MA: Community Issues and Volunteering
New online tool helps Boston grow tree equity
A new online tool is helping community groups in Boston ensure all neighborhoods reap the benefits from urban tree canopies. The Tree Equity Score …
Stalled Farm Bill puts pressure on MA food banks
Massachusetts food banks are struggling to keep up with demand as the Farm Bill remains stalled in Congress. The bill is renegotiated every five …
MA family child care providers ease shortage, seek greater state backing
Advocates in Massachusetts say increasing the pay of smaller, family child care providers could help ease the shortage and provide economic benefits …
MA Considers Unarmed Response Units for Mental Health 911 Calls
Community groups in Massachusetts are calling for an end to armed police response to mental health-related 911 calls. The majority of calls are for …
Efforts Underway to Formalize COVID-19 Remembrance Day in MA
Family members of those lost to Covid are urging lawmakers to pass legislation to formally recognize the first Monday in March as Covid Remembrance Da…
Group Works to Build Peace Out of Despair in Boston
While community activists in some of Boston's south side neighborhoods have declared a state of emergency following a string of fatal shootings…
Celebrating 30 Years of Puerto Rican “Agri-Culture” in Western MA
The Holyoke area is home to many Puerto Rican families who say they will do what they can to help people there as they recover from the latest hurrica…
MA Steps Up for Puerto Rico, Again
Massachusetts residents are being asked to step up, just as they did five years ago, to help their fellow Americans in Puerto Rico. The …
Volunteer Firefighter Shortage Spurs MA Departments into Action
If you dial 911, it is more than likely a volunteer firefighter will respond to your emergency, but in Massachusetts, there are not enough volunteers…
MA Community Makes Progress on Goal to Vaccinate 70% of Adult Population
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. - A Massachusetts community has joined the Mayor's Challenge to help meet the goal of getting 70% of the U.S. adult population …
Funding "Critical" for MA Anti-Poverty Efforts, Post Pandemic
TAUNTON, Mass. - Community Action Agencies say $5 million in the House version of the Massachusetts state budget next year would go a long way toward …
MA Groups Urge Expanding Focus on Vaccine Equity
WORCESTER, Mass. - Some groups in Massachusetts want to see more focus on getting COVID-19 vaccinations to people in underserved communities hit …