Inside This Edition
C O N T E N T S
Letter from our President & CEO
Featured Story: #BayCove50
Staff Corner: March and April Birthday Bucks
Bay Cove Celebrates Arab American Heritage Month
Upcoming Bay Cove Events: Don’ t Miss These! PSA: Stay Cyber-Smart! Office of Advocacy: A Word from Charles Hollins
Join us this Monday, April 21st to cheer on Team Bay Cove and all the marathon runners at our exclusive Mile 25 celebration! From 12–3pm, enjoy prime viewing from the covered patio at Eastern Standard, located just before the pivotal 25th mile marker, with easy access and re-entry to catch all the action. Savor delicious bites from the kitchen of James Beard Award Semifinalist Eastern Standard and raise a toast from our hosted bar.
Celebrate rain or shine the ES Patio is covered! You'll be surrounded by fellow supporters, friends, and family, with the chance to connect with Team Bay Cove runners and their biggest fans.
Wow! Just Wow!
Having worked for a national consulting agency headquartered here in Boston, I was familiar with Bay Cove’s strong reputation as a provider of quality services to a diverse client base. In my first few weeks on the job, the commitment to our mission and our clients is abundantly clear. As I get out to visit our programs and participate in team meetings, it is heartening to speak with staff who are passionate about their work and hear from clients about how you have helped them. I am energized by your energy in your programs, and it is an honor to lead this 2,000 member team.
In the February Insider, our long time CEO and recent interim CEO, Bill Sprague, addressed change. Whether you have been with Bay Cove for decades, years, or days, we are all experiencing change in our lives at the macro level, here at Bay Cove, and in our personal lives. The COVID-19 pandemic was not that long ago, and was followed by transitions in leadership here that may have created unsettling uncertainty for many of you. I can say that Bay Cove’s fifty year legacy is time tested to survive change, and I am optimistic and motivated to work with all of you to build on that foundation, restore a sense of normalcy, and build the Bay Cove of the future.
As I continue my onboarding, and throughout my tenure at Bay Cove, you will hear me talk about the importance of delivering the highest quality services to our clients. As the financing and delivery of services evolve in Massachusetts and nationally, it is important for Bay Cove to stay ahead of the curve by leading, innovating, and informing how services are provided and paid for. Whether you work in direct services, the business office, human resources, or information technology, you all have a role. I look forward to working with you to be a leader in the provision of quality, best practice services to our clients.
You will also hear me talk about the importance of being a good employer. As an employee myself, it is important to me to be part of a culture that supports each other, makes me want to come to work every day, and where I feel part of the team. While I have met several new employees who are also new on the job, I have also met many employees who have worked at Bay Cove for decades and value Bay Cove as an employer. I am motivated to help Bay Cove achieve this for our employees.
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the individuals running this year’s Boston Marathon on behalf of Bay Cove. I am sending a huge shout out and thank you to our own Hema Mahase, as well as, [Charles] Burton Ritchie, Andrea Schussler, and Hannah Mecaskey Conley.
We are a big team at Bay Cove, and I look forward to visiting more programs, meeting as many of you as I can, and listening to you in the coming months. I am grateful and humbled by the work you do every day. And when daily challenges present themselves, know that our collective sense of mission and purpose makes clear why we do this meaningful work. Thank you.
DidyouknowBayCoveiscelebrating50yearsofimpactthisyear?
Starting now, and in the coming weeks and months, we will be spreading awareness about this important moment in our history internally and externally, leading up to our annual Fall Gala! In addition, through the Rewards and Recognition Committee led by Lisa Morishanti and Fritz Gustav, staff will have the opportunity to participate in planning activities and events to mark our 50th year.
How can you help?
This is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the work we do and why we do it. We are providing resources (below), and folks are encouraged to get involved and celebrate this momentous occasion in ways they are comfortable. Please reach out to me or Reggie Onorati if you have any questions or need additional support. Thank you!
