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Dear Network Partner,
"Our Network is developing a community of practice that mobilizes cross-sector collaborations, encourages collective learning, and cultivates stronger connections between community residents and community agencies in order to co-design and improve community systems." - Vital Village Network
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Project Manager Tania Rivera's Transition
On July 1st, network partners and the Vital Village family celebrated and said farewell to Tania Rivera, Project Manager. Tania has been an invaluable member of the Vital Village team since 2013 and has been instrumental throughout the strategic planning and implementation process. We wish her all the best as she moves on to a new chapter in her career. She will truly be missed!
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Upcoming Network Connection Meetings:
RSVP ahead of time by clicking on the dates below!
All upcoming Network Connection Meetings will be from 6-8pm in the FGH Building, Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118
*Childcare and dinner will be provided
Social Justice Mediation Institute
October 10-12, 17 &18, 2015
The Social Justice Mediation Certification is back! The certification enables participants to assess and diffuse conflict through a social justice lens. Email us to learn more! The training will be held on:
2nd Vital Village Leadership Summit, 2015
December 8 & 9
Don't miss this opportunity to develop new skills and strengthen your network! Learn more here.
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Nonprofit Grocery Store in Codman Square Sells Surplus and Aging Food at a Steep Discount
Food deserts across the U.S. particularly impact low-income areas in which residents do not live in close proximity to affordable and healthy food retailers. The focus on healthy eating is a growing concern for most Bostonians, but remains difficult to attain due to high food prices, limited access and plethora of junk food. According to A Reporting on Health showcase, "low-income communities of color face the greatest difficulty securing healthy food."
Daily Table, located at 450 Washington Street, Dorchester, is a nonprofit grocery store that offers the Codman Square neighborhood a variety in tasty, convenient and affordable foods. Many of their items are prepared daily in their kitchen onsite. Daily Table uses the excess produce available from food growers, manufactures and supermarkets. This model helps address issues of access, affordability and massive food waste. Watch the video below to see the impacts of food waste in the U.S.
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| Notes from the 90 Day Challenge: |
On Thursday, June 25th, moms involved in group well-child care at Codman Square Health Center met for their first Parent Advisory Committee meeting. The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Lauren Graber, a Family Medicine resident and Kraft Fellow and Morgan Brockington, Vital Village Outreach Health Educator. In the meeting, moms discussed the ways in which Codman Square and group visits could better support parents. They also planned for upcoming play groups and activities around Boston which will be mother and baby friendly. The next meeting will be Thursday, July 23rd from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Anyone who has been involved in group well-child care at Codman is welcome. To learn more about the Parent Advisory Committee Meeting, or how to attend a group, email us here.
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Breastfeeding Support Opportunity!
If you are pregnant and interested in breastfeeding or already breastfeeding and want to meet other moms, join this free breastfeeding drop-in group for pregnant and breastfeeding moms. Snacks, support, and help from professionals will be provided.
When: Every Monday from 5-6:30pm and Wednesday from 2-4pm
Where: Codman Square Health Center, Room 265,
637 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA 02124.
For more info, call: 617-414-4370
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Planning For Tomorrow:
On Saturday, June 27th, Ebenezer Baptist Church hosted
Planning For Tomorrow. The Social Action Committee brought together 8 different partners who presented on topics ranging from utility bill cost reduction, continuation of education and the role men play in ending violence against women.Over $900 was raised in the form of donations and takeaways for fathers and their families.
As a continuation of the Father's Day Celebration, Ebenezer BaptistChurch will host a series of conversations initiated by Mike Sanders and supported by various Network Partners. The first group will be held on:
When: Wednesday, July 15th, 2015 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Ebenezer Baptist Church, 157 W Springfield Street, Boston, MA 02118
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Vital Village Network Male Engagement Meeting:
Our next meeting will be:
When: Wednesday, July 15th from 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Location: BU School of Medicine, Wilkins Boardroom
If you would like to discuss how you can incorporate male engagement into your work or contribute to existing projects,
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Vital Village will be hosting socioemotional learning and engagement activities at the BMC bWell Center on Tuesdays from 2-4pm.
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Paul Revere Award Honoree
On June 5th, Dr. Renee Boynton-Jarrett was awarded the Paul Revere Award by the Massachusetts Public Health Association and was accompanied by family and friends to celebrate the ward.. The Paul Revere Award is the highest honor at the association and is reserved for those who have made an outstanding impact on public health.
Dr. Boynton-Jarrett has focused on the role of early-life adversities as life course social determinants of health. The exposure to trauma and how that affects ones outcomes. An illustration of this focus is the documentaryRaising of America: Early childhood and the Future of America a preview is available here.
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School Is out for the Summer: What Now for Kids in Boston?
 During the summer, many children experience "summer slide" in which their minds turn idle and all the progress they made throughout the year reverses. Lack of access to summer learning is part of a year-round cycle that contributes to the achievement gap between kids from high and low-income households. Click here to read the full article. |
Text4Baby is a free cell phone text messaging service for pregnant women and new mothers. Texts are sent multiple times a week, disseminating information on how to prepare for pregnancy, as well as setting up appointments during the postpartum stage. A technological partnership between UMass Medical School and MassHealth is now modifying the texting tool in order to maximize data collection.
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Fatherlessness in Massachusetts: The Economic and Social Costs to Our Commonwealth
American fatherlessness is a national disaster and, according to the latest research into its effects, more of a disaster than anybody could have imagined. Read the report here.
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Racial/Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Service Use Among Adults
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a report highlighting the use of mental health services by racial and ethnic group. Brief summary here.
This report is useful in identifying gaps in and methods of service delivery and the reasons why people might not engage. Read the report here.
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