THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND
TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL
GRANT AWARDS
The Lenny Zakim Fund
DEAR FRIENDS OF THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND Twenty-twenty is a year of celebration. We are excited and inspired to mark the 25th anniversary of The Lenny Zakim Fund – a quarter of a century of commitment to the ideal that true social change can best be initiated and carried out by those who face inequities and social problems in their own communities and have the creativity and drive to become changemakers where they live. Over the past 25 years, with the help of a broad coalition of supporters, LZF has earned widespread recognition for helping grassroots leaders and organizations build strong foundations that have made a difference in the lives of thousands throughout Eastern MA. We want to celebrate 56 of these leaders; remarkable individuals who represent LZF's 2020 grant recipients. I look forward to working with them this year and for many years to come, though I know we can't do this work alone. Achieving social change and equity in our communities requires building bridges between grassroots organizations, the people they serve, donors, volunteers, and community leaders. Our founder, Lenny Zakim was truly a bridge builder. His legacy as a civil rights activist who advocated for human rights, racial justice, interfaith collaboration, and coalition-building continues to stand the test of time. He was a tireless visionary who believed it was not optional to take a stand for what was just and right. That is the legacy I aspire to sustain and uplift; the bridge building tradition established by Lenny and our former Executive Director, Jude Goldman. Legacy is important. As LFZ considers its history and future role in advancing social, racial, and economic justice, we invite you to share your feedback on what justice in philanthropy should be. LZF is more than just a funder. LZF has to continue to grow as a champion, an advocate, a partner, and a convener. Justice means working together to shift systemic oppression into a system of equity, mutual respect, and love. Justice means listening to those closest to the problems and supporting them as they implement solutions. Justice means speaking truth to and ceding power. I am excited about the promise that 2020 holds and I look forward to connecting with and learning from our grant recipients and all those who have come together tonight to celebrate. Together, we can all make a difference and help sustain this work for another 25 years. We are grateful to have you with us. Eric Esteves Executive Director
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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. “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 o 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: o LZF is inspired by and respects the power and ability of those most impacted by injustice to bring about change.
• DIVERSITY AND BELONGING o 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 o We firmly believe that continuous, active and reciprocal learning is critical to promoting awareness and creating a solid foundation for change.
• BRIDGE BUILDING o We are committed to bridging real and perceived difference, and to creating strong and lasting relationships that are fundamental to progress.
• RESPONSIVENESS. o Emerging challenges that impact those we serve require an acceptance of risk and an ability to adapt and respond as rapidly as possible.
• LOVE o 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 LZF 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
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF FOUNDER CHAIR
Leonard Zakim
Suzi Kaitz
VICE-CHAIR TREASURER
Yasmin Cruz
Beth Dill
SECRETARY
Josh Zakim Miki Akimotop Clementina Chery Gregg Croteau Asmaa Donohue Lisa Gordon Mark Irvings
Timothy James Joe Rodio Robert P. Sherman Shari Zakim-Yacouby Deena Zakim Joyce Zakim
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Eric Esteves PROGRAM & OFFICE ADMIN
Dominique Ramos
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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.
Alan Chebot Amy Shulman Weinberg Barbara Howard Bob Weinberg Bobby Sager Carol Kanin Cheryl Forte Douglas Krupp
Drew Hyman Elizabeth DeLima Jerry Wishnow Josie Greene Kal Heller Mahesh Aditya Michael Eckton Richard Caturano
In Memorium: Richard Balzer, Gill Fishman, Christina Caturano, Jonathan Samen
SITE VISITORS SITE VISITS ARE “INSPIRATIONAL DUE DILIGENCE,” ESSENTIAL TO THE LZF GRANTMAKING PROCESS. THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS FOR THEIR WORK, WISDOM, CARING AND COMPASSION.
Suzi Kaitz Joyce Zakim Lisa Gordon Celeste Lee Drew Hyman Amy Seeherman Gary and Lynne Smith
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BOARD MEMBERS EMERITI NAMED GRANTS BOARD MEMBERS EMERITI HONORS THOSE WHO HAVE SHOWN OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP, COMMITMENT, AND GENEROSITY WHILE SERVING ON THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND BOARD. OUR FOUNDATION REMAINS STRONG AND OUR VISION CLEAR BECAUSE OF THEIR YEARS OF HARD WORK AND CONTINUED DEDICATION TO OUR MISSION, VALUES, AND GROWTH. TONIGHT, WE WILL PAY SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO:
Amy Belkin Mofenson
Jennifer Winn Aronson
Angela Johnson
Judi Krupp
Caren Keller
Kevin O’Malley
Charlayne Murrell Smith
Mark Sokoll
Celeste Reid Lee
Mary Carty
Elaine Sager
Richard Krupp
Ellie Starr
Sam Slater
Gabriela Romanow
Sofia Lingos Papaliodis
Glenn Rothman
Steve Grossman
Harold Schwartz
Susan Rothman
Janice Ditchek
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2020 GRANT RECIPIENTS (ALPHABETICALLY) Aaron’s Presents Adaptive Sports New England African Bridge Network, Inc. African Cultural Services Attleboro Area Interfaith Collaborative Autism Sprinter Backyard Growers BalletRox Boston Affordable Housing Coalition aka Mass Alliance of HUD Tenents Brazilian Women’s Group Building Bridges Through Music Inc. Center for Cooperative Development and Solidarity (CCDS) Centro Comunitarios De Trabajadores Chica Project Community Economic Development Center of SE MA (CEDC) Dream Out Loud Center, Inc. Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC) Encuentro Diaspora Afro English At Large Families Creating Together Families for Justice as Healing Groundwork Southcoast Hands to Heart Center - Yoga for the People Healthy Waltham Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI) Institute for Pan African Cultural Education Kids in Tech Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts Inc.
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Living Independently For Equality Lynn United for Community Empowerment Project Lynn Worker Center Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy (LYSOA) MA Coalition of Domestic Workers Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition Matahari Women Workers’ Center Muslim Justice League Neighbors Who Care New England United for Justice One Can Help, Inc. Our Space Our Place, Inc. Partakers, Inc. PieRSquared Rachel’s Table Resilient Sisterhood Project Saheli, Support and Friendship South Asian Women Sibling Connections Sitters Without Borders Southcoast LGBTQ SpeakOUT Boston Student Immigrant Movement The Welcome Project THRIVE Communities To The Moon and Back Transformational Prison Project We Are Better Together Worcester Interfaith
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2020 LENNY ZAKIM FUND GRANT RECIPIENTS AARON’S PRESENTS
ANDOVER, AARONSPRESENTS.ORG
Within his brief life, Aaron’s strength of spirit, his will to live, and his ability to elicit love and compassion, inspired his parents to honor him by creating Aaron’s Presents.
