North End Community Connects

North End Community Connects 2022 Pilot Report

2022 Pilot Report

North End Community Connects (NECC) is an initiative bringing together people who care about the North End—families and neighbors, service providers, businesses, government agencies, and funders—towards one goal: to create more opportunities for our community to thrive. Together, we decide what priorities matter most and how we best work on them together.

During the last two years, a group of highly skilled community leaders from the North End have actively collaborated to establish methods for fostering social connectivity within the community amidst the ongoing pandemic. These leaders have been prominent members of the community who have dedicated their time and resources to improving the lives of people in the area, and they have worked closely with signiﬁcant partners such as the MassMutual Foundation and Baystate Health, among others. North End Community Connects (NECC) has been instrumental in spearheading this initiative, and their e orts have been widely commended by various stakeholders. This LiveMutual video (https://youtu.be/kbJvgkF0eNQ) highlights the importance of building strong relationships and establishing meaningful connections in communities, and the NECC's work aligns perfectly with this vision.

We invite you to review this summary of our initial results and impact. Like all pilots, this initial endeavor gave us the opportunity to learn what works, what is needed, and what more we can do to improve financial access and opportunity for our community. We did not solve everything in this first pilot, but we began to identify new ways to connect, share and build social capital! We have much work left to be done and we hope you will join us as our efforts expand.

Roberto Martin Project Coordinator NECC

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Pilot Components

Beginning in 2020, NECC met with Union Capital Boston (unioncapitalboston.org) to learn about their mission and how their model might be used to support our goals in the North End. The mission of Union Capital Boston is to transform social capital into opportunity by rewarding community engagement.

The UCB model consists of:

Mobile Rewards App

The UCB App aggregates hundreds of resources in a calendar. Members access opportunities, such as workshops and community events. Members log their activity to earn Points, earning Visa gift cards. Average engaged members earn about $200/year (maximum $500).

Network Nights

Which leverage the power of the UCB App as a forum to engage, access opportunities, and improve prospects. Residents connect to social services like job placement assistance, nutrition access, and ﬁnancial training.

Community Leadership Development

UCB stipends Network Coordinators, members of our partner organizations, who are trained to enroll new members and host Network Nights. UCB has also launched a new leadership training program for the entire UCB community.

Thanks to diligent planning, coordination, and fundraising NECC decided to launch a scaled down version of the UCB model over the course of several months in 2022 to evaluate its e ectiveness in our community.

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Our Pilot focused on connecting residents with resources in our North End community, zip code 01107

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Pilot Launch

NECC launched a pilot of the Union Capital Boston Rewards App on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 and culminated the pilot at a celebration on Friday, November 18, 2022.

During the course of the Pilot:

218 Pilot participants

signed up for the UCB Rewards App

6 COMMUNITY CONVENINGS during the 4 month pilot: End of School Year Kick-Off, Back to School resource giveaway, 3 COMMUNITY NETWORK NIGHTS Closing Celebration in November

Participants tracked over HOURS

Collectively participants earned $19,750

in compensation, (average $91 per person)

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Juana Girona, Ana Andino and Founder of UCB Eric Leslie. Showing our community how the app works

Our Pilot: Rewards App + Network Nights

UCB APP

The UCB mobile application is a comprehensive loyalty rewards program that compiles numerous resources from various sectors into a seamlessly searchable calendar. With thousands of members utilizing the tool, they can e ortlessly discover fresh opportunities, document their participation through the App, and earn generous Visa gift card rewards for their dedicated time.

NETWORK NIGHTS

NECC continues to regularly host Network Nights, a series of monthly gatherings that bring together members from Springfield and surrounding communities. These events provide a platform for the exchange of important community resources and information, and have become a vital component of our outreach e orts. Attendees benefit from the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, establish valuable contacts, and stay abreast of the latest developments in their respective fields.

Upon arriving [at Network Night], I was greeted by friendly faces who made me feel welcome. The atmosphere was relaxed and the conversations ﬂowed easily. I found myself connecting with people who shared similar interests and experiences. As the night went on, I realized that this was exactly what I had been looking for and I couldn't wait for the next meeting.

-Jasmyn, NECC Pilot Member

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Exit Survey Results

We have gathered valuable survey data, including inquiries regarding emergency ﬁnancial resources, methods of staying informed about community events and resources in the North End, and the perceived impact of our NECC Pilot and App on participant access to resources and community connectedness.

Net Promoter Score 98

How often did you check and use the UCB App during this Pilot?

I choose a 10 because I get rewarded for activities that help me learn or grow in my community. It’s also helped me connect with resources that otherwise would be over looked.

