTS TRANSGENDER POLITICAL COALITION BOSTON, MASSTPC.ORG
Confronting civil and human rights issues head on, MTPC works to end oppression and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.
Founded in 2001, MTPC is dedicated to creating awareness and counteracting the effects of transphobia, stigmatization, discrimination, oppression, poverty, and violence against transgender communities through programs and advocacy. MTPC works to improve the lives of Massachusetts transgender youth, adults, and their families through community organizing, leadership development, public education and awareness campaigns, training and educating policy makers, and advocacy.
MATAHARI WOMEN WORKERS’ CENTER BOSTON, MATAHARIJUSTICE.ORG
When marginalized groups engage in arenas of public debate, their voices work to reverse historic oppression.
Matahari Women Workers’ Center is a Greater Boston organization where women of color, immigrant women, and families come together as sisters, workers, and survivors to make improvements in their own lives and in society, and work toward justice and human rights. Under the guiding principle that all people are entitled to equal rights, dignified lives, and the opportunity to participate in movements for social justice, their mission is to end gender-based violence and exploitation.
MUSLIM JUSTICE LEAGUE
BOSTON, MUSLIMJUSTICELEAGUE.ORG
The mission of Muslim Justice League is to educate, organize, and advocate for human and civil rights that are violated or threatened under national security pretexts.
Muslim Justice League (MJL) offers community education and mobilization, facilitation of cross-movement solidarity, legal advocacy, and cultivation of an environment in which pride in Muslim identity flourishes. MJL prioritizes advocacy against dangerous “countering violent extremism” (CVE) programs piloted by federal agencies in Greater Boston. They also provide Know Your Rights workshops at mosques, schools, and community centers, and provide free legal representation to those approached for questioning by the FBI or Joint Terrorism Task Force.
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NEIGHBORS WHO CARE
WALTHAM, NEIGHBORSWHOCARE.NET
Neighbors Who Care matches volunteers with seniors who may find themselves isolated or having a hard time doing life-giving activities, such as getting groceries or going to the hair dresser.
Neighbors Who Care (NWC) is a volunteer organization serving the unmet needs of seniors and chronically ill adults in the spirit of St. Marguerite d’Youville. NWC matches volunteers with home-bound elders and chronically ill adults to alleviate isolation and loneliness by supporting activities that allow seniors to stay in their homes and help them celebrate this stage of life, all at no charge. NWC volunteers provide everything from escorting seniors to doctor’s appointments, walking with those too frail to walk alone, bringing them to hairdresser appointments, enjoying conversation over a cup of coffee, or playing countless games of Scrabble.
NEW ENGLAND UNITED 4 JUSTICE (NEU4J) DORCHESTER, NEWENGLANDUNITED4JUSTICE.ORG
NEU4J believes that organized working-class communities can harness their power to radically transform the housing sphere.
Boston is one of the most rapidly gentrifying cities, where stagnant income and skyrocketing housing costs put thousands of low-income and working-class families, especially in communities of color, at risk of displacement. In Boston, working-class communities of color do not have a voice in planning and decision making in our communities.
ONE CAN HELP, INC.
NEWTON, ONECANHELP.ORG
When our neediest children and parents find themselves in the juvenile court system, they’re often without any resources. Finding the support to overcome homelessness, trauma or psychological challenges can seem next to impossible.
One Can Help steps in. One Can Help works with court-appointed attorneys and social workers to provide clients at risk with small grants when no other aid is available to help break the cycle of deprivation and hopelessness. They provide support for basic needs, transportation, school, and much more to ensure recovery and success.
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OUR SPACE OUR PLACE, INC
BOSTON, OURPLACEOURSPACE.ORG
Our Space Our Place (OSOP) offers a respectful, accessible, fun environment for elementary through high school students who are legally blind to participate in sports, the arts, community service, and mentoring.