Founded in 2014, Aaron’s Presents’s mission is “Inspiring kids to give of themselves for the good of the world.” They envision a world where children learn to seek happiness, healing, and purpose by giving of themselves with empathy and passion for the benefit of others. They do this by offering young kids (8th grade and below) a rare hands-on opportunity to create and lead a positive project that benefits others.
ADAPTIVE SPORTS NEW ENGLAND BOSTON, ADAPTIVESPORTSNE.COM
Increasing participation in sports among youth and young adults who have visual or mobility impairments.
This organization offers young adults with visual or mobility challenges training, sports clubs, and teams to help them take part in the sport they love. Coaches are dedicated to ensuring that youth and young adults who have visual or mobility impairments know that they can participate in sports. Participants can choose from a wide range of sports, including running, skiing, rugby, basketball, archery, sled hockey, swimming, and skating, to name only a few.
AFRICAN BRIDGE NETWORK NEWTON, AFRICANBN.ORG
Giving Immigrant African Professionals the Tools For Success
The African Bridge Network (ABN) supports African immigrants with high levels of education and professional experience and/or capabilities who may find themselves under employed. ABN has reached out to this high skilled immigrant population which is truly untapped talent. Through professional networking, mentoring, a speaker series and workshops, recently arrived immigrants achieve their potential.
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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) 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.
ATTLEBORO AREA INTERFAITH COLLABORATIVE
ATTLEBORO, ATTLEBOROAREAINTERFAITHCOLLABORATIVE.ORG
Advancing a healthy, secure and meaningful life for all within the community.
With multi-faith understanding and compassion, Attleboro Area Interfaith Collaborative (AAIC) alleviates hunger, promotes stability, and inspires the community to thrive through coordinating community resources for those in need. Their programs alleviate hunger and food insecurity, inspire interfaith activities, and build community leaders.
AUTISM SPRINTER
RANDOLPH, AUTISMSPRINTER.ORG
Social Skills Play, Family Support Groups and Community Forums
Information and spread joy for families of color with Autistic children Autism Sprinter supports low-income black and brown families with Autistic children who are frequently denied critical information and deprived of resources because of economic circumstances, linguistic and cultural heritage, and access to social capital. To combat this, Autism Sprinter supports a grassroots coalition of hundreds of families of color through an active web and social media presence, provides direct programming and organizes events.
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BACKYARD GROWERS
GLOUCESTER, BACKYARDGROWERS.ORG
Improving the health and wellness of low to moderate income Gloucester families by increasing access to, and consumption of, fresh vegetables.
Backyard Growers (BYG) is a grassroots organization helping to reshape Gloucester’s relationship with food. BYG provides resources and support to establish vegetable gardens at homes, housing communities, organizations, and schools, creating life-long gardeners inspired by the power of growing one’s own food. BYG has three programs: Schoolyard Gardens; Backyard Gardens; and Community Gardens.
BALLETROX
JAMAICA PLAIN, BALLETROX.INFO
BalletRox dance programs not only provide dance training, but also contribute to students’ social development and teach valuable life skills.
BalletRox offers youth who would not otherwise have the opportunity a chance to participate in a structured, disciplined, multi-year dance program with pathways to the mastery of dance and the development of leadership skills. Participants work closely with professional instructors who are skilled in dance instruction and youth development in an environment that is warmly accepting of all. The impact is that youth experience first-hand how focused effort leads to high-quality artistic work, increased creative and leadership abilities, and the joy and pride that come with belonging to a supportive, extended community.
BOSTON AFFORDABLE HOUSING COALITION BOSTON, MAHT.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.
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BRAZILIAN WOMEN’S GROUP BRIGHTON, VERDEAMARELO.ORG
Started and run by Brazilian immigrant women, the Brazilian Women’s Group offers a vital resource for Brazilian immigrant women, empowering them in their workplaces, families, and communities.
The Brazilian Women’s Group (BWG) is a grassroots organization committed to improving the lives of Brazilian immigrant women and the wider Brazilian immigrant community of Boston. The BWG empowers Brazilian women to fight the myriad of injustices facing immigrants outside of and within the immigrant community, confronting such issues as domestic abuse, immigration, and work violations.
BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH MUSIC LYNN, BBTMUSIC.ORG
By bringing diverse neighboring communities together for the purpose of increasing cultural awareness and racial harmony using music, dance, and dramatic presentation, bridges are crossed, and multicultural connections are made.
Building Bridges Through Music’s Groove School, A Sharp After School Education Through Music Program uses music as a catalyst to integrate STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, math, and music), social skills development, music instruction, performance, and Music as a Second Language. Project No Limits offers performance opportunities to those facing physical challenges and intellectual disabilities.
CENTER FOR COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT & SOLIDARITY (CCDS) EAST BOSTON, CCDSEASTBOSTON.ORG
CCDS contributes their experience to create alternative economic and democratic processes based on collective care and put people and the environment over profit.
CCDS provides technical, educational, and organizational support to groups exploring workers’-owned cooperatives that will create opportunities for decent work and living wages for low-income immigrants of our community. CCDS will forward the cooperative culture because we believe it will create sustainable and permanent social and economic change.
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CENTRO COMUNITARIO DE TRABAJADORES NEW BEDFORD, CCT-NEWBEDFORD.ORG
Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores (CCT) assists refugees who have escaped civil war, the trauma of domestic violence, and other challenges to establish themselves here with respect and grace.
CCT is run by indigenous and immigrant Central American and other Latino workers to advance their human rights. CCT educates workers about their rights, advocates with them to protect against abuses, and organizes them at work sites and in the community to change abusive conditions.
CHICA PROJECT
BOSTON, CHICAPROJECT.ORG
Chica Project is focused on a future where every Latina will have access to the education, experiences, and guidance required to realize her true potential through concerted leadership development and a pipeline of intergenerational Latina mentors.
The mission of Chica Project is to close the opportunity divide for Latinas by empowering them with the skills, confidence, and network necessary to thrive personally and professionally. This is done through a volunteerbased mentorship program that connects young Latina women with Latina women who are successful in business, medicine, government, law, and many other fields.
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS (CEDC) NEW BEDFORD, CEDC-SM.ORG
Immigrants know they can count on the staff of Community Economic Development Center of SE MA (CEDC-SE MA) to provide vital services in a culturally competent manner. From tax prep to ESOL, CEDC-SE MA has their community covered.
The CEDC of SE MA seeks to create a more just local economy by building bridges to resources, networks, and cooperative action with poor and working families of the New Bedford area. They have been successful advocating for longer bus hours, support for small businesses, and provide valuable tax services for immigrants.
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DREAM OUT LOUD CENTER, INC.
NEW BEDFORD, DREAMOUTLOUDCENTER.ORG
The Dream Out Loud Center provides a supportive environment for both youth and adults who are pursuing a creative path and/or career.