Resources:
New 50th Anniversary Logo
50th Anniversary Letterhead
50th Anniversary Google Sheets/Powerpoint
Social Media Toolkit to guide you as you post on socials
Historical photos if you'd like to use them
Media release for photos you might take at programs with other staff
Email signature for your Bay Cove Gmail account
The Advancement Team is here to help if you need assistance with anything!
Akkad Layla, MH Residential Relief Counselor
Alhassan Nurudeen, Residential Support
Andre-Feliz Alex, Family Support AWC IHS Skills Trainer
Bangura Meminatu, ACCS Lead Administrative Manager
Beaman Anthony, Residential Support
Bell Kadeem, Recovery Specialist
Berluti Cassandra, Community Health Worker Care Coordinator
Berthold Morel, Nurse (RN) - Per Diem - Diversionary Services
Bhukal Kathleen, Lead Engagement Partner - ACCS
Brown Juanita, CNA
Carrabino Samantha, Case Manager - Housing & Homeless Services
Christopher Alexis, Community Mental Health Counselor
Collins Patrick, Residential Counselor I
Corgain Elizabeth, Rehabilitation Aide
Delmas Claude, Residential Support
Dillard-Sampson Sarah, Assistant Program Manager - ACCS
Edozie George, Program Manager - ACCS
Estiven Francesse, Residential Support
Fosu Mabel, Residential Counselor I
Gauthier Phaulnie, MH Residential Relief Counselor
Goscinak David, Peer SpecialistACCS
Gurmu Adu, Per Diem Nurse/LPN - Community Crisis StabilizationBoston
Haynesworth Brittney, Outreach Advocate - Per Diem
Ihiabe Hannah, Engagement Partner II - ACCS - Community
Ingram Nicholas, Recovery Specialist
Jacinthe Jean, Residential Support
James Lee, Shelter Support Worker
Jean Melida, MH Residential Relief Counselor
Johnson-Fisher Johnette, Family Partner
Kachere Kudakwashe, MH Residential Relief Counselor
Karanja Francis, Residential Counselor I
Leda Lucinio, Residential Counselor I
Lindner Samantha, Clinical Supervisor, LPHA - ACCS
Maboh Boney, Program DirectorDS Residential
Martin Marie, Transitions of Boston (TOB) Assistant Program Director
Martone Kevin, President/CEO
McCall Erica, Engagement Partner I - ACCS
Michel Ketsia, Residential Counselor I
Morgan William, Case ManagerDiversionary Services
Mules Emily, Recovery Specialist
Nantege Monica, Clinical Supervisor, LPHA - ACCS
Narine Zakiya, Nurse (LPN) - Per Diem - Diversionary Services
Nelson Adonai, MH Residential Relief Counselor
Nigro Pamela, Engagement Partner I - ACCS
Nzeyimana Leontine, Engagement Partner I - ACCS
Ojini Blessing, Residential Counselor I
Omorodion Iziegbe, Recovery Specialist
Pepi Patricia, Residential Counselor I
Philistin Antously, Residential Support
Rego David, MH Residential Relief Counselor
Rodrigues Kellyn, Residential Support
Rodriguez Jamila, MH Residential Relief Counselor
Rosa Sonia, Navigator
Saint-Jean Gianni Thara, Residential Support
Spence Leah, Residential Counselor I
Stewart Jada, Engagement Partner I - ACCS
Sullivan Steven, Case ManagerHousing & Homeless Services
Teneus Anderson, Recovery Specialist
Turner Shadayah, Residential Counselor I
Velazquez Fernando, Clinical Director - Co-Occurring Enhanced Services
Walker Pamela, Engagement Partner I - ACCS
Ward Marty, Engagement Partner I - ACCS
Wiafe Anthony, Program Manager - ACCS
April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich histories, cultures, and countless contributions of Arab Americans to our communities and our country. Established in 2017 by the Arab America Foundation and first federally recognized in 2021, this observance serves as a meaningful reminder of the vital role Arab Americans have played—and continue to play—in shaping our shared history and future.
