Special to the Times-Free Press

East Boston Community Council (EBCC) is pleased to inform that at the conclusion of the seven-year compliance period ending in February 2026, it is fully prepared to implement an exit process and assume ownership of the building project at 282 Meridian Street from EBECC LIBRARY INC.

On September 24, 2018, the City of Boston conveyed the former branch library located on Meridian Street, East Boston, to EBECC Library Inc., a 501(c) (3), non-profit corporation jointly controlled by EBCC and East Boston Community Development Corporation (EBCDC). The Board of Directors of EBECC Library, Inc., consists of five directors, two appointed by EBECC and three appointed by EBCDC. This sharing of control is intended by all parties to be an interim arrangement by which EBCC will assume full control of EBECC LIBRARY, INC. which will Become an EBCC’s affiliate in March 2026.

After completion of extensive interior renovation in 2019, the building has been providing much needed space for EBCC’s offices and programs as well as for key tenants, and service partners, such as NeighborHealth (formerly East Boston Neighborhood Health Center) and Veronica Robles Cultural Center, all representing important non-profit sectors of the East Boston community. Together, since 2020 we have delivered the promise of creating a “one-stop-shop” for residents to access wellness services, adult education, cultural programming, youth development, immigration assistance, and more.

We are pleased to share that the EBECC Library Inc. Projects has achieved the following key results:

East Boston

Community Council

Since EBCC moved to the Facility in January 2020, Some impressive results for fiscal year 2024 are:

1. The Immigration and Community Legal Assistance Program (CLEAP) with the help from accredited counselors in obtaining work permits and renewals, green cards and renewals, family petitions, adjustment Status, temporary waiver, deferred action, citizenship, Notary Services, etc. CLEAP has served since 2020 an unduplicated total of 18,620 individuals and their families.

2. EBCC’s Education program includes the Latina ESL covered 180 students each year attending at least 12 hours through the year. Of these, each year at least 150 Students demonstrated learning gains through from level I to III, and at least 86 students entered employment and remained employed over the year. Impressively, each year at least 10 students who entered the program unemployed, obtained employment.

3. The Aspiring Youth Center served between 80 to 120 youth each year participating in ESL classes, technology programs, Healthy Lifestyle workshops and counseling services. Out of 20 seniors attending the program at least 16 graduated from high school each year. In addition, 62 girls participated From Cradle to Career meetings, discussing/studying issue dealing with self-esteem, leadership, emotional intelligence, good manners, and friendship and sharing.

4. We have been very successful in moving toward leveraging civic engagement program as collaborative initiatives with the MIRA Coalition, the Greate Boston Latino Network, the LaCCA Initiative, Mass Vote, and nationwide UNIDOSUS (former the Nation Council of La Raza) to develop the political power of East Boston’s Latinos and young people to use this power to bring in needed social and economic changes.

5.  It is easy to conclude that by promoting the progression from individual using these services to income producers and tax payers to meet immediate personal and family needs, EBCC has profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of community residents as well as the economic life of the East Boston neighborhood.

NeighborHealth Community Resource and Wellness

Center (CRWC)

The NeighborHealth Community Resource and Wellness Center addresses the complex non-medical needs that can affect a person’s health and well-being. Through one-on-one and program work, we assist patients in navigating available resources such as food, housing, legal, and social services. Patients and community members can connect with our services through NeighborHealth provider referral, CRWC hotline and CRWC Walk-in Hours.

Community Resource and Wellness Center 2024 in Review

• A total of 1282 families with 2569 identified social determinants of health needs were connected to community resources to address need.

• In partnership with the Boston Red Cross, CRWC runs a weekly Food Pantry.

• A total of 13,060 food pantry appointments were provided serving 1881 families.

• In partnership with Cradles to Crayons, CRWC assembled and distributed 1445 children’s clothing packs serving 1253 children.

• From a variety of resources, CRWC distributed winter coats to 594 children.

• In partnership with Fragment Society, CRWC distributed 224 layette packages to expecting parents.

Verónica Robles Cultural Center 2024 Impact

With the mission to promote Latin American arts and culture as an engine for stronger communities and economic growth the center is demonstrating our unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant and empowered community, the following highlights our impact in 2024:

• 442 students aged 0-19, 260 families, and 30 seniors were provided cultural programming in music, dance, art, and theater. A total of 32 classes with an average of 150 students per week.

• Dancing Elotes Project: Over 40 young individuals were offered employment opportunities with stipends covering 250 hours of entrepreneurial education, training, and business and leadership development.

• Development of executive functioning and social-emotional skills are embedded in our arts and culture curriculum and crucial for success in both school and life.

• More than 14 development programs were delivered to support 250 cultural entrepreneurs resulting in $300,000 in sales.

• 750+ volunteers this year, averaging 50 volunteers per event

• 190 cultural enrichment activations per year.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the East Boston Community Development Corporation, The City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development, Rockland Trust (formerly East Boston Saving Bank) EBCC’s Staff, and local residents, for their unwavering dedication and collaboration throughout this project. Their hard work and commitment have made this success possible.

Likewise, we extend our gratitude for the support provided by the following foundations: The Barr Foundation, the Cabot Family Foundation, The Clipper Ship Foundation, State Street Foundation, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Roy A. Hunt Foundation, Liberty Mutual Foundation, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, and the William & Bertha Schrafft Foundation.

Throughout this project, your cooperation and support have been invaluable. We appreciate the trust you placed in us to deliver this project, and it has been a pleasure working with our partners, our c volunteers, and Board of Directors.

If you have any questions or need further information regarding the completed work, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to ensure everything meets your expectations.

Thank you once again for your partnership. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you on future projects.