The mission of The Dream Out Loud Center (DOLC) is to empower South Coast residents, in particular youth, to advance personal and career goals through inspiration, education and mentoring. The main program is a year-long, 8-week Creative Careers Program offered to New Bedford youth at no cost. All members participate in classes and utilize DOLC’s writing space, graphic design lab, music production equipment, band space and recording studio, while participating in business seminars and career-related discussions and being given a chance to be involved in the production of their publications, CDs, television shows, videos, theatrical productions, and/or musical performances.
EMPOWERING PEOPLE FOR INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES (EPIC) BOSTON & WORCESTER, EPICLEADERS.ORG
EPIC prepares young people with disabilities to be active community leaders through education, leadership development, and community service; and advocates for the community to put an end to Ableism and accept inclusion.
EPIC programs include: Community Trainings to educate community leaders on disability issues; Service Warriors, a corps of youth with disabilities that showcases their talents and skills; and the Young Leaders program, which helps develop the skills young people need to advocate for themselves.
ENCUENTRO DIASPORA AFRO
JAMAICA PLAIN, DIASPORAAFRO.BLOGSPOT.COM
Encuentro Diaspora Afro mobilizes and inspires the Afro-Latino community into action for racial justice and empowers young Afro-Latina women to be leaders in their community.
Encuentro Diaspora Afro is dedicated to dismantling racism, improving the lives of women and men of African descent, and creating a just society. Through organizing, education, training, and dialogue, Encuentro mobilizes the Afro-Latino community for racial and social justice, empowers youth, and builds bridges between Latino and African-American communities.
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ENGLISH AT LARGE
WOBURN, ENGLISHATLARGE.ORG
Students drive their education and identify what’s important for them to navigate their new life in America in this innovative ESOL organization.
English learners are often discouraged by breadth of the task ahead of them. By teaching English through context, English at Large’s volunteer driven, student-centered framework engages students by meeting them where they are. This gives students the tools and the confidence to succeed from the jump.
FAMILIES CREATING TOGETHER
JAMAICA PLAIN, FAMILIESCREATINGTOGETHER.ORG
Families Creating Together (FCT) creates much needed social, emotional and community support for children with disabilities and their families through expressive arts and emphasizes connections across generations.
Families Creating Together helps to create healthy families. By working with the whole family, including siblings who do not have a disability, and across generations, Families Creating Together fills a gap in supports for kids with disabilities, provides children and parents the tools they need to weather adversity, and helps to tell the unique story of each participant.
FAMILIES FOR JUSTICE AS HEALING BOSTON, JUSTICEASHEALING.ORG
With a focus on community wellness alternatives, the mission of Families for Justice as Healing is to reduce the incarcerated women population and raise awareness of the impact on children and communities of the incarceration of women.
This group of formerly incarcerated women and their children are active participants in legislative advocacy and community outreach. Through organizations and petitions, they work to change the culture in the United States that turns to prison for solutions.
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GROUNDWORK SOUTHCOAST
NEW BEDFORD, GROUNDWORKSOUTHCOAST.ORG
Investing in environmental leadership of youth and communities that builds racial and social equity in the south coast of Massachusetts through hands-on environmental projects.
Groundwork Southcoast (GWSC) invests in developing environmental leadership of youth and residents that builds racial and social equity to steward urban waterways and brownfields in environmental justice communities in southeastern Massachusetts. Through sustained regeneration, improvement and management of the physical environment, GWSC develops community-based partnerships that empower people, businesses and organizations to promote environmental, economic and social well-being.
HANDS TO HEART CENTER
BOSTON, HANDSTOHEARTCENTER.ORG
Yoga for the people: builds resilience, reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression & PTSD, is trauma informed and accessible to all, regardless of ability and income.
Hands to Heart Center (HTHC) shares the healing practice of yoga with people affected by addiction, poverty and trauma in Greater Boston. Through their high quality, customized yoga classes, HTHC works with non-profit organizations and high-poverty schools in Boston that serve vulnerable populations to develop and teach individualized classes that promote healing, increase capacity and build resilience.
HEALTHY WALTHAM
WALTHAM, HEALTHY-WALTHAM.ORG
Promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being for families and under-served populations in Waltham.
Through educational and collaborative programs that engage residents in healthy cooking and gardening, physical activity, and involvement in natural open space within the community, Healthy Waltham sponsors programs including: Healthy Eating to provide cooking demonstrations, workshops, and programs to increase fruit and vegetable consumption; Active Living, encouraging physical activity, such as community walks; Learning Gardens,in partnership with schools and other groups to teach appreciation for the Earth and where our food comes from; Events and Outreach to promote healthy lifestyles and civic engagement; Collaborations on wellness activities; and Advisory Groups, such as committees and organizations engaged in health policy and wellness.
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IMMIGRANT FAMILY SERVICES INSTITUTE (IFSI) ROSLINDALE, IFSI-USA.ORG
Haitian youth face isolation from non-Haitian peers and alienation from parents who are slower to acculturate. Through the music and a weekend academy, they and their parents build a path to success.
IFSI’s music and weekend academy programs target children of immigrants living in the Greater Boston area. The music program meets five days a week and serves up to 75 children. Through private and group lessons, participants develop the skills needed to be enlisted in an orchestra. IFSI has a wind and a string ensemble to allow participants to try different types of instruments before making their final choices. Participants also attend the weekend academy to help fill their academic gaps. Tutors are available to meet individually with students.
INSTITUTE FOR PAN AFRICAN CULTURAL EDUCATION MATTAPAN, PACEACHIEVEMENT.ORG
After school ends, the sound of happy children can be heard throughout the Mattahunt and Mildred Avenue Community Centers while they participate in the holistic curriculum of The Institute for Pan African Cultural Education.
PACE provides a fun and educational space for kids aged 5-17 in the Mattapan community. Through their Straight A’s Initiative (arts, academics, athletics, awareness is achievement) P.A.C.E. engages, encourages, and empowers young people. In addition to their academic support, P.A.C.E. provides martial arts, dance, music, cultural arts, and basketball programs to instill teamwork, self-discipline, and self-esteem through performance and competition.
KIDS IN TECH
LOWELL, KIDSINTECH.ORG
Creating the next generation of technology-savvy leaders through after-school computer science programs for kids and advancing computer literacy for all.
Kids in Tech excites, educates, and empowers children to use technology to promote a positive environment and foster lifelong interest through their after-school programming. Greater Lowell is experiencing rising growth in the technology sector. Kids in Tech strives to ensure that all students develop the necessary tech skills and aptitudes to participate in the 21st century innovation economy.
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LEVEL GROUND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS DORCHESTER, LEVELGROUNDMMA.ORG
Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts (LGMMA) unleashes the strength, power, and ingenuity of youth to fight for - and seize - their dreams.
