Community Engagement is at the heart of NSCDC
The 2012 community-led Point Vision and Action Plan transformed our approach and became a model for our community engagement work throughout the North Shore. Our team works closely with the community through civic engagement, economic development, advocacy, and resources for families to grow and become self-sufficient.
In response to a real need, we opened Espacio
Espacio is a community center where we offer courses on citizenship, English as a Second or Other Language, financial literacy, and more, as well as a free mobile food market and other services through strong community partnerships.
our economic development work strengthENs immigrant-, women- and BIPOC-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs
The community engagement team conducts community outreach and provides individualized case management support, including housing and employment searches; rental, utility, food, and benefit assistance; citizenship and legal status; and other areas of identified need through the Family Success Program.
CARMEN
Carmen Tejada emigrated from Mexico to the United States in 2014 to find a better life, leaving her son behind with her mother. During her first year, she struggled to find stable housing. In 2015, after being joined by her son and giving birth to her daughter, she moved into a shelter in Lynn, a single home with 20 other families. This move was challenging. With no English or familiarity with the community, Carmen was without resources and support. She first connected with us to learn English, which helped her find resources for her children and job search. This search was challenging because she was undocumented. She took work “under the table”, and her employers paid her as little as $50 a week.
At the same time, Carmen applied for North Shore CDC housing, and began to see a future for her family in the Point. After 18 months in a shelter, an apartment became available. Mirna, in our property management office connected her with resources to become documented, which allowed her to secure stable housing for her children.
After she moved into North Shore CDC housing, things started to fall into place. Passionate about helping other immigrants with similar experiences, she began connecting them to resources and support, like North Shore CDC. She began volunteering in the mobile market at Espacio, found stable employment, and connected with our team to find more ways to give back and get involved with North Shore CDC.
Carmen became our first Point neighborhood Resident Ambassador. Started in 2020, North Shore CDC’s Resident Ambassador Program engages leaders in the community like Carmen, offering them a paid opportunity to do community outreach. Since joining, Carmen has helped strengthen North Shore CDC’s relationship with the community. An invaluable member of our team, Carmen works closely with the Small Business Technical Assistance program assisting with grant and loan applications, provides case management, and has been critical in identifying and connecting residents with key resources like food assistance and COVID-19 relief funds.
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