2024 AAC Program Booklet

28

TH Annual

Awards Ceremony

February 15, 2024 • 6-8 pm Royal Sonesta Hotel • 40 Edwin H. Land Blvd. Cambridge The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 28th Annual Awards Ceremony | 1

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 LENNY ZAKIM FUND GRANT RECIPIENTS. We applaud The Lenny Zakim Fund and their grassroots organization partners for their tireless efforts to advance social, racial, and economic justice in communities throughout eastern Massachusetts.

THE FRIEZE FAMILY FOUNDATION

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DEAR FRIENDS OF THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND, Twenty-nine years ago, when Lenny founded The Lenny Fund (today known as The Lenny Zakim Fund), it was with a clear vision of the role The Fund would play within Massachusetts’ nonprofit ecosystem: to provide funding and capacity-building support to historically marginalized, under-served, and under-resourced grassroots organizations.

Lenny recognized that grassroots organizations were often in the nascent stage of their development, and therefore “under the radar” of other individual or institutional funders. He believed that they, too, deserve the opportunity to turn their vision for a more equitable, just world for people and communities in Massachusetts into a sustainable reality.

I often hear from our current and former grantee partners that, while they are grateful for the grants LZF provides, they are especially appreciative of how much they’ve learned and benefitted from the various technical assistance programs The Fund offers.

In the last two years as we’ve re-emerged from the pandemic, however, we’ve repeatedly heard from some of the leaders of our grantee partner organizations about the many challenges they and their organizations face in carrying out their work. Leaders have expressed feelings of isolation, exhaustion, and stress. The demands for their organization’s services/programs have grown, yet many lack the staffing and resources to meet those demands, despite their best efforts.

Massachusetts cannot have a healthy, thriving nonprofit ecosystem unless all nonprofit organizations within the ecosystem are healthy and thriving.

The Lenny Zakim Fund recognizes the role we can and must play in supporting the health and well-being of our grassroots organization partners and their leaders. This means always being intentional about putting love and compassion, which are central to LZF’s core values, also at the center of our work.

LZF congratulates our 60 wonderful grassroots organization partners and welcomes them and you to our 28th Annual Awards Celebration. Our 2024 grantee partners, along with the nearly 400 grassroots organizations The Fund has proudly partnered with since 1995, are an important part of not only the LZF community, but Massachusetts’ nonprofit ecosystem.

We are honored to serve and partner with you.

In solidarity,

Allison E. Picott, Executive Director

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PROGRAM WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS Allison Picott, Executive Director, The Lenny Zakim Fund

SPEAKERS Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS)

Manuel Reyes-Ponce

SCIboston

Founding Steering Committee Member

Doug Frey

Laura Suroviak Founder and Executive Director

Board President

Adam Sharif

David Estrada

Founding Steering Committee Member

Board Vice President

INTRODUCTION OF 2024 LENNY ZAKIM FUND GRANT RECIPIENTS Access to Food, Housing, and Economic Security

Civil and Huma Rights Advocacy and Support

Children and Youth Development and Education

Health Promotion and Accessibility for All LGBTQIA Community Support and Organizing

SPECIAL REMARKS

Organizing and Support for Immigrants and Refugees Violence Prevention, Criminal Justice Reform, and Family Outreach

CLOSING REMARKS

Tim James

Allison Picott

Board Chair, The Lenny Zakim Fund

Executive Director, The Lenny Zakim Fund

Josh Zakim Board Member, The Lenny Zakim Fund

SPECIAL THANKS The Lenny Zakim Fund’s Board of Directors and staff would like to thank the following for making our 28th Annual Awards Ceremony possible: Laura Suroviak, Manuel Reyes-Ponce, and Adam Sharif of Cultural Exchange Through Soccer Doug Frey and David Estrada of SCIboston DJ Kerr and Eternal Visuals Annette Grant Photography Tammy Torrey and Gill Fishman Designs Maureen McGoldrick and Grossman Marketing Group

KVL Audio Visual Services Boston Linguistics: Joanna Abou-Baker Awilda Corniel Anahi Di-Monriva Partners Interpreting: Stephanie Hakulin Samara Patterson Frank Rich Joe Toledo

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Royal Sonesta Hotel The Lenny Zakim Fund’s Community Investments Committee The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 2024 Site Visitors The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 2024 Board of Directors

FEATURED SPEAKERS & PERFORMERS CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH SOCCER https://cetsworcester.org/ Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS) was founded in 2003 as way to unite the residents in the diverse neighborhood around Worcester’s Elm Park Community School (EPCS), using soccer as the common language. Its mission is to empower immigrant and refugee children and youth (ages 6 to 25) to play, share, and teach soccer and to become leaders to improve Worcester. CETS offers an array of free weekly, year-round soccer programs and hosts the Worcester World Cup (WWC), an annual 3-day community festival and fundraiser that brings together immigrant teams representing various countries to enjoy international fare, children’s activities, and the main stage display of competitive adult matches, along with a youth exhibition game. The event culminates in an exciting closing ceremony and the award of the Cups to the men’s and women’s champion teams. CETS has been an LZF grantee partner since 2023.

Laura Suroviak

Manuel Reyes-Ponce

Adam Sharif

Founder and Executive Director

Founding Steering Committee Member

Founding Steering Committee Member

Raised in a rural town in Connecticut, Laura Suroviak came to Worcester to attend college at Clark University. She fell in love with the city and decided to stay. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Laura has been an organizer and advocate from a young age. She founded CETS just two years after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Community Development and Spanish. Her goal was to build community in her diverse Elm Park Community School neighborhood using a soccer ball.

A first-generation Salvadorian immigrant, Manuel ReyesPonce first became involved in CETS in 2009 as an 11 year old following his family’s move to the Elm Park School neighborhood. He is a founding member of CETS’s Steering Committee and also serves as a coach and mentor to the next generation of CETS participants. Manny holds a BA and MBA from Worcester State University and currently works in the Finance Department at TJX Companies.

Adam Sharif is an Iraqi immigrant who first became involved with CETS in 2009.

He is a founding member of CETS’s Steering Committee, and is playing an integral part in leading CETS into its next chapter. Adam earned his BA in Psychology from UMass Amherst in 2021 and currently works at Minute Man Arc where he supports people with intellectual disabilities to live independently.

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FEATURED SPEAKERS & PERFORMERS SCIBOSTON https://www.sciboston.org/ An LZF grantee partner since 2021, SCIboston (formerly known as Greater Boston Chapter of United Spinal Association) uses political advocacy and individual/community support to empower those with spinal cord injuries and their families. Founded in 1992, SCIboston’s mission is to reach individuals and families affected by spinal cord injury and disorder; inspire the newly injured through role models and peer mentors; support individuals and families as they begin their postinjury journeys; and, empower individuals with spinal cord injuries/disorders to reach their goals and dreams. SCIboston’s support groups and peer mentorship, which are free to individuals and their families, are run by a small but dedicated team of staff members and volunteers, all of whom have been affected themselves by a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D), and know firsthand how the kind of support they offer changes lives. All SCIboston staff members and volunteers have completed the GBC and United Spinal Association Peer Training Program, are HIPPA-certified, and have passed comprehensive background checks; many are also certified Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital volunteers.

Doug Frey

David Estrada

Board President

Board Vice President

Doug Frey was introduced to SCIboston in 2012 following a spinal cord injury caused by a random skin infection. He has been a peer mentor to people with spinal cord injuries since 2015 and has served as SCIboston’s board president since 2016. Doug holds a degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and spent his professional career as a financial services executive in the retirement planning market working for firms such as Fidelity Investments and The Vanguard Group. Doug lives with his wife, Sasha, in Stow, MA.

As Vice President of SCIboston, David Estrada has supported hundreds of individuals with spinal cord injuries and their families as a peer mentor. His mentorship is founded in paying it forward, and offering the same support to others as he received when he was struck by a car 28 years ago, resulting in permanent paralysis and use of a wheelchair full time.

