ABCD Mission Statement

Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. (ABCD), the largest anti-poverty agency in New England, was incorporated in 1962 to promote and implement the philosophy of self-help and self-sufficiency for the people and neighborhoods of Boston. Through a decentralized neighborhood based structure, neighborhood residents from across the city make up the majority of the ABCD Board of Directors, providing valuable input on ABCD's continuing services and programs. In addition, ABCD provides innovative, practical, and timely programs and services with an emphasis on education and skilled job training at all levels and develops problem-solving skills for low-income residents.

The Parker Hill/Fenway Neighborhood Service Center (PHF) is ABCD's neighborhood base serving primarily the Fenway, Mission Hill, and Lower Roxbury communities.

Parker Hill/Fenway N.S.C.'s Mission Statement

To provide opportunities in areas that can empower individuals to become self-reliant and make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Parker Hill/Fenway Highlights Throughout the Years

Since 1962, Parker Hill/Fenway N.S.C has been an integral part of the Mission Hill community. Parker Hill/Fenway has been initiating programs throughout the years to address the needs of the community. Parker Hill/Fenway continues to strive to create services that will benefit the residents of the Mission Hill and Fenway areas.

Listed below is a time line that addresses key moments in the history of Parker Hill/Fenway Neighborhood Service Center.

• 2005: Center started processing Online Food Stamp Applications thru a grant received by the US Department of Food and Nutrition.
  
• 2004: Center began High School and College Tutoring Program.
  
• 2003: Center started Tax Preparation Program, preparing tax returns for free to low income clients.
  
• 2002: Center started two educational initiatives for residents of the Empowerment Zone: GED and ESOL Classes.
  
• 2001: Center was renovated to include two training rooms, large meeting area and a state of the art computer lab.
  
• 2000: Wired Up Computer Camp began, a one-week computer training program where clients learned basic computer operation and earned a free, refurbished computer with internet access and a free printer.
  
• 1999: Parker Hill/Fenway moved to their current location at 714 Parker St. The Family Resource Center began assisting parents, particularly young mothers in the areas of housing, childcare, counseling and health education. The Higher Education Resource Center was created to help clients with the college application process and financial aid and scholarship search.
  
• 1995: In collaboration with Children's Hospital, Parker Hill/Fenway initiated the ABCD Family Friends, where seniors were matched with a special needs child.
  
• 1994: The Boston Red Sox staff began to sponsor the Christmas party for Mission Hill children.
  
• 1990: Parker Hill/Fenway expanded programs such as: Fuel Assistance, Summerworks, Employment and Training referral services, surplus food distribution, housing mediation, and social security supplemental income outreach.
  
• 1982: Dial-a-Friend began, which provided elderly residents with regular home visits and telephone calls.
  
• 1989: The Social Security Disability Insurance Outreach Program and the Youth Enrichment Program began.
  
• 1987: The pilot program Project Life started at Parker Hill/Fenway. This program was the culmination of two years of collaboration involving community organizations and medical institutions. The program worked with mothers to reduce the high rate of infant mortality. Project Life is currently a self-standing non-profit in the Mission Hill community.
  
• 1985: With the help of the Longwood Medical Area coalition and their funding, Parker Hill/Fenway expanded the Emergency Food Pantry.
  
• 1984: Parker Hill/Fenway opened a second senior center at Sociedad Latina. Also, with the help of Jamaica Plain APAC, we initiated a Food Stamp outreach program, and served as co-sponsors for the Mission Hill Farmer's Market.
  
• 1983: The Senior Center collaborated with New England Baptist Hospital to provide blood pressure monitoring and health presentations for the seniors.