Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD)

As a direct result of COVID-19, ABCD has transitioned its Head Start program to an online format. On their website, they have also stated that they will be providing food assistance for families who have used the Head Start and early Head Start programs in the past, as well as providing resources and materials for extra assistance. ABCD has set up a COVID-19 relief fund where donors can elect a specific area of service as the destination of their donation. Their website does state that staff members are still available for phone appointments and through email, as the office spaces are currently closed. An ABCD sponsored program out of Medford is also providing rental assistance for families that are experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic. ESOL services will also now be provided over the phone.

ABCD Boston is a nonprofit that provides a multitude of services for low-income individuals in the Boston area. One of these services include the Gate program, which allows young adults to participate in a training program focusing on professional development, while receiving assistance with childcare. This program is one of the many examples that demonstrate ABCD’s commitment to assisting low-income families throughout the city of Boston. In 2018, ABCD reported that their services reached 102,333 low income individuals representing 91,124 households. ABCD focuses on assisting individuals and families in ways that are overlooked such as energy bill payment assistance, childcare services, and professional development training.

In order to ensure their impact is being felt, ABCD identifies the needs of local communities by conducting a strategic planning process. Through including the voices of ABCD board members, staff, community members, local government, business, and nonprofit actors, the assessment reveals a comprehensive and multilateral look into the organization. ABCD hopes that the solutions provided by their services will serve as starting points for lasting change and in conversations surrounding public policy.

ABCD Boston presents itself as an organized and robust non-profit organization that caters its services towards low-income communities across the city of boston. With offices in multiple locations, ABCD’s initiatives are centered towards the needs of the communities they serve. Data on their website demonstrates research is used to navigate the programs available. Within their annual report in 2018, ABCD reported that its $179 million budget was funded by a diverse collection of sources including, government grants from the local, state, and city levels, private donations, private foundation grants, and fundraising initiatives. For the fiscal year 2018-2019 (FY19), BCNC was able to access up to $7,624,890 in revenue and support. A majority of this support is drawn from Government (31%) and Foundation Grants (22%). With a majority of their available resources going towards its Children & Youth programs (38%) and the Adult & Families programs, BCNC has built up a strong and diversified funding stream that positively impacts its community members. Aside from the operating budget, BCNC accrued $790,857 in total assets at the conclusion of FY19.

On their website, ABCD provides sufficient information about their staff in leadership roles within the organization. Each individual that holds a position within management includes a picture with a short biography on the website. The website also provides pop-up information where ABCD demonstrates statistics showing their impact and the network they have built through their efforts. Along with social media, ABCD has constructed a well-developed and professional communication and marketing strategy.