– NECC Pilot Member

Promoter (9-10=98%) Passive (7-8=2%) Detractor (0-6=0%)

(218 responses) Not True A Little True Sort Of True Mostly True Very True 2 9 20 27 62 Total 120 17% 23% 52% Joining NECC Pilot and App increased my participation in the North End community 0-1 Times 2-10 Times At least once a week Almost everyday Total 33 39 16 1 89 37% 44% 18% 1%

At the App launch event, Ana Andino, a Community Activist, Maria Perez, City Council Woman and Director of Housing Opportunities at NNCC, expressed their enthusiasm for the App, emphasizing its potential to be an exceptional resource

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Exit Survey Results cont.

I identify as an NECC Member Not True A Little True Sort Of True Mostly True Very True 8 16 24 19 35 Total 102 8% 16% 24% 19% 35% Not True A Little True Sort Of True Mostly True Very True 0 11 20 4 35 Total 70 0% 16% 29% 6% 50% Joining this NECC Pilot and App increased my access to quality resources in the North End 30 45 Credit Card/Pay-Day Loan Religious Institution/ Charitable4titution Right now there is nowhere I can borrow $500 12 1 9 25% 37% 10% 1% 7% Total 5 18 1 121 4% 15% 1% In an emergency, where would you go to borrow $500? Emergency Savings Family Friends Non-banking Institution Other

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Roberto Martinez (Project Coordinator), Adriana Flores (Community Leader) and Springﬁeld City Major, Domenic J. Sarno collaborated to ensure the successful registration and utilization of the app by the Springﬁeld community.

Exit Survey Results cont.

IMPACT STORIES

Reported uses of Visa gift cards: college textbooks, paying bills, family vacation, paying it forward as holiday gifts to family and less fortunate friends

“Sonia”, a resident of West Springfield, was able to use the App to get connected to North End and Springfield events. As a result she brought along over 30 people to get involved and connected to resources that they didn’t have in West Springfield.

Electrician at Network Nights provided quotes to all attendees to help reduce repair costs. Several participants reported following up and receiving improved and discounted services.

Back to School event via App promotion resulted in attendance of over 5,000 people giving out 3,000 backpacks, 3,500 meals, and over 2,000 ice cream

comes

30 10 Through NNCC Through NECC UCB app It's hard for me to ﬁnd info about local events and resources 24 4 56 18% 6% 14% 2% 34% 31 0 0 19% 0% 0% How do you find out about resources in the North End ? Through friends and family Through school Through my workplace Through my place of worship Not sure Skip Total 0 12 121 0% 7% Other,other places in town, online

I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this community and I look forward to building meaningful relationships with the people I meet. Thank you for opening the door to this new experience.

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– NECC Pilot Member

Lessons Learned and Next Steps

The Pilot initiative served as an essential catalyst in our understanding of how to e ectively connect our community with valuable resources and create pathways of opportunity. It has also highlighted the pressing need for resources in our community, and underscored the importance of forging ahead with our e orts to further augment access, opportunity, and power. We are buoyed by the positive outcomes thus far, and eagerly anticipate the future of our collaboration with Union Capital, leveraging their cutting-edge Rewards App technology, community Network Night program, and resident leadership training development to achieve our collective goal of fostering a more prosperous and equitable community.

Our Pilot was a starting point. We learned a lot about what it takes to connect our community with resources and build pathways of opportunity. The Pilot also showed us there is a lot more work to be done. 22% of our Pilot members said they do not have access to $500 in case of an emergency or would need to take out a pay-day loan. The North End has many resources to o er, but not everyone knows about the opportunities or has access to them.

We are encouraged by our initial results and excited to continue working with Union Capital to leverage their Rewards App technology, community Network Night program, and resident leadership training development to build even greater access, opportunity, and power in our community for years to come.

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Our vision is for a vibrant & thriving North End community designed by the community, for the community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished personalities who have lent their unwavering support to this project, including:

Adrianna Flores

NECC Community Leader

Maria Ligus

Executive Director of NNCC

Respected leaders such as Maria Perez, Rosa Espinosa, and Ana Andino

Jose Claudio Chief Operating O cer

Walter Rice

Director of Program & Outreach United Way

David Meeks Branch Manager Brightwood Public Library

Tobias Billups Springﬁeld Pharmacy

Lydia Rodriguez

Marketing & Communications Director Sodexo

Jose Escribano

Chief of Family and Community Engagement for Springﬁeld Public Schools

Emily Cruzado Administrative Assistant To the Chief Family and Community Engagement

