Because of increased federal and state funding to the fuel assistance, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) has broadened
eligibility for the program. It can now serve more moderate-income families than in past years. This year a family of four with an income of $53,608 is eligible for some assistance meeting their heating needs. The highest fuel assistance benefit is $1,305.

Also, due to an increased demand for fuel assistance, hours have been extended for accepting applications at the ABCD downtown office, located on 178 Tremont Street. The office will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning December 6 and continuing throughout January.

In addition, fuel assistance hours have been extended to provide access evenings and weekends at all ABCD neighborhood centers throughout Boston. Please call the ABCD Neighborhood Center
in your neighborhood for specific information.

During regular business hours you can call 617-357-6012 for more information or you can log onto www.bostonabcd.org at any time.

This year the election brought out an incredible amount of voters, especially those voting for the first time. In response to this, and as part of the MassVote Eye on Democracy video contest, the Dorchester Youth Council has created a three-minute video about local views on the right to vote and the voting process.

Council members interviewed community members both before and after the voting process to gauge expectations and experiences. The answers ranged from praise to criticism, but all participants were passionate about the process.

Although all but one council member couldn’t vote this group of active citizens prove that you don’t have to be disengaged from the political process until you turn 18. This video can potentially impact the experience they have when they begin to vote in just a few years.

The Codman Square Health Works' Fitness Center is shining the spotlight on Diabetes Awareness Month in a big way. The Fitness Center has booked the runner-up from NBC's season one of "The Biggest Loser", Andrea Baptiste. 

On Tuesday, November
25th from 6:30-7:30 PM, Baptiste will lead an interactive workshop on Diabetes prevention. The prevention workshop will inform participants about types of diabetes, the role fats, sugars, and carbohydrates play in diabetes, and how to
enjoy the gym while effectively exercising. The workshop will also provide participants with healthy and tasty recipes to take home.

Although Baptiste lost in the finals of season one, she is considered by many to be the show's most successful participant of the multiple
seasons. Baptiste lost 65 pounds, and it marked a turning point in her life. Instead of obsessing about the actual numbers, she focused on living a healthier lifestyle — eating well and exercising on a regular basis.

“Women must feel better about themselves and live a healthier lifestyle,” Baptiste said. “Women often put others’ needs ahead of
themselves. But actually they should take the lead on having a healthier lifestyle — and then instill that in their families.” Baptiste is currently one of the most outspoken voices for females on Diabetes prevention.

The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) played host last Thursday to the Annual AmeriCorps Opening Day. The yearly occasion was held at Roxbury's Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.

The event featured over 2,000 AmeriCorps members across the state, including individuals serving with Social Capital Inc. in cities such as Dorchester, Lynn, and Woburn. The AmeriCorps members were privy to a special treat in the form of guest speaker, Governor Deval Patrick (pictured above with this year's AmeriCorps team).

Patrick made mention of his days in the PeaceCorps serving in Sudan and encouraged members to be excited for "the long and exciting journey" that lies ahead. After the conclusion of the Governor's speech, the MSA provided its AmeriCorps members with tours of the Massachusetts State House and the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse.

The MSA, established in 1991, is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as the state commission on community service and volunteerism. Its mission is to catalyze the innovation and growth of service and volunteerism by creating partnerships that maximize resources, expertise, capacity, and impact.

The MSA is responsible for the AmeriCorps members serving through Social Capital Inc in Dorchester. AmeriCorps members serve a total of 1700 hours within their community. To learn more about how you can become an AmeriCorps member, please click here. To learn more about the Massachusetts Service Alliance, please click here.