from the nonprofit La Colaborativa in Chelsea who have been working for months to keep Chelsea fed since the pandemic began. Back row, left to right: Cristina González, Dinanyili Paulino, Gladys Vega, Vanessa Meneses, Brenda Romero, Yessenia Alfaro, and Nery Martinez. Front row: Marie Ange Milot, Veronica Jimenez, and Ambar Pérez.JESSICA RINALDI/GLOBE STAFF
La Colaborativa was featured in this week’s Boston Globe for our relentless efforts to protect, serve, and uplift our community. Marcela Garcia unpacks what we mean when we say, “Whatever it Takes” in The Boston Globe:
“…La Colaborativa’s food pantry, led by women, is more than just food. ‘As they’re waiting in line, we ask people what they need. Sometimes that’s applying for SNAP benefits or rental assistance,” [COO Dinanyili] Paulino said. ‘But people tell us all of their issues: ‘My neighbor is sick, can you bring her food?’ Or, ‘My partner is being abusive, can you help me?’ ‘I don’t have money for rent.’ ‘I need a new mattress.’”