While supporting individuals through their journeys, he is also a dedicated advocate for the community as whole, and believes increased employment for persons with disabilities, and their involvement in politics, are necessary tools for combatting and eliminating ableism. David holds a BS in Criminal Justice and Juris Doctorate from Northeastern University.

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LZF Mission Statement The Lenny Zakim Fund works to develop deep relationships and builds bridges among people and communities to advance social, economic, and racial justice. Our mission is to listen to those most impacted by inequity and provide the funding, essential resources, and support they need to create lasting change.

LZF Vision Statement The Lenny Zakim Fund envisions a more just and equitable world where communities thrive because of the contributions and leadership of grassroots organizations.

“We have the power to change things. It doesn’t take much to start a revolution of thought and spirit. It takes one person and then another.

When it works, it’s a work of art.”

– Lenny Zakim, Founder

LZF Core Values The work of The Lenny Zakim Fund is guided by the following principles: SOCIAL JUSTICE All that we do is based in our deeply held belief that social justice is equity and that the fundamental rights, well-being and dignity of all people must be recognized, upheld, and celebrated.

GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP LZF is inspired by and respects the power and ability of those most impacted by injustice to bring about change.

DIVERSITY AND BELONGING We embrace a culture of inclusion and belonging, one that seeks out and welcomes the voices of those with diverse life experiences and intersectional identities.

LEARNING We firmly believe that continuous, active and reciprocal learning is critical to promoting awareness and creating a solid foundation for change.

BRIDGE BUILDING We are committed to bridging real and perceived difference, and to creating strong and lasting relationships that are fundamental to progress.

RESPONSIVENESS Emerging challenges that impact those we serve require an acceptance of risk and an ability to adapt and respond as rapidly as possible.

LOVE Love is at the heart of philanthropy. Love and compassion motivate and sustain the spirit of those who partner with LZF and remain dedicated to justice for all.

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About The Lenny Zakim Fund The Lenny Zakim Fund strengthens grassroots organizations and community leaders through technical training, coaching and counselling, pro bono legal services, networking, and grantmaking.

The Fund is a trusted partner and convener of social justice programs and enables grassroots leaders to create powerful change in their own communities.

The Lenny Zakim Fund Board of Directors & Staff Leonard Zakim Founder

Timothy James Chair

Michael Eckton Vice Chair

Josh Zakim Secretary

Joa Ahern-Seronde Nick Bates Mo Castillo Ben Echevarria Felicia Heywood Mark Irvings Randy Miller Emmanuel Owusu Erika Rodriguez Deborah Seidel Rob Sherman Jill Snider Loren Van Allen Aprylle Wallace Deena Zakim Joyce Zakim Shari Zakim-Yacouby

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Allison Picott Executive Director

Aditi Dholakia Deputy Director

Dominique Ramos Program Officer

Finn Seifert Program and Development Intern

ShaWanda Manuel Administrative Assistant

THANK YOU! The Lenny Zakim Fund Bridge Builders The Bridge Builders honor and recognize the contributions of our donors, volunteers, former board members, and other important friends of The Fund. The board deeply appreciates all that they do for The Lenny Zakim Fund.

Mahesh Aditya

Kalman Heller

Neha Rayamajhi

Susan Barry

Barbara Howard

Ruth Rollins

Hehershe Buseuego

Drew Hyman

Carlos Saavedra

Richard Caturano

Elisabeth Jackson

Bobby Sager

Alan Chebot

Suzi Kaitz

Sharon Sankey

Debby Cherry

Carol Kanin

Sheryl Sellers

Armand Coleman

Douglas Krupp

Amy Shulman Weinberg

Elizabeth DeLima

Liana Krupp

Ellie Starr

Toni Elka

Gabriella Mora

Jamie Farrell

Maria Mulkeen

Steve Tompkins Sheriff of Suffolk Count

Dan Gelbtuch

Charlayne Murrell-Smith

Robert Weinberg

Josie Greene

Rory Neuner

Jerry Wishnow

Ellen Heller

Community Investments Committee The Community Investment Committee is critical to The Fund’s annual grant program whose responsiiblities include reading, reviewing all grant proposals, evaluating site visit feedback, and recommending grants to the board. We thank the members for their selfless dedication.

Annika Abdella

Mark Irvings

Sharon Sankey

Joa Ahern-Seronde

Carol Knox

Deborah Seidel

Nicholaus Bates

Alphonse Litz

Judi Meirowitz Tischler

Hehershe Buseuego

Fabiola Mejia Rodriguez

Aprylle Wallace

Mo Castillo

Randall Miller

Joyce Zakim

Debby Cherry

Jeff Navarro-Gutierrez

Deena Zakim

Ben Echevarria

Allison Picott

Shari Zakim-Yacouby

Lisa Gordon

Marynee Pontes

Alice Zimelman

John Graham

Dominique Ramos

Felicia Heywood

Betsy Rigby

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THANK YOU! Site Visitors Site visits are “inspirational due diligence,” essential to the lzf grantmaking process.

Thank you to all of our volunteers for the work, wisdom, caring and compassion they give.

Annika Abdella

Olu Ibrahim

Amy Seeherman

Joa Ahern-Seronde

Mark Irvings

Deborah Seidel

Mo Castillo

Carol Knox

Judi Meirowitz Tischler

Debby Cherry

Alphonse Litz

Margery Wieder

John Graham

Allison Picott

Alice Zimelman

Ellen Heller

Marynee Pontes

Felicia Heywood

Dominique Ramos

Board Members Emeriti The Lenny Zakim Fund is eternally grateful to our board member emeriti for their incredible leadership, commitment, and generosity while serving on The Lenny Zakim Fund board and beyond.

Miki Akimoto

Joseph Goodman

Joe Rodio

Jennifer Winn Aronson

Jude Goldman Former Executive Director

Gabriela Romanow

Mary Carty Former Executive Director

Lisa Gordon

Glenn Rothman

Steve Grossman

Susan Rothman

Clementina Chery

Jon Jennings

Elaine Sager

Joseph Chery

Angela Johnson

Harold Schwartz

Gregg Croteau

Suzi Kaitz

Michael Schwartz

Yasmin Cruz Ferrine

Caren Keller

Sam Slater

Lilee Dethchan

Judith Krupp

Mark Sokoll

Beth Dill

Richard Krupp

Ellie Starr

Janice Ditchek

Celeste Reid Lee

Asmaa Donahue

Sofia Lingos-Papaliodis

Jonathan Samen In memoriam

Eric Esteves Former Executive Director

Ron Marlow

Donna Latson Gittens

Charlayne Murrell-Smith

Amy Belkin Monfenson

Peter Meade Kevin O’Malley

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Michael Ross

Martin E. Kantor Honorary Lucille S. Kantor Honorary

THANK YOU! For their tremendous support, The Lenny Zakim Fund board extends our eternal gratitude to:

TEMPLE B’NAI ISRAEL And special thanks to this evening’s sponsors:

THE FRIEZE FAMILY FOUNDATION And our valued Community Partners:

The Lenny Zakim Fund is deeply grateful to the following for their support to strengthen our grant recipients and nonprofit leaders through seminars and the Transformational Leadership Cohort (TLC) program: Joa Ahern-Seronde Barr Foundation Donna Bivens Brianna Boggs Boston Linguistics Ariel Brooks Amy Cahners Robin Carton Clara Angelina Diaz Susan Donahue Toni Elka Maria Fernandes-Dominique Melonie Griffiths Monifa Robinson Groover Rebecca Jackson Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation

Krupp Family Foundation Lawyers Clearinghouse Elena Letona Alphonse Litz The Loop Lab Madeline McNeely Allyson Molloy Hussey Deirdre Morales Sonya Page Partners Interpreting Jeff Rogers Deborah Seidel Meredith Smith Judy Tso Linda Wells Marianne Midori Yoshioka

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

WE BEGAN 2023 BY AWARDING

$629,000 TO 60 GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS

2/3

of whom are led by people of color

and approximately

1/2

of whom are led by people of color

Over the past 28 years, LZF has awarded nearly 1,400 grants totaling over $12 million to approximately 400 organizations. In April, The Fund introduced an online, interactive grantee partner map. Using seven different colored pins, one color for each of LZF’s seven funding areas, each grantee partner’s location is marked with a colored pin and includes a hyperlink to their website. The map, which has been well received by both our grantee partners and funders alike, has proven to be useful tool to help people better understand and appreciate The Fund’s partnerships with grassroots organizations and the collective impact we are having to advance social, racial, and economic justice in communities throughout Massachusetts.