OSOP helps prepare blind youth for their future as productive, successful adults by promoting self-confidence, determination, and social and independent living skills through activities that support self exploration, social integration, and the investigation of college and career opportunities. Their guiding principles are: respect for each other; inclusion of all; safety to explore; and challenge of perceived limits.
PARTAKERS
AUBURNDALE, PARTAKERS.ORG
Setting up those who are currently incarcerated for success when they return to their communities by providing them with mentorships while they work towards a college degree.
Partakers sets incarcerated people up for success when they return to their communities by providing them with mentorships while they work towards a college degree. Partakers’ College Behind Bars program partners with incarcerated people as they work towards a bachelor’s degree. Their one-on-one mentoring builds the trust and connects incarcerated people to the resources each individual needs to succeed in their coursework and integrate successfully once they are released from prison.
PIERSQUARED
ROXBURY, PIERSQUARED.ORG
Math Tutoring + Pizza = Broader academic and career choices for Boston’s youth.
Providing students with qualified math tutors and a free, healthy snack during after-school hours, PieRSquared supports and extends the strengths of local schools. Matching students with local college math professors, graduate students, and peer/mentor tutors helps students develop problem-solving skills and rigor; confidence with math; the ability to work alone and with others; and a collegial work ethic. PieRSquared also offers special tutoring hours for adults seeking math support for GED and college preparation, job development, or interest in learning a new branch of math.
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RACHEL’S TABLE
WORCESTER, RACHELSTABLE.ORG
Every child should have access to milk, but it is often a luxury struggling families cannot afford. Rachel’s Table secures milk for Worcester’s children, provides vital food aid, and prevents food waste.
The problem of hunger in the Worcester area is severe. Rachel’s Table’s mission is to end hunger in Worcester and reduce food waste. They accomplish this through providing food aid for those who need it most. Their innovative food rescue program reduces food waste by taking donations from markets, restaurants, companies, schools, and individuals and redistributing these donations to homes, shelters, programs, and food pantries.
RESILIENT SISTERHOOD (RSP) BOSTON, RSPHEALTH.ORG
RSP strengthens the education, independence, and capabilities of black women and their children and supports the healthy development of girls as the foundation for their adult lives.
RSP educates and empowers black women regarding diseases of the reproductive system that disproportionately affect them. They approach these diseases and associated issues through a cultural and social justice lens, because poor knowledge of reproductive health is primarily related to racial, health care, and socioeconomic disparities.
SAHELI
BURLINGTON, SAHELIBOSTON.ORG
Saheli provides a range of important services for immigrant women who have been victims of domestic violence.
Saheli’s mission is to empower South Asian immigrant women and families to lead safe and healthy lives in the U.S. Saheli provides support by offering legal and citizenship information; computer and English-language classes; career and empowerment support; violence prevention education; and physical and mental health resources.
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SIBLING CONNECTIONS
SOMERVILLE, SIBLINGCONNECTIONS.ORG
Supporting the creation of enduring family relationships and community connections for sisters and brothers separated by foster care.
Children in foster care have been separated from their homes, their parents, and their neighborhoods. More than half have also been separated from their sisters and brothers. Sibling Connections helps siblings in foster care stay connected through: Sibling Sundays, providing siblings with year-round opportunities to strengthen their sibling connection; Camp To Belong MA, a week-long camp to help brothers and sisters to create lifetime memories; and Youth Leadership Programs to provide leadership training and practice for young adults in foster care.
SITTERS WITHOUT BORDERS
BOSTON, SITTERSWITHOUTBORDERS.COM
Committed to helping working parents pursue higher education and elevate their economic position.
Sitters Without Borders (SWOB) offers free and low-cost evening babysitting services to low-income parents attending college in the Greater Boston area. By providing a service necessary for low-income parents who are in college and would otherwise face the risk of dropping out, SWOB reduces the education and economic gap found in greater Boston communities.