LGMMA leverages the sports of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai Boxing to cultivate positive relationships with and among youth exposed to some of the highest levels of poverty and violence in the city. LGMMA serves over 110 youth weekly in their Upham’s Corner studio and at after-school sites. One of the primary goals of LGMMA is ensuring that 100% of their seniors enter into college, a workforce development program, or directly into meaningful employment after graduation from high school.
LIVING INDEPENDENTLY FOR EQUALITY BROCKTON, LIFECENTERORG.COM
Providing opportunities for isolated individuals with physical disabilities to enjoy social interaction and find new meaning in their lives.
Living Independently For Equality (LIFE) kindles friendships within the community by offering activities in an accessible space. Their services include transportation, therapeutic and occupational therapy via crafting, and providing information, referral and advocacy assistance for members needing help in obtaining medical, social, and legal services.
LYNN UNITED FOR CHANGE EMPOWERMENT PROJECT LYNN, LYNNUNITED.ORG
Eviction and foreclosure plague Lynn’s low-income residents. Lynn United for Change and Empowerment is fighting back against unjust evictions and foreclosures.
The Lynn United for Change Empowerment Project (Lynn United) makes a difference in the lives of individuals by building social movements that can win systemic change. Lynn United bridges the gap between social service casework and social justice organizing by providing Lynn residents with the direct support, advice, and information needed in order to effectively address their own individual problems, while also becoming active participants in collective efforts to address the root causes of social problems, foreclosures, and evictions.
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LYNN WORKER CENTER
LYNN, FACEBOOK.COM/LYNNWORKERCENTER1 Empowering immigrant workers to fight for their rights
The Lynn Worker Center supports vulnerable, low-wage, immigrant workers as it combats wage theft, employee misclassification, and other injustices by providing direct, member-to-member support to immigrant workers who have suffered wage theft, discrimination, accidents and sexual harassment, and provides ongoing trainings about racism.
LYNN YOUTH STREET OUTREACH ADVOCACY (LYSOA) LYNN, LYSOA.ORG
Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy (LYSOA) offers youth an opportunity to find solutions to their differences other than violence
LYSOA’s purpose is to reach out to youth, young adults and their parents lacking a positive direction in life. LYSOA interacts on a street level, building relationships and offering the following services: job search, education referrals, community development, and family development. In collaboration with the Lynn Juvenile Probation Department, they assist youth with the different types of behavioral challenges they are facing on a daily basis. LYSOA also offers at-risk and proven risk youth conflict resolution by using mediation techniques.
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.
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MASSACHUSETTS TRANSGENDER POLITICAL COALITION BOSTON, MASSTPC.ORG
Confronting civil and human rights issues head on, MTPC works to end oppression and discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.
Founded in 2001, MTPC is dedicated to creating awareness and counteracting the effects of transphobia, stigmatization, discrimination, oppression, poverty, and violence against transgender communities through programs and advocacy. MTPC works to improve the lives of Massachusetts transgender youth, adults, and their families through community organizing, leadership development, public education and awareness campaigns, training and educating policy makers, and advocacy.
MATAHARI WOMEN WORKERS’ CENTER BOSTON, MATAHARIJUSTICE.ORG
When marginalized groups engage in arenas of public debate, their voices work to reverse historic oppression.
Matahari Women Workers’ Center is a Greater Boston organization where women of color, immigrant women, and families come together as sisters, workers, and survivors to make improvements in their own lives and in society, and work toward justice and human rights. Under the guiding principle that all people are entitled to equal rights, dignified lives, and the opportunity to participate in movements for social justice, their mission is to end gender-based violence and exploitation.
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MUSLIM JUSTICE LEAGUE
BOSTON, MUSLIMJUSTICELEAGUE.ORG
The mission of Muslim Justice League is to educate, organize, and advocate for human and civil rights that are violated or threatened under national security pretexts.
Muslim Justice League (MJL) offers community education and mobilization, facilitation of cross-movement solidarity, legal advocacy, and cultivation of an environment in which pride in Muslim identity flourishes. MJL prioritizes advocacy against dangerous “countering violent extremism” (CVE) programs piloted by federal agencies in Greater Boston. They also provide Know Your Rights workshops at mosques, schools, and community centers, and provide free legal representation to those approached for questioning by the FBI or Joint Terrorism Task Force.
NEIGHBORS WHO CARE
WALTHAM, NEIGHBORSWHOCARE.NET
Neighbors Who Care matches volunteers with seniors who may find themselves isolated or having a hard time doing life-giving activities, such as getting groceries or going to the hair dresser.
Neighbors Who Care (NWC) is a volunteer organization serving the unmet needs of seniors and chronically ill adults in the spirit of St. Marguerite d’Youville. NWC matches volunteers with home-bound elders and chronically ill adults to alleviate isolation and loneliness by supporting activities that allow seniors to stay in their homes and help them celebrate this stage of life, all at no charge. NWC volunteers provide everything from escorting seniors to doctor’s appointments, walking with those too frail to walk alone, bringing them to hairdresser appointments, enjoying conversation over a cup of coffee, or playing countless games of Scrabble.
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NEW ENGLAND UNITED 4 JUSTICE (NEU4J) DORCHESTER, NEWENGLANDUNITED4JUSTICE.ORG
NEU4J believes that organized working-class communities can harness their power to radically transform the housing sphere.
Boston is one of the most rapidly gentrifying cities, where stagnant income and skyrocketing housing costs put thousands of low-income and working-class families, especially in communities of color, at risk of displacement. In Boston, working-class communities of color do not have a voice in planning and decision making in our communities.
ONE CAN HELP, INC.
NEWTON, ONECANHELP.ORG
When our neediest children and parents find themselves in the juvenile court system, they’re often without any resources. Finding the support to overcome homelessness, trauma or psychological challenges can seem next to impossible.
One Can Help steps in. One Can Help works with court-appointed attorneys and social workers to provide clients at risk with small grants when no other aid is available to help break the cycle of deprivation and hopelessness. They provide support for basic needs, transportation, school, and much more to ensure recovery and success.
OUR SPACE OUR PLACE, INC
BOSTON, OURPLACEOURSPACE.ORG
Our Space Our Place (OSOP) offers a respectful, accessible, fun environment for elementary through high school students who are legally blind to participate in sports, the arts, community service, and mentoring.
OSOP helps prepare blind youth for their future as productive, successful adults by promoting self-confidence, determination, and social and independent living skills through activities that support self exploration, social integration, and the investigation of college and career opportunities. Their guiding principles are: respect for each other; inclusion of all; safety to explore; and challenge of perceived limits.
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PARTAKERS
AUBURNDALE, PARTAKERS.ORG
Setting up those who are currently incarcerated for success when they return to their communities by providing them with mentorships while they work towards a college degree.
