Victories & Strides

Improved living conditions through campaigns promoting tenant council organization, addressing Chelsea’s inadequate inspection services.

Expanded and transformed HarborMe into HarborCove, significantly broadening support services for victims of domestic abuse.

Created urban community gardens, providing green space and agriculture opportunities for community members.

Launched what would become the largest youth employment initiative in Chelsea, expanding access to economically mobilizing careers and vocations through education and professional development.

Actively opposed environmental injustices, such as the proposal for a power plant near an elementary school and created the Chelsea Creek Coalition.

Utilized innovative strategies, like community festivals, to boost civic participation and address local governance inequities.

Secured a significant victory for workers’ rights, achieving a $950,000 settlement for employees facing poor working conditions.

Mobilized against the increased presence of deportation tactics, advocating for the rights and safety of immigrant communities.

Championed efforts to establish Chelsea as a sanctuary city, providing a safer and more welcoming environment for immigrants.

Led initiatives to support Honduran immigrants affected by Hurricane Mitch, advocating for Temporary Protective Status.

Aided refugees from Somalia, especially the Somali Bantu community, offering integration services and community support.

Persisted in the fight against environmental injustices, including retrofitting diesel engines for cleaner air and achieving the designation of Chelsea as a Tree City in 2018.

Created a platform to align La Colaborativa’s objectives with community needs through engaging in extensive dialogues and surveys with community members.

Initiated a federal investigation into police department practices, leading to significant reforms and efforts to diversify the force.

Led campaigns for a fair minimum wage and better working conditions, and advocated against unfair labor practices, furthering our commitment to workers’ rights.

Provided critical aid and advocacy for victims of Hurricanes Mitch and Maria, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.

Enhanced cultural representation and community inclusivity through various initiatives, including transforming local festivals to better reflect the community’s diversity.

Recognized for exceptional collaboration with law enforcement to improve community policing practices, highlighting efforts to foster justice and safety in Chelsea.

Fought against an ethanol transport train project, advocating for community safety from toxic chemical exposure.

Led the charges against TelexFree after uncovering a multibillion-dollar fraud scandal that directly targeted many residents of our community. The US Bankruptcy Court of Boston reached a settlement of $150 million for victims, which only covers about 40% of claims.

Advocated for thoughtful placement and community involvement in new power plant proposals, emphasizing the need for green space and electrical safety in the community.

Launched a campaign for undocumented residents to access Driver’s Licenses with the Family Mobility Act. Provided identification and safety through insurance, and created a tool for access to many public services (i.e. libraries, hotels, etc).

Launched a food bank in response to COVID-19, expanding from our CEO’s front porch to serve over 5,000 households weekly with culturally relevant food.

Expanded workforce development and ESOL/technology education services to address unemployment and educational barriers.

Led a vaccination education campaign, in partnership with medical institutions, to mitigate vaccine skepticism. Successfully shifted Chelsea from the highest COVID-19 rate in the US to the highest vaccination rate for several months during the pandemic. Opened the first vaccination clinic in Chelsea, in collaboration with NeighborHealth, prioritizing vaccinations for our community’s seniors and most vulnerable populations.

Celebrated the grand opening of our new headquarters facilities on 6th St, including the Survival Center, Economic Development Center, and Food Bank (“Mercado”), creating sustainable infrastructure for accessible community services.

Provided support to new migrants when arrivals from the Caribbean and Latin America increased. Became the first Emergency Assistance organization in the Commonwealth to implement a robust workforce and economic development program for EA shelter residents, maximizing their temporary time with us and mitigating barriers to employment in their new home communities. We proudly welcome new families to our community with love, dignity, and respect.