SOUTHCOAST LGBTQ NETWORK
NEW BEDFORD, SCLGBTQNETWORK.ORG
Building and maintaining a comprehensive network for LGBTQ individuals and families in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Enriching the lives of LGBTQ individuals and families across the age spectrum, Southcoast LGBTQ Network works with governmental, community-based organizations, and private entities to ensure that LGBTQ individuals are treated with respect and dignity. This includes assessing, advocating, and supporting programming needs to ensure the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ individuals in the community, such as housing, education, employment, and mental and physical health.
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SPEAKOUT BOSTON
BOSTON, SPEAKOUTBOSTON.ORG
A community of speakers working toward a world free of homo-bi-trans-phobia and other forms of prejudice by telling the truths of their lives and encouraging audiences to “Ask us anything.�
SpeakOUT provides education about LGBTQIA issues and trains individuals and organizations to use public speaking as a means of creating positive cultural change. By sharing their lives and experiences publicly to support those struggling with sexuality and gender identity and educating within communities, they engage audiences in honest dialogue and invite any questions that may challenge harmful stereotypes and misconceptions.
STUDENT IMMIGRANT MOVEMENT BOSTON, SIMFORUS.COM
Undocumented students come together to reach their full academic potential through post-secondary education without the threat of deportation and with instate tuition.
Student Immigrant Movement (SIM) is founded by and for undocumented immigrant students. Drawing from their unique experiences in the educational system, they work toward access to in-state tuition and citizenship. They identify, recruit, and develop local leaders committed to improving their communities through relationship building, leadership development, organizing, and ongoing campaigns.
THRIVE COMMUNITIES OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL, THRIVEMA.ORG
Cultivating genuine experiences of community that are inclusive of all, and defining people not by their experiential differences, but by the best parts of their character.
THRIVE seeks to address the challenges faced by men and women as they return from prison to public society, particularly the challenge of connection to community, including underlying racial and economic stress and disparities, negative stigma and distrust, and the institutionalization of returning citizens. This community-based response to the challenges of re-entry helps communities learn how to heal themselves and address systemic barriers to re-entry.
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TO THE MOON AND BACK
PLYMOUTH, 2THEMOONANDBACK.ORG
Providing support, education, and advocacy for the littlest victims of the opioid epidemic
To the Moon and Back organizes support, education, and advocacy groups for children born with in utero substance exposure and their families. Services include consultation, care packages, and annual conferences. While focused in the Plymouth area, their resource guide can be found across the state.
TRANSFORMATIONAL PRISON PROJECT NEWTONVILLE, TRANSFORMPRISON.ORG
The Transformational Prison Project (TPP) — staff, volunteers, incarcerated leaders, and advisors—is pioneering the path towards restorative justice in the Massachusetts criminal legal system.
TPP began with restorative justice (RJ) groups inside prisons. TPP’s RJinformed reading, yoga, and Victim Offender Education Groups help individuals understand what led to their criminal behavior, feel empathy for their victims and communities, be accountable, and internalize responsibility in their future choices. TPP’s work includes an innovative program of practical education and RJ opportunities for correctional officers and other prison staff.
WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER BOSTON, WAB2G.ORG
Educating, supporting, and serving families on both sides of gun violence in order to break cycles of violence and victimization.
We Are Better Together works with families of victims and offenders who want to take ownership of what’s happening in their homes and community and find pathways to healing. They provide community healing, as well as leadership and violence prevention planning to disrupt cycles of violence and trauma.
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THE WELCOME PROJECT
SOMERVILLE, WELCOMEPROJECT.ORG
Innovative programs, community engagement, and effective collaborations build leadership for Somerville’s immigrant youth and families.
The Welcome Project offers programs for immigrant and lower-income families at the Mystic Housing Development and throughout Somerville to build leadership and personal development skills, provide access to employment and education, and help residents learn English and the nuances of a new culture to enable them to engage in the civic life of the city.
WORCESTER INTERFAITH
WORCESTER, WORCESTERINTERFAITH.NET
Worcester Interfaith develops leaders and organizes power to work for social justice and change.