In May LZF hosted our first in-person Bridge Builder since the start of the pandemic titled, “Healing from the Inside Out: Building Bridges of Understanding and Empathy Between Perpetrators of Harm and their Victims and Families to Break the Cycles of Violence, Incarceration, and Recidivism”. The event which included panelists Armand Coleman, Executive Director, Transformational Prison Project (a former LZF grantee partner), Ruth Rollins, Founder and Executive Director, We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project (a current LZF grantee partner), and Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and LZF’s Executive Director, Allison Picott as moderator, led the audience in a thoughtful conversation about the inspiring work being done both within and outside the prison system to address the individual and systemic harms, including those who have caused harm, those impacted by it, and their families.

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ( CONTINUED)

Throughout 2023, LZF offered numerous seminars to our current grantees, and where able, also made these learning opportunities available to our former grantee partners and more broadly to the nonprofit community. Some of those seminars included: • Passing the Baton: Peer Non-Profit Leaders Share Their Advice for a Successful Leadership Transition with Toni Elka, Future Chefs and Alphonse Litz, Boston Explorers • Fun with Financials (two 3-part series offered in the spring and fall) with Robin Carton and Meredith Smith • Year-End Appeals with Allyson Molloy Hussey • Everything You Wanted to Know About Board Governance, But Were Afraid to Ask with Susan Donahue and Amy Cahners, Cahners & Donahue Associates • Digital Storytelling with Deirdre Morales, The Loop Lab • Case for Support with Sonya Page, Page Consulting

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ( CONTINUED)

In 2023, we began offering our grantee partners weekly virtual office hours with LZF volunteers Joa Ahern-Seronde and Deborah Seidel. Drawing upon their expertise as a career strategist and a non-profit executive and board member, respectively, Joa and Deborah have been a tremendous sounding board and resource to numerous current and former grantee partners, providing them with advice on a variety of nonprofit and leadership topics.

In June, LZF hosted a day-long Institute for our grantee partners on fundraising, designed to build both participants’ knowledge and confidence. The day began with a presentation on Fundraising 101, followed by a lunch panel discussion featuring former LZF grantee partner leaders Bior Guigni, President and CEO of Beat the Streets New England, and Leah Okimoto, Founder and CEO of Aaron’s Presents who spoke about their respective organization’s fundraising program and their experiences as fundraisers. The Institute also included three round table discussions sessions on more than a dozen fundraising topics, led by seasoned development professionals from throughout Greater Boston.

In October, LZF received a very generous gift from the former Temple B’nai Israel of Revere. Over the next 18 years, The Fund will use this money to provide critical grant support to grassroots partner organizations in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, and along the North Shore who are working to advance social racial, and economic justice in their communities.

On November 17, on what would have been Lenny’s 70th birthday, we hosted our 22nd annual No Show Ball. Thereafter, on November 30, LZF hosted a virtual event to celebrate the successful conclusion of our No Show Ball fundraising campaign featuring speakers from three LZF grantee partner organizations: • Julie Catalano, Executive Director, Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services • Satero Daveiga and Mario Rodrigues, Co-Founders and Co-Directors, My Brother’s Keeper 617 • Armani White, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Reclaim Roxbury

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2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ( CONTINUED)

Each provided interesting insights into the work of their organization and how they’ve effectively partnered with The Fund in carrying out their work.

On December 13, we kicked off the third cohort of our Transformational Leadership Cohort (TLC) Program with thirteen nonprofit leaders from current and former LZF grantee partners. Created and launched in 2019, TLC is specifically intended to benefit small, grassroots organizations and leaders, primarily from historically-excluded populations, through executive coaching, workshop-based, skill-building trainings around leadership development, and capacity building.

The Lenny Zakim Fund extends our deepest gratitude to our donors for their generous support and proudly celebrates our grantee partners for their tireless efforts to advance social, economic, and racial justice within their communities.

Together, we are able to make Lenny’s belief that extraordinary social change can be created at the grassroots level more of a reality with each year that passes.

Thank you and onward!

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LZF GRANTS 2018-2024: BY FUNDING CATEGORY Civil & Human Rights Advocacy & Support

LGBTQIA Community Support & Organizing

Violence Prevention, Criminal Justice Reform, & Family Outreach

Health Promotion & Accessibility for All

6%

7% 26%

11% 13%

22% 15%

Children & Youth Development & Education

Organizing & Support for Immigrants & Refugees

Access to Food, Housing, & Economic Security

LZF ANNUAL GRANT CYCLE The Lenny Zakim Fund maintains an active portfolio of ~ 60 grassroots nonprofit organizations, typically welcoming 10 to 14 new grantee partners into our portfolio each year. To be eligible to receive funding from LZF, prospective grant applicants must be a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization (or have a fiscal sponsor) and be based in and serve Massachusetts.

LZF prides itself on being a practitioner of trust-based philanthropy, which is central to our work as a funder. We recognize that our grassroots, communityled applicants are most knowledgeable about the challenges in their own communities and are best suited to create solutions. Accordingly, all of our grants are unrestricted in nature to

allow our grantee partners to determine how best to deploy the money.

Our Community Investments Committee, which consists of LZF staff, board members, and volunteers from the community, is responsible for evaluating and making grant award decisions as part of a six month process that includes a written grant application and site visit with a select number of applicants.

The goal after five years is that an organization is no longer eligible to receive funding from LZF and is able to flourish and leverage the skills and support acquired during their time with LZF to secure new and diverse areas of funding.

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GRANT RECIPIENTS ALPHABETICALLY

365Dad Inc.

Nigerian American Multi-Service Association (NAMSA)

African Cultural Services (Africano Waltham)

Ohketeau Cultural Center

Black and Pink, Massachusetts

Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS)

Boston Affordable Housing Coalition, Inc. (aka Massachusetts Alliance of HUD Tenants)

Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc.

Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, Inc.

Pinnacle Partnerships

Brockton Workers Alliance Bryce’s Journey, Inc.

Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, Inc.

Cape Ann Art Haven

Pride Productions, Inc.

City Strings United

Reclaim Roxbury

CodeSquad Community Caring Clinic Inc.

Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA)

Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS)

Right to the City Boston

DEAFinitely, Inc.

SCIboston

DeeDee’s Cry

Sisters Unchained

East Boston Community Soup Kitchen

Sitters for Scholars

Eritrean American Civic Association

Somali Parents Advocacy Center for Education Inc. (SPACE)

2Gether We Eat

Global Village Farms

OutstandingLife P&O Behavioral Health Initiative

South Boston en Accion

Gratis Healthcare

Southcoast LGBTQ Network

I Have A Future

Teen JUST-US at Temple Israel

KodeConnect, Inc.

The Dream Network

Love Life Now Foundation

The Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc.

Massassachusetts Coalition of Domestic Workers

The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston

Mercy Meals & More, Inc.

The Upward Project

Mount Olives Community Center My Brother’s Keeper 617

Think Outside the Vox Inc.

Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services, Inc.

To the Moon and Back Top Notch Scholars, Inc.

Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE)

Translate Gender

New England Medical Association, Inc.

We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project

New Lynn Coalition

Union of Minority Neighborhoods

Youth Justice and Power Union

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GRANT RECIPIENTS BY MISSION AREA ACCESS TO FOOD, HOUSING, & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

CIVIL & HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCACY & SUPPORT

2Gether We Eat

Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE)

Boston Affordable Housing Coalition (aka Massachusetts Alliance of HUD Tenants)

Ohketeau Cultural Center

CodeSquad

Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center, Inc.