Partakers sets incarcerated people up for success when they return to their communities by providing them with mentorships while they work towards a college degree. Partakers’ College Behind Bars program partners with incarcerated people as they work towards a bachelor’s degree. Their one-on-one mentoring builds the trust and connects incarcerated people to the resources each individual needs to succeed in their coursework and integrate successfully once they are released from prison.
PIERSQUARED
ROXBURY, PIERSQUARED.ORG
Math Tutoring + Pizza = Broader academic and career choices for Boston’s youth.
Providing students with qualified math tutors and a free, healthy snack during after-school hours, PieRSquared supports and extends the strengths of local schools. Matching students with local college math professors, graduate students, and peer/mentor tutors helps students develop problem-solving skills and rigor; confidence with math; the ability to work alone and with others; and a collegial work ethic. PieRSquared also offers special tutoring hours for adults seeking math support for GED and college preparation, job development, or interest in learning a new branch of math.
RACHEL’S TABLE
WORCESTER, RACHELSTABLE.ORG
Every child should have access to milk, but it is often a luxury struggling families cannot afford. Rachel’s Table secures milk for Worcester’s children, provides vital food aid, and prevents food waste.
The problem of hunger in the Worcester area is severe. Rachel’s Table’s mission is to end hunger in Worcester and reduce food waste. They accomplish this through providing food aid for those who need it most. Their innovative food rescue program reduces food waste by taking donations from markets, restaurants, companies, schools, and individuals and redistributing these donations to homes, shelters, programs, and food pantries.
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RESILIENT SISTERHOOD (RSP) BOSTON, RSPHEALTH.ORG
RSP strengthens the education, independence, and capabilities of black women and their children and supports the healthy development of girls as the foundation for their adult lives.
RSP educates and empowers black women regarding diseases of the reproductive system that disproportionately affect them. They approach these diseases and associated issues through a cultural and social justice lens, because poor knowledge of reproductive health is primarily related to racial, health care, and socioeconomic disparities.
SAHELI
BURLINGTON, SAHELIBOSTON.ORG
Saheli provides a range of important services for immigrant women who have been victims of domestic violence.
Saheli’s mission is to empower South Asian immigrant women and families to lead safe and healthy lives in the U.S. Saheli provides support by offering legal and citizenship information; computer and English-language classes; career and empowerment support; violence prevention education; and physical and mental health resources.
SIBLING CONNECTIONS
SOMERVILLE, SIBLINGCONNECTIONS.ORG
Supporting the creation of enduring family relationships and community connections for sisters and brothers separated by foster care.
Children in foster care have been separated from their homes, their parents, and their neighborhoods. More than half have also been separated from their sisters and brothers. Sibling Connections helps siblings in foster care stay connected through: Sibling Sundays, providing siblings with year-round opportunities to strengthen their sibling connection; Camp To Belong MA, a week-long camp to help brothers and sisters to create lifetime memories; and Youth Leadership Programs to provide leadership training and practice for young adults in foster care.
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SITTERS WITHOUT BORDERS
BOSTON, SITTERSWITHOUTBORDERS.COM
Committed to helping working parents pursue higher education and elevate their economic position.
Sitters Without Borders (SWOB) offers free and low-cost evening babysitting 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, SWOB reduces the education and economic gap found in greater Boston communities.
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.
SPEAKOUT BOSTON
BOSTON, SPEAKOUTBOSTON.ORG
A community of speakers working toward a world free of homo-bi-trans-phobia and other forms of prejudice by telling the truths of their lives and encouraging audiences to “Ask us anything.�
SpeakOUT provides education about LGBTQIA issues and trains individuals and organizations to use public speaking as a means of creating positive cultural change. By sharing their lives and experiences publicly to support those struggling with sexuality and gender identity and educating within communities, they engage audiences in honest dialogue and invite any questions that may challenge harmful stereotypes and misconceptions.
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STUDENT IMMIGRANT MOVEMENT BOSTON, SIMFORUS.COM
Undocumented students come together to reach their full academic potential through post-secondary education without the threat of deportation and with instate tuition.
Student Immigrant Movement (SIM) is founded by and for undocumented immigrant students. Drawing from their unique experiences in the educational system, they work toward access to in-state tuition and citizenship. They identify, recruit, and develop local leaders committed to improving their communities through relationship building, leadership development, organizing, and ongoing campaigns.
THRIVE COMMUNITIES OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL, THRIVEMA.ORG
Cultivating genuine experiences of community that are inclusive of all, and defining people not by their experiential differences, but by the best parts of their character.
THRIVE seeks to address the challenges faced by men and women as they return from prison to public society, particularly the challenge of connection to community, including underlying racial and economic stress and disparities, negative stigma and distrust, and the institutionalization of returning citizens. This community-based response to the challenges of re-entry helps communities learn how to heal themselves and address systemic barriers to re-entry.
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.
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TRANSFORMATIONAL PRISON PROJECT NEWTONVILLE, TRANSFORMPRISON.ORG
The Transformational Prison Project (TPP) — staff, volunteers, incarcerated leaders, and advisors—is pioneering the path towards restorative justice in the Massachusetts criminal legal system.
TPP began with restorative justice (RJ) groups inside prisons. TPP’s RJinformed reading, yoga, and Victim Offender Education Groups help individuals understand what led to their criminal behavior, feel empathy for their victims and communities, be accountable, and internalize responsibility in their future choices. TPP’s work includes an innovative program of practical education and RJ opportunities for correctional officers and other prison staff.
WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER BOSTON, WAB2G.ORG
Educating, supporting, and serving families on both sides of gun violence in order to break cycles of violence and victimization.
We Are Better Together 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.
THE WELCOME PROJECT
SOMERVILLE, WELCOMEPROJECT.ORG
Innovative programs, community engagement, and effective collaborations build leadership for Somerville’s immigrant youth and families.
The Welcome Project offers programs for immigrant and lower-income families at the Mystic Housing Development and throughout Somerville to build leadership and personal development skills, provide access to employment and education, and help residents learn English and the nuances of a new culture to enable them to engage in the civic life of the city.
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WORCESTER INTERFAITH
WORCESTER, WORCESTERINTERFAITH.NET
Worcester Interfaith develops leaders and organizes power to work for social justice and change.
Worcester Interfaith builds bridges between congregational and community leaders and across religious, socio-economic, racial and ethnic boundaries to accomplish much in the areas of jobs, neighborhood improvements, public safety, education and youth, and draw attention to the disproportionate ways in which these issues affect low-income and minority populations.
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GOOD
EMPOWERS Eastern Bank is committed to recognizing the good in our communities and celebrating the work of
THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND
24
TH
We proudly support the ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
Congratulations to all of the honorees
Member FDIC
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We’re proud to support The Lenny Zakim Fund.