Worcester Interfaith builds bridges between congregational and community leaders and across religious, socio-economic, racial and ethnic boundaries to accomplish much in the areas of jobs, neighborhood improvements, public safety, education and youth, and draw attention to the disproportionate ways in which these issues affect low-income and minority populations.
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Backyard Growers
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COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FUND GRANT RECIPIENTS In March, as the COVID-19 pandemic was disproportionately affecting the communities served by The Lenny Zakim Fund, the LZF COVID-19 Emergency Response and Recovery Fund was lanched to help our current and former grantees maintain staff, services, and programs through the first few challenging and uncertain months of the pandemic. Thanks to the generosity of many, LZF award $347,925 in grants throughout the summer months to 52 current and former grantees who are listed below. Aaron's Presents African Community Economic Development Of New England (ACEDONE) African Cultural Services Asian Women for Health Association of Haitian Women in Boston/Asosiyasyon Fanm Ayisyen nan Boston (AFAB) Autism Sprinter Backyard Growers Beantown Society Black Economic Justice Institute Boston Cancer Support Boston Missionary Baptist Community Center Boston Youth Wrestling Brazilian Worker Center Building Bridges Through Music Cape Verdean Association of Boston Center for Cooperative Development and Solidarity (CCDS) Chica Project Community Cooks Community Economic Development Center (CEDC of SE MA) East Boston Ecumenical Community Council Educational Development Group English At Large Families for Justice as Healing Hawthorne Youth and Community Center
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Healthy Waltham Hebron Food Pantry Immigrant Family Services Center Institute for Pan African Cultural Education Justice at Work Kids in Tech Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts Lucy’s Love Bus Lynn United for Change Empowerment Project Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy Merrimack Valley Project Neighbors United for a Better East Boston New England United 4 Justice PieRSquared Refugee Immigration Ministry Resilient Sisterhood Project Rise Above Foundation Saheli Sisters Unchained Somali Development Center Southcoast LGBTQ Network The Boston Project Ministries The Haven Project The Welcome Project We Are Better Together WEATOC, Inc. Women Encouraging Empowerment Worcester Interfaith
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The Boston Foundation is proud to support the Lenny Zakim Fund’s Annual No Show Ball and congratulates the Lenny Zakim Fund on 25 years of grassroots impact! We share your deep commitment to social justice and thank you for the many relationships and bridges you build. We agree with what Lenny Zakim once said, “We have the power to change things.”
PHOTO: FATCA ME R A | I STOCK
For more about the Boston Foundation, visit tbf.org.
The Boston Foundation Lenny Zakim
On the 25th Anniversary of the Lenny Zakim Fund, we are thrilled to support the passing of the torch
from strength to strength.
Thank you, Jude Goldman! Eric Esteves and Allison Picott, we stand with you in solidarity.
Jen & Eric Aronson
Celebrating 25 Years of Building Bridges We’re proud to support the Lenny Zakim Fund.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Congratulations to The Lenny Zakim Fund for 25 years! Beth Dill and Eric Enge
Lenny........ Your kindness, brilliance, and effect on our world lives on. Miss you! Susan and Barry Tatelman
“To make life a little better for people less fortunate than you, that's what I think a meaningful life is. One lives not just for oneself but for one's community.”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Congratulations on the Lenny Zakim Fund’s 25th Anniversary.
The John & Sonia Lingos Family Foundation
Congratulations to The Lenny Zakim Fund for supporting grassroots organizations & emerging leaders with love for
25 years
Suzi Kaitz and Jonathan Katz Sharon Kaitz and Jonathan Wilson Marsha Kaitz and Amit Boim and our families
A Toast to LZF In honor of 25 incredible years of helping hundreds of small community programs achieve wondrous results.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Kal and Ellen Heller
HAPPY 25th ANNIVERSARY TO THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND! Thank you for your continued support of Sibling Connections’ mission to reconnect siblings separated by foster care in Massachusetts.