At Bay Cove, we recognize and deeply appreciate the strength, dedication, and resilience of our Arab colleagues and community members. Even amid a challenging social climate, your unwavering commitment to helping others overcome obstacles and achieve their goals truly embodies the words of Lebanese-American writer Ameen Rihani: “The cure for hatred is empathy.” As an organization, we remain committed to fostering an environment that embraces our differences, promotes empathy, and ensures everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Arab Americans represent a wide range of cultures and traditions from across the world. Their influence spans every sector from science and technology to medicine, the arts, literature, and public service. With an estimated 3.7 million Arab Americans living in the U.S. today, their achievements continue to enrich every part of American life with creativity, innovation, and strength.
If you're looking for ways to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, check out the City of Medford’s 3rd Annual Arabic Heritage Festival on Sunday, April 27 from 4:00 PM through 7:00 PM at 388 High St., Medford, MA 02155: click here
You can also check Eventbrite and Meetup for more events near you.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
May 8th The Caring Force (TCF) Rally and Lobby Day is approaching. Would you like to be a Bay Cove Rally Speaker?
A rally speaker can be a staff member, peer advocate, or a person receiving services who is willing to share their story. The story can be about the work being provided at Bay Cove or the services received in a Bay Cove program. The goal of each speaker is to advocate for fair pay, recognition, and respect for human services workers. If chosen, speakers will receive coaching and are encouraged to invite friends and colleagues to attend. To learn more about what we are looking for from a speaker, see the next page!
Become a speaker at TCF rally Sign-up to be a TCF Captain, Ambassador, or Rally Speaker!
RSVP to join TCF Rally RSVP to The Caring Force Rally at the State House
State implements criminal record checks for EA shelter seekers
Last month, Governor Maura Healey's office introduced regulations that enact many reforms in a shelter funding and safety bill. The Governor's proposal includes mandatory criminal background checks for all adults seeking shelter in the state's emergency assistance program and reduces the system's maximum capacity from 7500 to 5800. Applicants must verify their identities and familial relationships before being placed into the state-funded shelter system. These regulations could have impact on those served who use state-funded shelters. Mass.gov provides a list of shelters, including stateoperated and provider-run shelters. The list was recently updated in late March 2025. Click here to access the list of Mass. shelters by City.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
NAMI Walks: May 17, 2025
Join NAMIWalks Massachusetts for our 22nd annual event at Boston Common! This major fundraiser gathers people to combat discrimination, raise funds, and promote mental health awareness. The Walk is a mile around Boston Common with activities, games, and more. Contact Fedjina Charles at fcharles3@baycove.org to join the Bay Cove delegation.
Haitian American Unity Day Parade: May 18, 2025
Dress comfortably! Bay Cove T-shirts will be provided at the parade. Arrive in front of the Mattapan Square Post Office, 1602 Blue Hill Avenue, for our 11:30 am staging. Call Charles Hollins at 617-893-0004 if you need help finding the Bay Cove delegation. Assist with assembly, decorations, float setup, and bagging giveaway items. Lunch will be provided before marching at 1:00 pm. Contact Fatima at fdoumbia@baycove.org with group size and T-shirt sizes.
Dorchester Day Parade: June 1, 2025
The Bay Cove Volunteers should dress comfortably and arrive at the Richmond Street staging area at 11:30 am. Contact Charles Hollins at 617-893-0004 for directions, if needed. Assist with assembly, decorations, float setup, and bagging giveaway items. Enjoy lunch provided before marching at 1:00 pm. Distribution of over 3500 Bay Cove branded toys to children along the route while greeting spectators The parade route is approximately 3 miles JFK station is nearby, and the van can transport volunteers back to Lower Mills if necessary.
NEIGHBOR RELATIONS
Please invite me to join your team to address complaints or concerns from business or residential neighbors. Send emails to Chollins@baycove.org, call/text 617-893-0004.
ilee@providers.org www.thecaringforce.org