At RSM, we’re committed to giving back to local communities where we live and work. The Lenny Zakim Fund enriches the lives of people in this community. And it’s our pleasure to support them. rsm us.com
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FOR THEIR TREMENDOUS SUPPORT, THE LENNY ZAKIM FUND BOARD EXTENDS SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS AND VALUED COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
the
Frieze Family Foundation
SLATER
FO UNDATIO N the lenny zakim fund is also deeply grateful to the sager family foundation for their support to strengthen our grant recipients through institutes and seminars. ADDITIONAL THANKS TO: Alyson Molloy Hussey Anita Sharma Ariel Brooks Ben Echevarria Beth Segers Brittany Bresler Center for Economic Democracy Cummings Foundation Dr. Westy Egmont Egmont Associates Elena Letona Emerging Executives Gil Fishman Associates Hyams Foundation Immigrant Integration Lab at Boston College Inca Mohamed International Trademark Association Jude Goldman Julia Monaghan Katelyn Parady Kayak Consulting Kenia Alfaro Lawyers Clearinghouse Lia Triantafylidis Linda Wells
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Maria Dominguez Gray Martin Familia Melonie Griffiths Meredith Smith Miki Akimoto Nadia Prescott Ne-Yo PAIR Project Page Consulting Philanthropy Massachusetts Providence Youth Student Movement Refugee Immigration Ministry Robin Carton Sarath Suong Sergio MarĂn Luna Sonya Page Streamlined Accounting Strategies Sue Heilman Tammy Tai The Link at Kendall Square Trina Jackson TSNE MissionWorks Wilson-taty Kapang-Ndjibu
2019 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. LEONARD P. ZAKIM BUNKER HILL BRIDGE $50,000 & OVER Anonymous The Barr Foundation Klarman Family Foundation The Krupp Family Foundation Elaine and Bobby Sager Samuel Slater/The Slater Foundation The Hyams Foundation CANTILEVER BRIDGE $25,000 - $49,999 Paul and Phyllis Fireman Josie Greene Zachary Haroutunian Suzi Kaitz and Jonathan Katz John and Sonia Lingos Family Foundation BOWSTRING BRIDGE $10,000 - $24,999 Amy Belkin Mofenson David Boonshoft and Caren Keller The Cummings Foundation Beth Dill/Pilot Holdings Julie Dillon Asmaa Donahue Michael and Manisha Eckton Faros Property Management Cheryl Forte Frieze Family Foundation
BOWSTRING BRIDGE (CON’T) Jamie Golden David Goldman Jerry and Marlene Goldstein Anthony Hixon Mark and Susan Irvings Charlotte Kaitz Carol and Dennis Kanin Seth and Beth Klarman Susan and Glen Rothman The Prospect Fund Max Winthrop CABLE BRIDGE $5,000 - $9,999 Jennifer and Eric Aronson Michael Carucci Coldwell Banker Res Brokerage Corp. Terry Driscoll Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation Mark Fayne Fifth Generation Lisa Gordon Ellen and Kalman Heller Metric Construction Scot Miller Patrick Miller Joseph F. Savage Steve Sheinkopf Rob Sherman Katherine Straus
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CABLE BRIDGE (CON’T) The Kaitz Family of National Lumber TSNE MissionWorks Amy Weinberg Yale Charitable Foundation Joyce Zakim ARCH BRIDGE $2,500 - $4,999 Abbey Associates Miki Akimoto Joan and Steve Belkin Paul Bernon Mary and Brian Carty Terri and Alan Chebot Elizabeth De Lima Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC Paul Edgerly Marla Felcher Patrick Mahoney Allison Mahoney Gabriela and Bob Romanow Santander Bank N.A. Ellie Starr State Street Foundation, Inc Mark and Ellie Winthrop DOUBLE DECKER BRIDGE $1,000 - $2,499 Jacques Abatto Caroline Allen Anonymous Joan Arbetter Cecilia Baldwin Judy and Glenn Bell Ed Belove William and Noreen Bolt Suzanne Chapnick Chestnut Hill Realty Joseph Deitch Janice Ditchek Tom Feagley Kenneth Frieze Lynne and Joe Goodman Larry Green
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DOUBLE DECKER BRIDGE (CON’T) Jessica Hennessy Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation Sanford Lloyd Hollander Tim James James M. and Virginia W. Newmyer Family Fund Paul Karger Jonathan Kaufman Carol Knox Donna Latson Gittens William McPherson Aaron Michlewitz Samuel Plimpton Alison Roche Joseph Rodio Sandra Ropper Laura and Peter Rothschild Nicole Russo Linda Schwabe Pamela and James Schwartz Harold Schwartz Risa Shames Steve Shulman Simon Family Philanthropic Foundation Inc, Gilda Slifka Mark and Marjie Sokoll Larry Stifler Michael and Adela Tarshi Grant Thayer Michael Thornton Christopher Walsh Robert Weintraub Michael Whouley Eric Wolkoff Deena Zakim COVERED BRIDGE $500 - $999 Greg Agganis Christine Allen Carlos Apostle Kathleen and Bruce Barnett
COVERED BRIDGE (CON’T) Safi Barqawi Marian L. and Kenneth S. Barron Berger Family Foundation Robert Berry Patricia Burns Adam Burns Michael Cannon Henry and Mary Chidgey George Cohen Dayl Cohen Amanda Cort Matthew Devine Katie and Mark Donovan Michael and Roberta Drukman Michael and Kitty Dukakis Eaton Vance Management Michael Flynn Tamar & Kenneth Frieze Rachel Ghoens Joshua Gould Evan Griffith Grossman Family Fund Ayanna Hall Sharona Halpern Kuotai Jack Huang Melissa Hulburt Rachel Israel Jay and Peggy Jentz William Karol Robert Keller Jenn and Matthew Kelly Lisa Kessler Noam Kleinman Rebecca Kolias Konstantine Kyros Richard Lapchick Matthew Littlefield Jessica and Josh Lutzker Charles Mahoney Paul Mansfield Metrowest Tourism & Visitors Bureau Sujey Morgan
COVERED BRIDGE (CON’T) Vj Morgan Faith and Dick Morningstar Francis Morton Jeff Motha Peter Mugford Adam Mundt Charlayne Murrell-Smith Ross Neisuler Bob and Leslie Ogan Josephine Oliviero Max Osbon Lea Rago James Rapoport Andrew Ristick Robert and Iris Fanger Family Foundation Lorna Rodio Jacob Rosenberg Franklin Ross Rick Rostoff Dr. Glenn Rothfeld Susan Russo Gelbart David Sampson Michael Sanders Margie King and John Saphier Pamela Sargent Adam Schneier Amy Seeherman Stanley Shulman Luciana Sousa Maura Spencer Susan Summe Nina Tatalovic William and Annmarie Teuber U.S. Fund for UNICEF Ted Wetterau Marguerite Wetterau Michael Whitcher Betsy Woolf Audrey Zabin Shari Zakim-Yacouby Marlene Znoy