East Boston Community Soup Kitchen

Right to the City Boston

Global Village Farms

Union of Minority Neighborhoods

Mercy Meals & More, Inc. New Lynn Coalition Reclaim Roxbury Sitters for Scholars The Upward Project Youth Justice and Power Union

CHILD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION

HEALTH PROMOTION & ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL Community Caring Clinic Inc. DeeDee’s Cry Gratis Healthcare Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services, Inc. New England Medical Association, Inc.

Bryce’s Journey, Inc.

Pinnacle Partnerships

Cape Ann Art Haven

SCIboston

City Strings United

The Heart of a Giant Foundation, Inc.

Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS)

Think Outside the Vox Inc.

DEAFinitely, Inc. KodeConnect, Inc. My Brothers Keeper 617 Pride Productions, Inc. Sisters Unchained Somali Parents Advocacy Center for Education Inc. (SPACE) Teen JUST-US at Temple Israel To the Moon and Back Top Notch Scholars, Inc.

LGBTQIA COMMUNITY SUPPORT & ORGANIZING Black and Pink, Massachusetts Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation, Inc. OutstandingLife Southcoast LGBTQ Network The History Project: Documenting LGBTQ Boston Translate Gender

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GRANT RECIPIENTS BY MISSION AREA ( CONTINUED)

ORGANZING & SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANTS & REFUGEES African Cultural Services (Africano Waltham)

VIOLENCE PREVENTION, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM & FAMILY OUTREACH

Brockton Workers Alliance

365Dad Inc.

Eritrean American Civic Association

I Have A Future

Massachusetts Coalition of Domestic Workers

Love Life Now Foundation

Mount Olives Community Center

The Dream Network

Nigerian American Multi-Service Association (NAMSA)

We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project

Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc.

Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS) P&O Behavioral Health Initiative Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA) South Boston en Accion

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THANK YOU! A SPECIAL WORD OF GRATITUDE TO TEMPLE B’NAI ISRAEL In October 2023, The Lenny Zakim Fund (LZF or The Fund) received a very generous gift from the former Temple B’nai Israel of Revere to support LZF grantee partner organizations who are doing work to advance social, racial, and economic justice in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, and other communities along the North Shore.

Established in 1906 in the Beachmont neighborhood of Revere, Temple B’nai Israel (TBI) has the distinction of being one of the oldest original synagogues in Massachusetts. In 2019, Temple B’Nai Israel made the decision to close its doors. Desirous to create a lasting legacy, Temple B’nai Israel chose LZF to receive the proceeds from the sale of its former temple building recognizing that the two organizations share Jewish values and a strong commitment to social justice.

TBI’s gift has been invested in a special endowed fund which will be drawn down by LZF each year for the next 18 years (through 2041) to provide critical grant funding to LZF grassroots partner organizations in Revere, Chelsea, Lynn, and along the North Shore who share the Temple’s Jewish values and strong commitment to social justice.

The Lenny Zakim Fund is eternally grateful to the congregants of Temple B’Nai Israel for their belief in The Fund and our work with grassroots organizations.

The Fund congratulates the following 2024 LZF grantee partners whose grants are funded by Temple B’nai Israel’s generosity:

East Boston Community Soup Kitchen

New Lynn Coalition

Neighbors United for a Better East Boston

Open Door Immigration Services

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

2GETHER WE EAT WORCESTER, 2GETHERWEEAT.COM

Providing food, education, training, and employment using hydroponics to help fight the food crisis in food deserts across our communities.

2Gether We Eat teaches hydroponics and uses green energy as a tool to provide healthy eating while preserving natural resources. By doing this, 2Gether We Eat teaches their communities about healthy eating habits and the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables through their youth farming and STEM program.

365DAD BOSTON, 365DAD.NET

Empowering fathers to be positive influences and examples in the lives of their children.

365Dad empowers fathers through affirming guidance and equips them with the tools to develop and maintain loving relationships to produce personal, academic, and social-emotional outcomes that positively impact the lives of their children.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

AFRICAN CULTURAL SERVICES WALTHAM, AFRICANOWALTHAM.ORG

Developing outreach, programming, and community within African immigrant and low-income families who would otherwise not have access to out-of-school support.

African Cultural Services (Africano Waltham) offers students and families opportunities to explore, interact with, and broaden their knowledge about their communities and themselves. This includes activities such as African dance, Africa in the classroom, the performing arts, music and art making, academic support, healthy snacks, gymnastics, and field trips. Africano also provides monthly community cultural events, professional development workshops, and in-school visits.

BLACK AND PINK, MASSACHUSETTS STATEWIDE, BLACKANDPINK.ORG

Creating a liberated world for all on both sides of the wall.

Rooted in anarchist organizing principles and committed to abolition, Black and Pink Massachusetts strives to abolish the prison-industrial complex and liberate LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS through advocacy, court/bail support, housing services, re-entry aid, organizing.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

BOSTON AFFORDABLE HOUSING COALITION/MASSACHUSETTS ALLIANCE OF HUD TENANTS BOSTON, SAVEOURHOMESNOW.ORG

Preserving and improving at-risk HUD buildings as permanently affordable housing with a maximum of resident participation, ownership and control.

Boston Affordable Housing Coalition (d/b/a Mass Alliance of HUD Tenants) organizes tenant groups to increase their collective bargaining strength and access with owners, HUD, and other agencies. The nation’s first and most accomplished area-wide HUD tenant coalition, this organization is the only resident-run, membership coalition providing organizing and technical assistance to HUD tenants in Eastern and Central Massachusetts.

BOSTON LESBIGAY URBAN FOUNDATION, INC. DORCHESTER, LESBIGAYURBANFOUNDATION.ORG

Fostering positive futures of LGBTQ+ youth of color.

The Boston LesBiGay Urban Foundation utilizes workshops, mentorship programs, social events, and more to improve social and emotional outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth of color. They support LGBTQ+ youth of color to dream big by connecting them with the necessary resources, security, and community support.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

BROCKTON WORKERS ALLIANCE BROCKTON, BROCKTON-WORKERSALLIANCE.BLOGSPOT.COM

Empowering immigrant workers to lead the fight for their rights.

The Brockton Workers Alliance (BWA) educates, supports, organizes, and empowers immigrant workers to confront long-term workplace abuses and to lead the fight for their rights through the development of better local, state, and national policies. BWA supports immigrant workers with resources that address workplace-related issues such as wage theft, racial discrimination, health, safety, and unjust firing to make the Brockton community and beyond a better place for immigrants to work and live.

BRYCE’S JOURNEY, INC. BOSTON, BRYCESJOURNEY.ORG

Devoted to helping underserved kids with autism.

Bryce’s Journey provides free or low-cost services and support to inner-city Boston families with children who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/ or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It also provides guidance, informational resources, support groups, and workshops for parents and caregivers.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

CAPE ANN ART HAVEN GLOUCESTER, ARTHAVEN.ORG

Providing high quality art education and community building to all.

Cape Ann Art Haven utilizes the powerful education of art to offset inequity inherent in their diversity society by leveling the playing field for all students through their open accessibility of art to all.

Cape Ann Art Haven offers a wide range of benefits that enhances individual learning and overall well-being to all individuals of their community.

CITY STRINGS UNITED BOSTON, CITYSTRINGS.ORG

Transforming young lives through stringed instruments.

City Strings United inspires and challenges children from underserved communities to develop leadership and life skills and a passion for excellence through the discipline of a music ensemble. It provides free cello lessons and unique performance opportunities to youth ages 6-18 and was founded on the belief that access to high-quality youth programs can create positive change and foster the social, emotional, and educational development of youth.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS CODESQUAD BOSTON, CODESQUAD.ORG

Building a pipeline of talent and stable careers in low-income communities.

CodeSquad is an intensive STEM bootcamp and occupational skills training program that trains talented, low-income adults, particularly people of color and women, to become full-stack web developers and launch a new career.

COMMUNITY CARING CLINIC BOSTON, COMMUNITYCARINGCLINIC.ORG

Holistic care to promote and strengthen the mental, spiritual, and physical health of the community.