DOMESTIC WORK MAKES ALL OTHER WORK POSSIBLE
The Massachusetts Coalition of Domestic Workers congratulates The Lenny Zakim Fund on its 25th anniversary
www.massdomesticworkers.org
Congratulations to the Lenny Zakim Fund on 25 years of incredible work in our communities!
The Slater Family Ken, Ellen, Sam, Jessica, Jackie, and Simon
Thank you to the Lenny Zakim Fund for 25 years of building bridges. You continue to teach us important lessons and help make our communities stronger everyday.
Wherever the Lenny Zakim Fund goes, hope blooms. Bob and Amy Shulman Weinberg
HELPING YOU UNDERSTAND THE CHANGING WORLD. LISTEN WEEKDAYS
Morning Edition 5-9am
Bob Oakes
On Point 10am-11am
Meghna Chakrabarti
Here & Now 12-2pm
Radio Boston 3-4pm
Robin Young
wbur.org
Tonya Mosely
All Things Considered 4-6:30pm
Tiziana Dearing
Lisa Mullins
We are honored to support the
Lenny Zakim Fund
HERE. FOR OUR COMMUNITIES. HERE. FOR GOOD
Congratulations to The Lenny Zakim Fund for 25 years of advancing social, economic, and racial justice throughout Massachusetts!
Experiential Philanthropy with LZF: • Become a Bridge Builder • Participate in a site visit • Share your expertise • Attend an event To learn more, contact Dominique Ramos at dramos@thelennyzakimfund.org or 617-406-5945
Congratulations to The Lenny Zakim Fund on 25 years of fulfilling Lenny’s vision of social justice. Thank you for making our world a better place!
Susan and Glenn Rothman
Thank you to Douglas & Judi Krupp, Susan & Glenn Rothman, and Bobby & Elaine Sager. You have been instrumental in building and fortifying The Lenny Zakim Fund’s foundation. We will remain forever grateful.
The Lenny Zakim Fund
Please help The Lenny Zakim Fund continue to build bridges between communities and among people and communities to advance social, economic, and racial justice. Text LZF25 to 617-370-8599 or visit www.thelennyzakimfund.org to donate. Thank you for your support!
SPECIAL THANKS FROM THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND The Lenny Zakim Fund would like to thank the following individuals and businesses who were instrumental in making our 25th Anniversary/No Show Ball 2020 so special: Beamformer Entertainment Karen Chen Chaplin Clementina Chery Chocolate Therapy Custom Eco Friendly Bags DPDM, Inc. Doris’ Peruvian Pastries Esteves Creative Group Geralde Gabeau Gill Fishman Design Jude Goldman Alma Gonzalez Grossman Marketing Group Meghan Haggerty Ivyee’s Honey Jessica Johnson (JESSCX) Amanda Katz Judi Krupp The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 2020 Board of Directors Lux Box Company Ronnie Millar Gloribell Mota Ben Novak Leah Okimoto
Deval Patrick, Fmr. Governor of Massachusetts Paula Poundstone Celeste Reid Lee Ayanna Pressley, U.S. Representative Teddy Riley Chris Rock Erika Rodriguez Ray Romano Gabriela Romanow Susan and Glenn Rothman Bobby Sager Elaine Sager Beth Segers Harold Schwartz Sarah Silverman Mark Sokoll Ellie Starr Susan Stendahl Jesse Taitt Jimmy Tingle Kaylany Vicente Marty Walsh, Mayor of Boston Jerry Wishnow
On this day of this year, your financial support will mean The Lenny Zakim Fund can
SAY YES more than ever before and make a real difference in the lives of the most vulnerable people in our state.
www.thelennyzakimfund.org
Everyone deserves to be heard. DLA Piper is proud to support the Lenny Zakim Fund, and we are honored to serve as the fund’s home and its partner, providing pro bono legal services to its many grantee organizations as it works to achieve its mission of social change and equity.
dlapiper.com The Lenny Zakim Fund