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STONE BRIDGE $250 - $499 Shannon Al-Wakeel Georgia Balafas Sarah Baldiga Gouri Banerjee Jennifer Bellemare Robert Benoit Diane and Fred Berk Sawyer Bethel Grace & Jerry Bird Jay Blitzman Daniel Bloom Gerard Boniello Susan Bookbinder Jonathan Bornstein James Byman Shelby Carter Robin Carton Liz Cerrato Clementina Chery Gregory Cincotta Brian Cohen Debby and Rich Cole Construction and General Laborers Lee Cote David Stein and Elizabeth March Lauren Davides Catherine Dawson Bruce and Mady Donoff James Douthit Brittany Dunkless Megan Dunn DeAnne Dupont Matt Epstein Robert and Paula Evans Holly Flahive Food Link Inc. Marshall Forstein Anna Foster Matt Fox Frank Friedman Shira Furman
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STONE BRIDGE (CON’T) Candice Gartley Linda Gelda Julia Gittleman Mitchell A. and Barbara S. Glazier Brad Goldberg Jude Goldman Jacqueline Grant Jonathan Hanman Mark Haranas Hawthorne Youth and Community Center, Inc. Ira Herman Caroline Holland Rich Hornblower Daniel and Maureen Hynes Jackie and Sol Israel Peter and Maddy Jacobson Linda Jonash Steven and Michelle Karol James Kelly Michael Kennedy Mark Kiefer Ralph Kilfoyle Julianna Kremer Harris and Paul Krupp Robert Langley Stephanie Lapidus Anna Laspisa Gregg Leppo Lauren Levy Robert and Judith Lytle Chris Mackenzie Leah Macleod John and Kristin Macomber Melissa Maddox Lilly Marcelin Steve Marlin Aengus McAllister Shannon McAllister Cory Mcgrath Carol and David Mersky Bruce Miller Tricia Morrow
STONE BRIDGE (CON’T) Sola Okenla Philip Ottaviani Iryna Pasco Joan Paterson Lew Piantedosi David Pollock Bill Poznik Cara Pratt Arlene and Kurt Pressman Kenneth Preuss Abigail Reid Jackie Roberts Jon and Bonnie Rotenberg Nelson Rutrick Thomas Saltonstall Mardena and Ronald Shader Judy and Mark Shankman Kenneth Sherman Douglas Shulman Marcus Siskind Robert and Elizabeth Smith Eric Sneider Diane Soowal Matthew Starr Sally Strniste Tyler Summers Denise and Neil Swidey Mark Tatelman Donna Tehel The U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Amanda Thurm Jack Toulopoulos Natalicia Tracy Jill and Todd Tsakiris Becky Vaysburd Robert Vogt Bill Weinstein Calista West George Wetterau Jean and Bill Whitney Matt Wilder Jess Williams Jerry Wishnow Jacques and Charlotte Wolf
STONE BRIDGE (CON’T) Janelle Woods Mayer Zarchi Judi Ross Zuker FOOT BRIDGE $100 - $249 Arthur Almeda Alray Taylor Second Chance Rachel Amiralian Lorrie Anderson Jeannette Andre Richard Anketell Marlene Aron Risa and Steven Aronson Alice and Michael Baker Sheila Barnard Mari Barrera Richard and Mary Barry Joan and Dennis Beer Susan Benford Rachel Berger Edwin Beusse Pam and Richard Bliss Phyllis Bluhm Adam Blumer Mark and Andrea Brodin Nancy Buck Michael and Marie Byrne Daniel Caine Judith Cannon Roger Cassin Susan Chaityn Lebovits Jamie Chaloff Lisa Chaput Martin and Judy Charns Jesse Chebot Debby Cherry Amanda Cirello Sheila Clapp Mark and Roz Cohen Marie Cohen Kathe and Allan Cohen Mitchell Cohen Danielle Cohen
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FOOT BRIDGE (CON’T) Bethany Croteau Ronald and Charlotte Culgin Rich Cummings Paula Cuneo Jeanne Cutrona Charles and Dale D’Agnese Allen and Carole Davis Sharon Demarco Sara and Rodney Demedeiros Will Devine Maria Dimaggio Frank and Nancy Dimella Doc Wayne Youth Services Inc. Janelle Driscoll Phil and Nickie Dunphy Susan Egmont Marvin and Marilyn Eichner Toni Elka Scott Ellinwood Eric Esteves Nancy Falchuk Betsy Feldman Lisa Ferguson Elizabeth Ferguson Kathie Fieldman Bill Fine Richard Finlay Thomas Finocchio Dr. Deborah A. Frank Christina Frattura Nicole Frattura Freishtat Family Fund Cara Fuccillo Howard and Jacquelyn Furman Colleen Galle Elaine and Robert Gamson Jeffrey Gelpey Randy Glassman Andrew Golden Amy and James Golov Stacey and Bruce Gore Janet and Mark Gottesman Samantha Greenberg
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FOOT BRIDGE (CON’T) Katie Griffin Jeffrey Harrelson Sue Heilman Laura Henry Joseph and Barbara Hollander Judy Housman Barbara Howard Mei Hung Esther and Elliot Israel Clarence and Wanda Jones Paul Joseph Stephanie Kacoyanis Katz-Farber Charitable Fund Andre Kelly Adrien Khelemsky Anthony and Lydia Komaroff Bill Kracunas Mike & Su Kwedor Martin and Janice Labell Malcolm & Trudy Labell Lori and Eric Lander Celeste Lee Janet Leombruno Thomas Levenson Paula Leventman Daniele Levine Roberta and Alan Leviton Geoff Lewis Coleen Lynch Ray Madoff Bill and Janette Mandell Catherine T. Mason Mary Jean and R.C. Massimino George Mastaby Marie C. Maurice Timothy McCarthy Sarah McConnell Jerome Medalie Shellee Mendes Dr. Mark Messenger Maureen Messina Dorian Mintzer Marilyn Morrissey
FOOT BRIDGE (CON’T) Stuart Moss Edmund Mroz Cheryl Murphy Neighborhood of Affordable Housing Mytrang Nguyen Mark Niedergang Susan O’Connor Nancy O’Connor Leah Okimoto Our Space Our Place Sofia Papastamelos Tricia Parent Partakers Inc. Jane Petty Alan Pransky James Pratt Nadia Prescott Scott Price Laura Purcell Paula Quinlan Donna Raimondi Elaina Repucci Catie Riordan Peter Roblin Andrea Roman Karyn H. Rosen Steven Roy RSM James Rusche Martha Ryan Jeffrey & Cheryl Sacks Jonathan Sarna Supriya Saurabh Rebecca and David Schroedel Suzi and David Schuller Neil and Dorothy Scibelli Irene Sege Jessica Seiden Joel Shamon Shapiro & Hender Law Office Laura Sherman Weverton Silva Prado Joel Simonson
FOOT BRIDGE (CON’T) Peter Slavin Michael D Smith Gary and Lynne Smith Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Sneider Tom and Anne Snyder Rebecca Solomons Matoula Stavropoulos Madeleine Steczynski John Stefanini Cesar Stewart-Morales Tracie Sullivan Carla Szymanski The Judith A. Stone Rev Trust The Welcome Project Sibu Thomas Susan W Tofias Sakura Tomizawa Cara Toretta Susan and Keith Tornheim Cheryl Tully Stoll Jeffrey Turkanis Turkanis Family Foundation Seth Turok Felicia Vargas Domenic Veneziano Paul Vogt Lesley Weiss Andrea & Herbert Wheeler Herbert and Andrea Wheeler Rebecca Whitcher Margery Wieder Jeffrey and Robyn Winik Elizabeth Wozniak Mary Wyckoff Jill York Nora Yousif Gerald and Phyllis Zakim Alice Zimelman