Community Caring Clinic provides cost-effective behavioral and mental healthcare services to children, young people, families, and individuals through counseling, education, social skills training, motivation, and access to treatment.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS CULTURAL EXCHANGE THROUGH SOCCER (CETS) WORCESTER, CETSWORCESTER.ORG

Empowering youth from diverse communities to play, share, and teach soccer and to become leaders to improve Worcester.

Beginning as a neighborhood-based community building program, CETS has grown to provide youth leadership development through soccer. Mentoring and training primarily immigrant youth, CETS aims to produce a pool of young leaders with the tools for a successful life and community.

DEAFINITELY, INC. BOSTON, DEAFINITELYINC.COM

Changing the paradigm for deaf and hard of hearing youth.

DEAFinitely empowers Deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, deaf-disabled and hearing youth through mentorship, performing arts, and American Sign Language (ASL).

DEAFinitely youth learn to communicate and work together as a team, expressing positive messages through dance and ASL. Through Deaf-to-Deaf mentoring, youth engage in regular ASL-rich outlets to deepen connections and develop fundamental skills to interact in the world.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

DEEDEE’S CRY DORCHESTER, DEEDEESCRY.COM

Providing resources on suicide prevention and loss & mental health education.

DeeDee’s Cry supports families impacted by suicide by creating a safe space for conversation and lifting the stigma on suicide and mental health within BIPOC communities. DeeDee’s Cry offers event programs, projects, and activities within BIPOC communities focusing on family, mental health, and suicide prevention.

EAST BOSTON COMMUNITY SOUP KITCHEN EAST BOSTON, EBCSK.ORG

Providing nourishment in all forms to those facing adversity.

The East Boston Community Soup Kitchen offers nourishment and a community space for those experiencing challenging life circumstances, such as food insecurity, addiction, and homelessness. They hold a holistic understanding of the varied needs of their community and serve as a place of dignity and compassion for all who enter their space.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

ERITREAN AMERICAN CIVIC ASSOCIATION BOSTON, ECCBOSTON.ORG

Promoting social and cultural interactions among Eritrean-Americans.

The Eritrean American Civic Association (EACA) aims to support migrant communities through language training, workforce development, cultural programming, civic engagement, and professional networks. EACA promotes civic engagement, community organizing, social & cultural interactions among peoples of Eritrea/Africa descendants, and local communities. EACA develops programs that respond to the needs of Eritrean and other immigrant communities from Africa and helps increase awareness about refugees and immigrant issues locally and statewide.

GLOBAL VILLAGE FARMS GRAFTON, GLOBALVILLAGEFARMS.ORG

Practicing restoration and ceremony, of both the land, marginalized communities, and their connection.

Global Village Farms is an initiative focused on creating sustainable economies and cooperative living spaces for colonized and marginalized communities. Grounding their values in indigenous sovereignty through the support and guidance of their Council of Indigenous Elders, Global Village Farms implement these values in their cooperative farming, events, retreats, education, and more.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

GRATIS HEALTHCARE FRAMINGHAM, GRATISHEALTH.ORG

Removing barriers to basic health care and strive to connect patients to the Massachusetts health care system and community resources.

Gratis Healthcare acknowledges the expanding need for access to basic health care within communities that are uninsured or under insured in the Metro West and Greater Boston area. Gratis Healthcare provides free medical and mental health services while offering Portuguese and Spanish interpreters.

I HAVE A FUTURE STATEWIDE, IHAVEAFUTUREMA.US

Empowering the next generation of community organizers.

I Have A Future is a statewide community of youth organizers and allies building power to ensure that every young person has an opportunity to thrive by increasing youth jobs and ending mass incarceration through transformational leadership development, direct public action, and policy change.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

KODECONNECT, INC. BROCKTON, KODECONNECT.ORG

Inspiring a generation of problem solvers, collaborators, and innovators.

KodeConnect’s mission is to Expose and Engage underserved youth in dynamic STEM learning experiences so that they Envision themselves as problem solvers, collaborators, and innovators.

It works to systematically break down existing barriers to underrepresented students in STEM, foster creative learning environments, and ultimately increase minority presence in the critical fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics..

LOVE LIFE NOW FOUNDATION AVON, LOVELIFENOW.ORG

Supporting survivors of domestic violence through year-round initiative and direct assistance to domestic violence programs.

As a global awareness and education organization, Love Life Now Foundation provides resecures to those seeking help regarding domestic violence through educational workshops, panels, presentations, and year-round awareness. Love Life Now Foundation participates and holds events that aid domestic violence shelters. .

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

MASSACHUSETTS COALITION OF DOMESTIC WORKERS BOSTON, MASSDOMESTICWORKERS.ORG

Bringing racial and social justice and dignity to all domestic workers in Massachusetts.

The driving force in passing the MA Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights (BoR) in April 2014, the Massachusetts Coalition of Domestic Workers (MCDW) educates and supports domestic workers in asserting their rights. Part of their educational programming includes training leaders from the community to organize for equitable treatment of domestic workers.

MERCY MEALS & MORE, INC. NEW BEDFORD, MERCYMEALSANDMORE.COM

Providing a nutritious beginning to the day for neighbors in need.

Mercy Meals & More provides free meals clothing and foot care to those in need while simultaneously creating an atmosphere cultivating friendships and building a stronger community. Offering a hot breakfast program Monday through Saturday, Mercy Meals & More treats their guests with dignity and respect.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

MOUNT OLVES COMMUNITY CENTER HYDE PARK, MOCCETNER.ORG

Providing opportunities to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

Mount Olives Community Center provides computer literacy classes, financial literacy services, and parent education programming to Boston’s Haitian community to help families create a nurturing, stable, and culturallydiverse family environment.

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER 617 BOSTON, MBK617.ORG

Providing opportunities for new experiences, connections, and community.

My Brother’s Keeper 617 creates a community network group for youth by mentoring and building community relations and exploring other environments. Through this, MBK617 aims to decrease the number of young boys who join gangs, provide them with the necessary skills to become successful, and empower them to reach their full potential.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

NEIGHBORHOOD COUNSELING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES SOMERVILLE, NEIGHBORHOOD COUNSELINGSERVICES.ORG

Improving the quality of life of anyone who feels vulnerable.

Neighborhood Counseling and Community Services provides much-needed accessible and affordable counseling for individual, children, adolescents, adults, families and groups in Somerville, Medford, Malden, Everett, and Chelsea. It seeks to improve the quality of life of anyone who feels vulnerable and is looking for ways to better the relationship they have with themselves, their families, and their communities.

NEIGHBORS UNITED FOR A BETTER EAST BOSTON (NUBE) EAST BOSTON, NUBEASTBOSTON.ORG

Envisioning a community where neighbors co-exist, support, and encourage each other.

Neighbors United for a Better East Boston (NUBE) develops abundant leaders who support social transformation and shifting political power by organizing and advocating for inclusive democratic processes and just public policies to create a vibrant economy and environment for all East Boston.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

NEW ENGLAND MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC. BROOKLINE, NEMA-NMA.ORG

Mobilizing the Black physician community to shape a just future for medicine.

The New England Medical Association (NEMA) is an organization that connects Black physicians in the New England area who are passionate about combatting healthcare inequality. NEMA Members advocate to eliminate health disparities while building community power through career development, mentorship programs, and community-based projects.

NEW LYNN COALITION LYNN, NEWLYNN.ORG

Organizing working class people into a unified, permanent, political, and economic force.

The New Lynn Coalition is made up of community, faith, and labor activists who organize all sectors of working class people into a unified, permanent, political, and economic force that is union and non-union, and transcends racial, linguistic, ethnic, citizenship, faith, and gender boundaries. It seeks to redress/address the extreme income inequality that comes from lack of power for working people and directly address white supremacy in organizing and educational activities.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

NIGERIAN AMERICAN MULTI-SERVICE ASSOCIATION (NAMSA) BOSTON, NAMSA.ORG

Dedicated to promoting and preserving the culture and heritage of all people of Nigerian ancestry.

