Massachusetts Funds Extra SNAP Payments
Due to federal action, extra COVID SNAP benefits ended on 3/2/2023. However, Massachusetts households will receive state-funded extra SNAP payments on April 7th, May 2nd, and June 2, 202, following Governor Healey's signing of the legislature's supplemental budget that created an offramp from the extra federal COVID SNAP benefits. Visit mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP to learn more.
Walmart Wellness Day - Saturday, May 6
Walmart invites communities to gear up for a healthy summer at Walmart Wellness Day on Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. local time. This community event provides free health screenings, free and low-cost immunizations, and the opportunity to talk with a local Walmart pharmacist at more than 4,600 stores nationwide.
Since 2014, Walmart pharmacies have hosted Walmart Wellness Days, providing more than 5 million health screenings and 225,000 immunizations to customers across the country. The goal of Walmart Wellness Day this quarter is to help customers prepare for a healthy and safe summer with an emphasis on First Aid kits and sunscreen. Customers can also participate in free health screenings for cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, and more. Insurance is not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, which is available at no cost, and other vaccines are covered under most major insurance plans.
Customers can find a free event near them at Walmart.com/wellnesshub.
ABCD YEA! Program
ABCD is actively recruiting for its summer youth programming!
YEA! is a 2-week summer program for 13-year-olds living in Boston, Malden, Medford, and Everett covering financial literacy, civic engagement, job readiness, and online safety.
Application can be found here.
Read moreMystic Valley Elder Service: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
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Eat, Drink and Be Merry LGBTQ+ Meet-Up |
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For over a decade, Mystic Valley Elder Services has been providing a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ older adults to gather. Every month we host Mystic Tea, a place to meet, eat and socialize.
MVES provides coffee, tea and a hearty meal, but more importantly, a venue for good company and conversation. While Mystic Tea is usually an informal meet-up, we also offer speakers or special guests occasionally throughout the year.
We are excited that Mystic Tea is growing! We have new members as well as new visitors stopping by to get to know the group. Please join us!
Mystic Tea is held on the third Tuesday of the month from 4-6 p.m. at MVES’ headquarters at 300 Commercial Street in Malden. Mystic Tea is open to LGBTQ+ adults from anywhere in Massachusetts (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning).
If you have an LGBTQ+ older adult in your life, please spread the word about Mystic Tea. Studies show LGBTQ+ older adults are more than twice as likely to live alone, and often face social isolation and vulnerability. Having support from the community can make all the difference. |
Scholarship Opportunity
Scholarship Opportunity
Apply or Nominate: Scholarship Opportunity for Individuals in Long-Term Recovery
The Stephenie Jesi Scholarships for Individuals in Long-Term Recovery are in loving memory of Stephenie Jesi, a Gloucester Angel Program participant who sadly passed away after a long and courageous battle with substance use disorder (SUD).
Stephenie was passionate about helping her friends who were experiencing the same barriers that she was facing in fighting the disease of SUD. In honor of her selfless nature and spirit of giving, her family wants to keep her spirit alive by helping others who are struggling through this scholarship opportunity.
Three individuals who have been in long-term recovery for 3 or more years will be chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship. In an effort to remove barriers to support recovery, these funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, childcare, or debt relief.
The link to the form can be found here as well as more information regarding eligibility requirements. Responses are due by May 20, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
MassDOT Advisory: Tobin Bridge
Starting May 1, lane closures Sundays-Thursdays,
6 p.m. to the next day at 5 a.m.
Tobin Bridge on Route 1 Southbound (Upper Deck)
Two lanes of traffic will remain open at all times during lane closures
Read moreMass Cultural Council: Apply Now for New Festivals & Projects Grants
Program guidelines and application for the next round of Festivals & Projects grants are now available. These grants will fund activities incorporating the arts, humanities, or sciences that provide community and/or public benefit and take place in FY24 (July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024). The awards of $2,500 will support outdoor performances, art workshops, public art projects, pop-up markets, small capital projects, art and nature hikes, regional food festivals, cultural celebrations – and more – across the Commonwealth.
Apply by June 8, 2023. Register for an information session on April 27 (5pm) or May 3 (12pm). Join our Instagram Live Q&A on May 18 (12pm). Office hours are also available.
MBTA May Service Changes
The MBTA today announced service changes in May on the Blue, Red, Orange, and Green lines as well as the Greenbush, Kingston/Plymouth, Middleborough/Lakeville, Rockport, and Haverhill lines. Throughout the month of May, the MBTA will continue working to improve service reliability across the system. Service changes have been scheduled to address critical work that will help to alleviate speed restrictions in certain areas.
Read moreMassDEP Funding Opportunity: Sustainable Materials Recovery Program Municipal Grants
This week, MassDEP announced the opening of the 2023 Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) Municipal Grant application round. The program supports local recycling, composting/organics, reuse, source reduction, program development, and enforcement activities that increase diversion and reduce disposal.
Funding will be available in a number of categories (listed below).
MassDEP staff will host an informational webinar for applicants on May 10, 2023 (applicants need to register in advance). Grant applications are due by June 14, 2023.
More information on eligibility, grant offerings, and how funds may be used can be found on MassDEP’s SMRP page: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-sustainable-materials-recovery-program-smrp-municipal-grant
- Funding categories:
- Recycling Dividends Program
- Regional Small-Scale Initiatives
- Food Waste Carts
- Mattress Recycling Containers
- Pay-As-You-Throw
- Universal Waste Sheds (fluorescent lamps, batteries, mercury-containing devices)
- Establishing Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Permanent Facilities