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2019 YEAR IN REVIEW Twenty-nineteen was a year of both accomplishment and significant change for The Lenny Zakim Fund (LZF). Once again, we were able to witness the tremendous impact The Fund continues to have in spaces and places throughout MA – from courtrooms to summer camps, in prison classrooms, factories, community gardens, and more. A total of $677,500 in grants were awarded to 56 organizations, serving 22 Massachusetts communities. At the same time, our Board of Directors dedicated themselves to strengthening the foundation of the organization in preparation for a change in executive leadership. LZF is proud of its legacy and in the strong position we find ourselves as we embark on our 25th anniversary. In February, LZF launched our groundbreaking Transformational Leaders Cohort (TLC) program for grassroots leaders and their organizations. Responding to the needs of our grantees, LZF and the Hyams Foundation designed an intersectional cohort program for diverse leaders aimed at strengthening capacity, building knowledge and skills, and growing professional networks, through 16 months of intensive workshops, personal coaching, and mentorship. It is LZF’s hope that leaders who complete TLC will have increased confidence, reduced feelings of isolation, and a decrease in burnout - some of the biggest problems facing nonprofit leaders today. In March, the 10th and final LZF Casino Night brought together over 200 LZF supporters for gaming fun, an auction, music by Ne-Yo, and to learn about and raise funds for the important work we do. Charles Daniels of Fathers Uplift was the featured speaker. In April, two heroines ran the Boston marathon’s 26.2 miles for LZF and we are incredibly grateful to Priscilla Sousa and Allie Mahoney for finishing the race, reaching their dreams, and supporting LZF! In May, LZF hosted an Emerging Philanthropist event at the Boston Calling Block Party to engage the next generation of changemakers. The event featured LZF grantee partners Leah Okimoto of Aaron’s Presents and Marquis Taylor of Coaching4Change. In June, LZF was proud to be awarded a Cummings Foundation’s $100k for 100 grant; an initiative to support nonprofits that are based in and primarily serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties. In July, we held a Bridge Builder Breakfast, Asylum Seeking, Refugee Status, & Deportation: Debunking Myths and Misinformation. Held
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at Philanthropy Massachusetts, the event focused on the complexity of asylum-seeking and attaining legal status. Attendees heard the stories of local leaders, including asylees themselves, and featured Anita Sharma of PAIR Project (Political Asylum/Immigration Representation Project), Wilson-taty Kapang-Ndjibu of Refugee Immigration Ministry, Sarath Suong of PrSYM (Providence Youth Student Movement). Our moderator was Dr. Westy Egmont, Global Practice Director of the Immigrant Integration Lab at Boston College. In November, we celebrated the retirement of our treasured Executive Director, Jude Goldman, with the phenomenal Judestock event at the Somerville Armory in recognition of her 14 years of tireless service to reshape LZF from a grantmaking organization into a dynamic change-maker for social justice philanthropy. In December, we announced the appointment of Eric Esteves as Jude’s successor. Here are some of the workshops and seminar trainings LZF provided to current and former grantees in 2019: •
May 8: “Individual Donors Fundraising 101” with Katelyn Parady
•
May 14: “How to Maintain Nonprofit Status” with Brittany Besler
•
May 16: “Basic Financial Literacy” with Robin Carton of Kayak Consulting Group and Meredith Smith of Streamlined Accounting Strategies
•
May 20: Pro Bono Trademark Clinic with the International Trademark Association (INTA)
•
May 30: “Why bother with QuickBooks Online (we already use a spreadsheet and keep our receipts in a shoebox)?” with Robin Carton, Kayak Consulting Group and Meredith Smith of Streamlined Accounting Strategies
•
June 6: “Board Governance” with Robin Carton of Kayak Consulting Group
•
June 12: “Crafting a Grant Budget” with Sonya B. Page of Page Consulting
•
June 13: “Accounting Workflows” with Robin Carton and Meredith Smith June 27: “Taming the Fiscal Beast: How to Master Fear and Loathing in Financial Management” with Robin Carton and Meredith Smith
•
August 7: “#GivingTuesday” with Alyson Molloy Hussey and Lia Triantafylidis
•
September 12: “Intro to Case Statements” with Sonya B. Page of
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Page Consulting •
September 18: “End of Year Appeal” with Alyson Molloy Hussey
•
October 30: “Board Handbooks: The Good, the Bad and the Useless”
•
November 6: “How to Build an Annual Fundraising and Communications Plan: a Step-by-Step Guide” with Robin Carton of Kayak Consulting Group and Dennis Fischman
•
November 13: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for What You Want! Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Major Donor Calls
•
November 20: Taming the Fiscal Beast: How to Master Fear and Loathing in Financial Management
•
December 4: “Board Governance”
The Spring Institute featured Simone Joyaux, who focused on board development based on a crowdsourced list of topics identified by grant recipients. The Fall Institute featured two sessions: Emerging Executives on the Non-Profit Lifecycle led by Nadia Prescott, and Values-Oriented Succession and Sustainability Planning co-led by Julia Monaghan and Trina Jackson of Third Sector New England. LZF is deeply grateful to the generous donors, foundations, and corporations who have supported this work and helped us award more than 1,300 grants since our founding in 1995. We are deeply grateful for the many years of support and guidance, service, dedication, passion, and commitment from former board members Mary Carty, Janice Ditchek, Caren Keller, Sofia Lingos Papaliodis, Gabriela Romanow, Elaine Sager, and Sam Slater, all of whom completed their terms in 2019. We have welcomed two new board members, Asmaa Donahue and Mark Irvings, who are already making a significant difference for LZF. Lastly, we owe a tremendous amount of gratitude and thanks to Jude Goldman for her strong and compassionate leadership that has positioned LZF for a bright future.
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Everyone deserves to be heard. DLA Piper is proud to support the Lenny Zakim Fund, and we are honored to serve as the fund’s home and its partner, providing pro bono legal services to its many grantee organizations as it works to achieve its mission of social change and equity.
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