NAMSA works to create a support environment through education, networking opportunities, and other services to help people adapt and thrive. Celebrating the contributions of Nigerian Americans and helping new immigrants integrate into American society, NAMSA aims promote inclusive and lasting socioeconomic progress in their community and beyond using advocacy and philanthropy.

OHKETEAU CULTURAL CENTER ASHFIELD, OHKETEAU.ORG

Offering a safe, rewarding, and enriching experience for the Indigenous community of the region.

Ohketeau enables interdisciplinary education by offering cultural workshops, dance, music, art, indoor and outdoor, activities in which participants can fully express their talents. Believing in the importance of teaching and learning a relationship of reciprocity, Ohketeau is a safe haven for the Indigenous community and for all to collaborate and learn.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

OPEN DOOR IMMIGRATION SERVICES BEVERLY, ODISMA.ORG

Guiding immigrants through the complex journey of the immigration system.

Open Door Immigration Services (ODIS) is a Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited legal services organization that provides affordable and no-cost legal service for immigrants navigating the challenges to obtaining legal immigrant status. ODIS prioritizes delivery of these services to the underserved low-income immigrants in their community.

OUR DEAF SURVIVORS CENTER, INC. WORCESTER, ODSCUNITY.ORG

Providing culturally affirmative support services to Deaf victims/survivors of sexual and domestic violence and promoting awareness of cultural and linguistic considerations.

ODSC is a sister agency to Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services as it offers sexual and domestic violence services to Deaf victims/survivors in Massachusetts. Through education, empowerment, and advocacy, ODSChopes to uplift and provide a platform for its community.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

OUTSTANDINGLIFE ROXBURY, OUTSTANDINGLIFE.ORG

Disrupting social isolation of LGTBQ+ elders through virtual community.

OutstandingLife addresses the unique challenges of LGBTQ+ elders through connection building, leading them to live more empowered and joyful lives. OutstandingLife’s online community offers LGBTQ+ elders a virtual space where they are able to combat loneliness and benefit from educational programming thereby deepening their connections within the community.

P&O BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INITIATIVE MERRIMACK VALLEY, POBHI.ORG

Elevating marginalized and underprivileged communities by empowering them to achieve success.

P&O Behavioral Health Initiative addresses mental health challenges and provides a safe place for persons in underprivileged and immigrant communities by offering support and integration. It offers behavioral health services and coordination of resources to marginalized groups, persons with cognitive impairment, and learning disabilities so they can develop and improve life skills to the best of their abilities.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

PINNACLE PARTNERSHIPS BROCKTON, PINNACLEPARTNERSHIPS.ORG

Cultivating and sustaining well-being infrastructure by enhancing brain, body, family, and community health.

Pinnacle Partnerships innovates within children’s mental health systems through family-centered, culturally rooted, and community connected mental health services. By combining research, lived experience coaches, and evidence-based clinical practice, Pinnacle Partnerships hopes to align directly with anticipated and identified needs.

PLEASANT STREET NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORK CENTER, INC. WORCESTER, PSNNC.ORG

Creating a safe, attractive, and livable community with people of various means and backgrounds.

Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center serves to bring people together to bring awareness and prioritize issues in which collective action can create effective change.

Forging new partnerships among all individuals within the Pleasant-Piedmont neighborhood and highlighting the unique talents of all, Pleasant Street Neighborhood Network Center aims to achieve and sustain their vision.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

PRIDE PRODUCTIONS, INC. WORCESTER, PRIDEPRO.ORG

Providing opportunities for youth to engage in media production.

With an overall mission to inspire confidence and ambition in young people, Pride Productions offers programs for youth to engage in multimedia creation and production. Their programs offer unique opportunities not often accessible to youth and help to inspire young people to explore different paths and passions, including career development and mentorship opportunities.

RECLAIM ROXBURY ROXBURY, RECLAIMROXBURY.ORG

Improving the quality of life and economic wealth for Roxbury residents by preventing displacement and supporting economic development.

Reclaim Roxbury works to ensure that Roxbury residents are actively involved in the democratic process and have a voice in community planning. Through education and advocacy, Reclaim Roxbury’s mission is to build a more prosperous and resilient Roxbury.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

REFUGEES & IMMIGRANTS CULTURAL EMPOWERMENT MASSACHUSETTS WORCESTER, RICEMA.ORG

Preserving the culture of refugee and immigrant communities through performance art and education.

Refugees & Immigrants Cultural Empowerment Massachusetts (RICEMA) uses performance art and education to preserve the culture of refugee and immigrant communities, while deepening individuals’ connection to their heritage. RICEMA also offer English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for adults and Youth Effect International Trip’s to offer global cultural experiences for youth.

RIGHT TO THE CITY BOSTON BOSTON, RECLAIMBOSTON.ORG

Uplifting the voice of grassroots organizations and residents across the City of Boston.

Right to the City Boston is a multiissue-based alliance of grassroots organizations representing low-income, POC/immigrant communities working together for social justice under platform of value and principles: the right to stable community, the right to economic justice and good jobs, the right to democratic participation, the right to public good, and the right to a healthy environment.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

SCIBOSTON GREATER BOSTON, SCIBOSTON.ORG

Supporting the newly injured through their post-injury journeys.

SCIboston offers hope to individuals and families affected by spinal cord injuries or disorders through one-on-one support, peer mentoring, support groups, social connectedness, and educational programs to help the newly injured and their families, transition back into the community and lead fulfilling livest.

SISTERS UNCHAINED BOSTON, SISTERSUNCHAINED.COM

Creating space for young women of color to love and improve themselves and their communities.

Sisters Unchained is a prison abolitionist organization dedicated to the collective leadership, healing, and creative expression of young women affected by incarceration. It supports young women and girls, with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated parents, by focusing on radical education, alternative forms of healing, organizing, and art.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

SITTERS FOR SCHOLARS BOSTON, SITTERSFORSCHOLARS.ORG

Committed to helping working parents pursue higher education and elevate their economic position.

Sitters For Scholars offers free and low-cost evening baby sitting services to low-income parents attending college in the Greater Boston area. By providing a service necessary for low-income parents who are in college and would otherwise face the risk of dropping out, SFS reduces the education and economic gap found in greater Boston communities.

SOMALI PARENTS ADVOCACY CENTER FOR EDUCATION GREATER BOSTON, SPACEMA.ORG

Engaging Somali families more actively in the lives and education of their children.

Somali Parents Advocacy Center for Education (SPACE) supports, educates, and empowers Somali families at all levels so that they can successfully access the resources and services in the larger community, and be better advocates for their children in school, in health care, and in their own community.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

SOUTH BOSTON EN ACCION SOUTH BOSTON, SBEACCION.ORG

Empowering community members in South Boston to create positive change.

South Boston en Accion’s mission is to relieve poverty, combat community deterioration, advance civic education and engagement, promote social welfare and justice, and inspire leadership from within the low-income population of South Boston. It develops grassroots leadership from within the community by helping residents to access knowledge and other resources to achieve their goals and develop as leaders to take collective action for improvements to social and racial injustices through education, skill-building, and civic engagement.

SOUTHCOAST LGBTQ NETWORK NEW BEDFORD, SCLGBTQNETWORK.ORG

Building and maintaining a comprehensive network for LGBTQ individuals and families in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Enriching the lives of LGBTQ individuals and families across the age spectrum, Southcoast LGBTQ Network works with governmental, community-based organizations, and private entities to ensure that LGBTQ individuals are treated with respect and dignity. This includes assessing, advocating, and supporting programming needs to ensure the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ individuals in the community, such as housing, education, employment, and mental and physical health. .

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

TEEN JUST-US AT TEMPLE ISRAEL BOSTON, TISRAEL.ORG/ TEEN-JUST-US-BOSTON/

Providing a substantive and meaningful opportunity for teens who are eager to make a difference in the world.