Marisol Martinez

Annamarie Golden

Director of Community Relations Baystate

Brittany Rosario Community Beneﬁts Specialist Baystate

Tessa Murphy-Romboletti

Executive Director EforAll

Jayne Melendez Program Manager EforAll

Jennifer Kinsman United Way Director of Community Impact

Evelyn Baez NECC Member

Chelsea McGrath Director Of Finance And Operations

Emily Kawano

Co-Director

Felicita Vega Women of the Vanguard member

Jean Canosa Albano

Assistant Director for Public Services

Norm Deschaine

Practice Administrator at Brightwood Health Center

Ariel Clemmer

Director, Center for Social Justice, WNE School of Law

Christina Maxwell Director of Programs

Matthew Konsa Director of Community Financial Well-being

Madeline Landrau

Program Engagement Manager

Alison Mathias

Head of Community Responsibility Strategy & Vice President MassMutual Foundation

Graeham Dodd Project Coach Coordinator

Colleen Loveless President and CEO

Carmen Pagan Healthy Homes Manager

Roxana Alequin Healthy Homes Coordinator

Linda Morales Housing Counselor

Araceli Rivera Homeownership and Financial Education Manager Way Finders

Erickberto Burgos Financial Center Manager Santander Bank

Yifan Kong Senior Manager of Strategic Initiatives Root Cause

Colette L Stanzler Managing Director, Advisory Services Root Cause

Consuela Greene Managing Director Root Cause

Angelica Castro Director of Outreach and Teen Programs YMCA

Women of the Vanguard

Way Finders

United Way of Western MA

Revitalize CDC

Springﬁeld Public Library

Springﬁeld Public Schools

EforAll

NECC Pilot Members

Roberto Martinez Sr.

Jasmin Martinez

George Arroyo

Evan Martinez

Gabryella Arroyo

Alvin Rivera

Kayla Martinez

Nilsa Martinez

Nilka Correa Torres

Waldemar Torres

Fresh Cuts

Fresh Ink

Samurai Stance Tattoos

Maggie's Pizzeria

YMCA North End Outreach Center

Lavar Click-Bruce

Mania Club

Ashontay Owens

Anthony Fonseca

Gary Fonseca

James Testerman

Norris Narsa

Ethan Guevara

Dustin Dent

Bj Wright

Demario North

Gumersindo Gomez

Geraldo Orbe

Chris Gallerani

Hedda Amina

Jon Presto

Nicole Ditullio

Senator Adam Gomez

Pedro Serrano

Carlos Beltran

Pedro Hallums

Rozki Rides

Robert Jackson

Tommy Jackson

Carmen Robles

Antonio Robles

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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished personalities who have lent their unwavering support to this project, including:

DA’S OFFICE

Gina Anselmo

Antonio Simmons Director of community safety and outreach

Mariela Agosto-Santiago Property Manager

Ben Quick PVRC

Jessica Lozada Hallkeen Property Manager Emily Harrison Impact Prep School Counselor

Teoﬁlo Alvarado Community Advocate

Thank you for attending Network Nights:

Orlando Mercado New Life Program

Carlos Otero New Life Program

Airin Martinez Assistant Professor in Health Policy & Management Umass

Abbie Germain Senior Intake Community Mental Health Ambassador

Jasmyn Quinones Community Advocate

Carlos Rosario NNCC Manos a La Obra

Karene Alvarado Kempf-Vanderburgh Realty consultant

Denise Aponte O ce Manager Northgate Dental

Thank you for attending Network Nights cont.:

Jackie Diaz Scentsy Consultant

Desiree Lee Crane Deziloo Designs

Jenny Alavarado Community Advocate

Jovahnny Delgado GVP

Desire Negron NNCC Vaccine Outreach

Joanna Nunez Manos a La Obra

C3 NORTH END POLICE OFFICERS

Julio Toledo

Juan Taveras

Jose Silva

Bobby Gayle

NNCC Youth Services

Joesiah Gonzalez Senior Director of Youth Services

Jarix Santiago Director Of Intervention and Outreach

Isaiah Delmoral YouthBuild Director

Elizabeth Santos YouthBuild Mental Health Counselor

Gloria Rivera Wioa Director

Jason Carrasquillo Youth Services

Angelicalee Melendez GVP/ Afterschool/ Summer Camp Counselor

Karina Rodriguez O ce Manager

NNCC Family Services Team

Irene Adolphus Walk-in Homeless Prevention

Iris Hernandez Director of Family support

Sandy Serrano

Supervisor of Promoting Adolescent Strengths program

Karla Rivera Bilingual Lead Family Support Navigator

TreVon Rivera Respite program Supervisor

Zoraida Garcia Family Navigator/Skill builder

Brendalee Gonzalez Family Navigator

Waleska Espinosa Adolescent Worker

Jessenia Colon Parent Aide

AJ Martinez Adolescent Worker

Sandra Lopez Parent Aide

Zeriah Mendrell Adolescent Worker/Case manager

Angelica Cotto Parent Aide

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