Teen JUST-US at Temple Israel includes a six-week, non-residential, immersive social justice experience for a cohort of rising high school juniors and seniors. Participating in internships across the Boston area while offering Jewish leadership development, Teen JUST-US at Temple Israel matches its students with mentors for a mutually productive experience for all to access.

THE DREAM NETWORK LAWRENCE, THEDREAMNETWORK.ORG

Making connections between incarceration, racism, and social justice.

The Dream Network helps to form a collective vision of what social justice and mobility should look like in Lawrence through collective power, tangible connection, and shared experiences to build community credibility and capital.

Its mission is to develop transformative processes that measurably impact poverty and its goal is to shift culture by addressing systemic inequities in our educational, economic, environmental, social, and carceral systems.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS THE HEART OF A GIANT FOUNDATION, INC. MILTON, HEARTOFAGIANT.ORG

Empowering people to become active agents in their healthcare and well-being and improve their quality of life and health outcomes.

The Heart of a Giant Foundation amplifies patient voices to receive better health education, care plans, and greater community involvement. Focusing on improving health outcomes and preventing chronic heart diseases, Heart of a Giant Foundation fosters better health outcomes on a global level.

THE HISTORY PROJECT: DOCUMENTING LGBTQ BOSTON BOSTON, HISTORYPROJECT.ORG

Documenting and preserving the history of New England’s LGBTQ communities and sharing that history with others.

As one of the largest independent LGBTQ archives in the nation, The History Project contains more than 250 collections and more than one million documents from organizations and individuals. The History Project offers various outreach activities such as film screenings or exhibitions to engage anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

THE UPWARD PROJECT BOSTON, THEUPWARDPROJECT.ORG

Guaranteeing first-generation students access to competitive opportunities.

With upward mobility as the end goal, The Upward Project is a career development program working to ensure that 1st-generation, low-income, high-achieving college students are well-positioned to enter & succeed in the most competitive career fields. It is a five-year wrap-around program that provides extensive career coaching, internship placement support, cultivation of professional networks, financial resources, and more.

THINK OUTSIDE THE VOX, INC. LITTLETON, THINKOUTSIDETHEVOX.ORG

Increasing disability and cultural access in the arts community.

Think Outside the Vox focuses on combatting ableist marginalization between disabled patrons, BIPOC/AAPI/ marginalized access providers, and art institutions through individual consulting, webinars, referral services, and training programs. They aim to make measurable system-wide change in the field by facilitating and planning ways art institutions can make their spaces more accessible and inclusive.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

TO THE MOON AND BACK PLYMOUTH, 2THEMOONANDBACK.ORG

Providing support, education, and advocacy for the littlest victims of the opioid epidemic.

To the Moon and Back organizes support, education, and advocacy groups for children born with in utero substance exposure and their families. Services include consultation, care packages, and annual conferences. While focused in the Plymouth area, their resource guide can be found across the state.

TOP NOTCH SCHOLARS LAWRENCE AND MERRIMACK VALLEY, TOPNOTCHSCHOLARS.ORG

Helping youth reach their personal success.

Top Notch Scholars is a leadership development organization that provides mentoring and leadership opportunities to support the dreams of each student by helping them build self-esteem, healthy relationships, a spirit of inquiry and focus, and college and career awareness.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS

TRANSLATE GENDER NORTHAMPTON, TRANSLATEGENDER.ORG

Generating community accountability for individuals to self-determine their own genders and gender expressions.

As a collective-based consensus-run organization, Translate Gender has led efforts to fight gender oppression and educate communities on specific concerns to trans, gender-expansive, and/ or gender nonconforming individuals.

Translate Gender holds workshops, consultations, mediations, and facilitations of discussions in various settings to accomplish their mission.

UNION OF MINORITY NEIGHBORHOODS STATEWIDE, UNITYOFMINORITY NEIGHBORHOODS.ORG

Garnering greater political, social, and economic power for communities of color and low-income people.

Union of Minority Neighborhoods organizes and trains people of color and low-income people to end discriminatory policies and practices that limit access to political, economic, and social power. UMN develops a more cohesive force for demanding greater political power through designing programs and campaigns that address community needs.

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2024 GRANT RECIPIENT BIOS WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER WARREN DANIEL HAIRSTON PROJECT BOSTON, WAB2G.ORG

Educating, supporting, and serving families on both sides of gun violence inorder to break cycles of violence and victimization.

We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project works with families of victims and offenders who want to take ownership of what’s happening in their homes and community and find pathways to healing. They provide community healing, as well as leadership and violence prevention planning to disrupt cycles of violence and trauma.

YOUTH JUSTICE & POWER UNION BOSTON, YJPU.ORG

Building up the leadership of people most impacted by systems of oppression.

The Youth Justice & Power Union (YJPU) is an organization led by and centering Black and Brown youth in Boston. It was founded to build up the leadership of people most impacted by systems of oppression to be the leaders we know, want, and need them to be if oppression is going to be fought and won. The mission of YJPU is to build collective power to address systemic issues at the root happening in communities and confront them through organizing and direct action.

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2023 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS The Lenny Zakim Fund bridges gaps between need and resources in communities; between donors and individuals striving to make better lives; between complementary organizations otherwise unbeknownst to each other; and between you and your ability to create positive impact in your neighboring communities at risk.

We are deeply grateful to the following donors for making this important work possible.

THANK YOU. Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge $50,000 & OVER

Tao Jones Charitable Foundation, Joseph Deitch

Anonymous

Stephen and Jane Williamson

Barr Foundation

Cable Bridge $9,999 - $5,000

The Estate of Phyllis Marino The Klarman Family Foundation

Jennifer and Eric Aronson

Krupp Family Foundation

Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation

Temple B’Nai Israel

Michael and Manisha Eckton

Cantilever Bridge $49,999 - $25,000

Gill Fishman Design

Empire Loan

Ellen and Kalman Heller

Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation

Mark and Susan Irvings

Suzi Kaitz & Jonathan Katz

Mr. Owl Foundation

Caren Keller & David Boonshoft

Elaine and Bobby Sager

Tim Mackey & Carol Lee Rawn

Joseph Savage

The ‘Quin Impact Fund

Marc and Margie Seligman

Lisa Gordon & John Treadway

Rob Sherman & Joan Lenington

Bowstring Bridge $24,999 - $10,000

Ellie Starr Josh and Grace Zakim

Anonymous (2)

Joyce Zakim & Peter Greenspan

The Estate of Charlotte Kaitz Jamie Golden

ARCH BRIDGE $4,999 - $2,500

Income Research + Management

Brian and Mary Carty

John and Sonia Lingos Family Foundation

Goldberg Family Multigenerational

Glenn and Susan Rothman

Kayak Consulting Group

The Frieze Family Foundation

The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 28th Annual Awards Ceremony | 51

2023 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS Sandy and Roz Hollander Tim and Barbara James Florence Koplow Lori and Eric Lander Matthew Patton Committee William McPherson Scott Miller Leah and John Morris Allison Picott & Michael Goldstein Bob and Gabriela Romanow Carol Knox & Phillipe Paul Celeste and David Lee Corey McQuade Joseph and Ciara Rodio Ben Stepansky Gillien Todd & Kinglsey Taft Mark and Ellie Winthrop

Double Decker Bridge $2,499 - $1,000

Steven Shulman & Debra S. Yanofsky David Stein & Elizabeth March Katie Stepansky Larry Stifler & Mary McFadden Aprylle and Eric Wallace Graham Walters Amy Shulman Weinberg & Robert Weinberg Michael Whouley & Sally Kerans Betsy Woolf & Clifford Wolf

Anonymous

Edward and Judi Zuker

Miki Akimoto Mark and Margaret Batten

COVERED BRIDGE $999 - $500

Joan and Steve Belkin

Lorrie Anderson

Ed Belove & Laura Roberts

Jim and Clara Batchelor

Sandra Bromfield

Diane and Fred Berk

Daniel Caine & Claire Socolovsky Caine

Lawrence and Martha Cassazza

Terri and Alan Chebot

Moris Castillo and Haide Bolanos

George Cohen & Yolanda Davila Cohen

Dayl Cohen

Beth Dill & Eric Enge

Bruce and Mady Donoff

Janice Ditchek & Glenn Rosenbloom

Bob and Iris Fanger

The Edgerly Family Foundation, Paul and Sandy Edgerly

Chad Freitas

Steve and Barbara Grossman Felicia Heywood

Julia Gittleman & Tom Mendelsohn Ronni Goldsmith & Joe Donelan Mei Hung

52 | The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 28th Annual Awards Ceremony

2023 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS

Drew Hyman

Herbert and Andrea Wheeler

Sol and Jackie Israel

Deena Zakim & Jesse Chebot

Sharon Kaitz & Jonathan Wilson

Shari Zakim-Yacouby & Phil Yacouby

Alexandra Karasic

Stone Bridge $499 - $250

Jennifer Musso Kelly & Matthew Kelly Lisa Kessler

Bob and Helen Alkon

Josh and Jessica Lutzker Dan Matthews & Genevieve Hammond Charlayne Murrell-Smith & Kenneth Smith Robert and Leslie Ogan

Allen Palmer & Nancy Feingold Palmer Maureen and John Pistorio

Glenn Rothfeld & Margaret Ann McKinnies

Risa Shames & Neil Silverston William and Ruth Shelley Eric Sneider Mark and Marjie Sokoll

Robert and Emily Carroll Rich and Debby Cole

Andrea Roman & Thomas Gloria

Deborah Seidel

Michael Bzullak Julie Catalano

Alison Roche

Beth Segers

Bruce Binkow Brianna Boggs

Andrew Ott & Charan Devereaux

Jon and Margaret Saphier

Gouri Banerjee Jerry and Grace Bird

Deborah and Charlie Olins

Joyce Rubino & Bob Stepansky

Philip and Cathy Angellis

Columbus Hospitality Group Frank and Nancy Dimella Jim Dittmar & Deborah Kay Toni Elka Peter and Maria Eliopoulos Colleen Galle Mitchell A. and Barbara S. Glazier Jude Goldman & Ed Braverman Sarah Gorman

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2023 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS Carol Goss Rachel Israel & Jason Heiser Janet Kahan & Stan Shulman Paul Karger Wesley Karger Sherry Katz & Mark Farber Elisabeth Keller Jon Kingsdale Jane King & Michael Nacey Harris and Paul Krupp Maria Lopez

John and Lori Solon

Lilly Marcelin

Hilary Stepansky

Christopher and Catherine Milton

Paul Summergrad & Randy Glassman

Dorian Mintzer

Donna Tehel

Andrew Myerson

Loren Van Allen

Tania Phillips & Jeffrey S. Dover

Rabbi Moshe and Anne Waldoks

Joel Piton

Mark Walsh

Jamie Pollock

Mike and Kristine Wise

Bill Poznik & Jane Adolph Kurt and Arlene Pressman Kenneth Preuss James Rapoport & Susan Carty Rapoport Terry Rushfirth Jordan Smith James and Susan Snider Tom and Anne Snyder

Foot Bridge $249 - $100 Chelsea Abplanalp Jillian Adams Bridget Akinc Mark Avery Carl and Andrea Axelrod Rosemary Aylward Back Bay Boxing Alice and Michael Baker Bruce and Katie Barnett Mari and Joel Barrera Jon Beagan Bentley and Marilyn Beaver Benjamin B. and Natalie O. Levin Foundation

54 | The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 28th Annual Awards Ceremony

2023 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS Ed and Sheila Doctoroff Suzanne Dodakian Anna Dos Santos Emily Driscoll Bear Duker Marvin and Marilyn Eichner Lewis Eisenberg & Nancy Farrell Nancy Falchuk Betsy Feldman Bruce and Kathie Fieldman Ellen Fitzpatrick Hapet and Stephanie Berberian

Deborah Frank

Rachel Berger

Frank Friedman & Sarah Kianovsky

Bob and Marlise Bickel

Lonnie Friedman

Derek Bird

Shayna Foppiano

Jay Blitzman & Sandy Jaffe

Dave and Penny Gardiner

Eric and Sandy Brenman

Andrea Gordon

Bright Funds Foundation

Mark and Janet Gottesman

Mark and Andrea Brodin

Renaie Haniford

Erica Bruehlmann

Helena Hartnett

Sam Burke

Kelsey Haslett

Shaun and Alia Campos

Laura Henry

Martin and Judy Charns

Pauline Ho Bynum

Henry and Mary Chidgey

Neil Hodes & Beth Neiman

Andrea Cincotta

Dan Iannetta

Gaetano and Deborah Cipriano Aaron Comak The Connelly Family Paul Cooperstein Jeanne Cutrona Allen and Carole Davis Lindsay Deak George DeAngelis Alan Dershowitz & Carolyn Cohen

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2023 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS Patricia Keegan Andre Kelly & Michelle Caldeira Tim Kenslea Julie Knauer Anthony Komaroff & Lydia Villa-Komaroff Rachel Kulhawik Steve Lang Julia Lau Matthew Lebovitz Gene and Katherine Lee Roberta and Alan Leviton Carl and Naomi Lopkin Greg Lozeau Will Majowka Susan McCoy Maureen and Michael McGoldrick Neil McKittrick Sue and Bill Melaugh Daniel Micheroni Bruce Miller Gabriella Mora Edmund Mroz & Celia Shapiro Adam Moulter Adam Nash Ross Neisuler Mytrang Nguyen Emmanuel Owusu Alice and Tom Peisch Robin and Bruce Polishook Kate Pollock Marion and David Pollock Marc and Bethlee Potolsky Eileen and Howard Putter Janice Reagan & Wally Taylor Alex Riahi

Paula Roeder Sandra and Allan Ropper Peter Rubino Richard Rubino Jeffrey and Cheryl Sacks Elizabeth Saltonstall Dr. Jonathan Sarna & Dr. Ruth Langer Liam and Julie Scanlan Andrew Schiel David and Debra Schwartz-Stepansky Amy Seeherman & Leslie Brody Ethan Shibutani Michael Shonkoff Shulman Family Fund Samuel Silverman Gary and Lynne Smith Marin Smith & Ann Hollos Robert and Elizabeth Smith Jill Snider Kellyann Soye Alan and Laurie Starr Deane Stepansky Ellen Stepansky Susan Stone Andrew Suskin Neil and Denise Swidey

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2023 LENNY ZAKIM FUND DONORS

Cesidio and Gina Tempesta

Jeffrey Winik & Robyn Klinger Winik

Keith and Susan Tornheim

Jerry Wishnow & Pei Pei Wu

Laura Van Zandt

Anki Wolf

Felicia and Joel Vargas

World Ocean School

Lesley Weiss

Jeff Wulfson & Melissa Langa

Bonnie Wellins & John McNamara

Jill York

Donald Wertlieb & Lorre Beth Polinger

Mariann Youniss

Keith and Elizabeth Wexelblatt

Bonita Zahorik & Alec Macgregor

Bill and Jean Whitney

Jack and Lydia Zakim

James and Margery Wieder

Stuart Zakim

Allison Wiese

Alice Zimelman

The Wilber Theatre

Zoo New England

Maura Wilder

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Congratulations to all the Lenny Zakim Fund award recipients and thank you to the Lenny Zakim Fund for the amazing work it does to help organizations of all kinds grow and flourish in our community.

-DAVID AND BEN GROSSMAN

www.grossmanmarketing.com 58 | The Lenny Zakim Fund’s 28th Annual Awards Ceremony

25TH ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY | 35 |

Save The Dates Please mark your calendars and join The Lenny Zakim Fund for:

128th Boston Marathon Monday, April 15, 2024 Team LZF Runner: Ben Stepansky

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Light The Night A Festive Fundraiser to Benefit The Lenny Zakim Fund

SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 2024

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Partners in justice.

At DLA Piper, we are proud to be a partner for justice in our communities. In collaboration with The Lenny Zakim Fund, we are helping to expand access to justice in Boston.

dlapiper.com

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