June 2025
Boston CASA*
Boston CASA trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) who advocate for children in foster care due to abuse and neglect, ensuring each child has a voice and a consistent, caring adult. The organization serves approximately 300 children annually, providing a consistent adult presence for youth navigating the court system. CASAs advocate for services, housing, education, and permanency, helping to reduce trauma and improve outcomes. Through its Youth Advisory Board, Boston CASA also elevates the voices of older foster youth to inform systemic improvements.
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Boston Food Forest Coalition*
BFFC transforms vacant lots into edible public parks known as “food forests” that build community, improve climate resilience, and protect land in perpetuity. The coalition currently manages 12 food forests and conserves over 130,000 square feet of urban land, providing healthy food, green space, and community gathering places for Bostonians. Their parks are co-stewarded by local residents, host cultural events and workshops, and address climate inequity in historically redlined neighborhoods. BFFC’s work strengthens neighborhood resilience and creates lasting change at the intersection of food justice and environmental equity.
Get involved:
- Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
- Maple Street Food Forest Grand Opening – 44 Maple Street, Dorchester, MA 02121 – Saturday, June 28 | 12:00–3:00 PM
Family Health Project
Family Health Project disrupts poverty through unconditional cash transfers, providing first-time moms living in deep poverty with $400/month for three years to support healthy beginnings. Their direct cash program supports low-income mothers during the first three years of their child’s life, one of the most critical developmental periods. Families have used funds to access better housing, healthcare, and education, with all participants avoiding major health crises. FHP’s evidence-based model is helping to reshape how we think about trust-based support and poverty alleviation.
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Girls’ LEAP Self-Defense*
Girls’ LEAP equips girls and gender-expansive youth with self-defense, social-emotional skills, and leadership training to help them navigate the world safely and confidently. The organization combines physical self-defense training with trauma-informed mentorship to reduce violence and empower youth. Their Media Mindset initiative addresses digital safety and wellness, reaching hundreds of students with peer-led education. Over 85% of their programming serves low- to moderate-income communities of color, where young people are most at risk.
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Jane Doe Inc.
Jane Doe Inc. is a statewide coalition working to end domestic violence and sexual assault through policy change, prevention, and support for a network of member organizations. JDI represents more than 60 member programs across Massachusetts and is a national leader in violence prevention and survivor advocacy. Their recent legislative victories have expanded protections for survivors, including recognition of coercive control. JDI also runs financial empowerment initiatives, provides direct support funding, and centers the voices of survivors in every aspect of their work.
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Mujeres Unidas Avanzando (MUA)*
MUA provides low-income Latinx immigrants with education, job training, and support services to empower themselves and build economic independence. The organization serves over 325 families annually through English classes, career training, and childcare, helping immigrant women and families overcome systemic barriers. Their hybrid health care job training programs prepare students for in-demand roles, and they offer essential wraparound supports like housing referrals and legal assistance. MUA also runs Know Your Rights workshops and culturally responsive support for survivors of domestic violence.
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- Website | Facebook | Instagram | X
- Learn about volunteer opportunities
Project Citizenship*
Project Citizenship offers free, high-quality legal services to permanent residents to help them become U.S. citizens and advocates for systemic immigration reform. As New England’s largest provider of citizenship services, they have a 95% success rate for applicants. They serve thousands annually through workshops, legal screenings, and application support, focusing on clients with complex cases or language barriers. In addition to direct service, they advocate at the state and federal level to reduce systemic obstacles to naturalization.
Get involved:
- Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram
- Learn about volunteer opportunities
RIA, Inc. – Ready.Inspire.Act*
RIA provides trauma-informed, survivor-led recovery services for women who have experienced sex trafficking, exploitation, and commercial sexual violence. The organization supports 80–125 survivors annually with peer mentorship, therapy, housing support, and financial assistance. Their clients face extreme barriers—including homelessness, disability, and criminalization—and RIA meets them with dignity and care. As a leader in survivor advocacy, RIA also advances legislation and collaborates with hospitals, coalitions, and policy groups to expand systemic support.
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Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice*
SCIJ trains college students to provide pro bono legal support to asylum seekers and organizes for systemic immigration reform. It is the only national organization training undergraduates to serve as legal advocates for immigrants. Their students have supported over 300 asylum seekers and led campaigns for local policy change. SCIJ is building a new generation of justice-focused leaders while meeting critical legal needs in immigrant communities.
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Young Man With a Plan*
Young Man With a Plan provides holistic mentoring and leadership development to young men of color in Boston, helping them build confidence, connection, and pathways to success. YMWAP supports over 290 Black and Latino young men in Boston through mentoring, academic coaching, and career readiness. Their youth form strong bonds with mentors and peers, fostering brotherhood, accountability, and self-esteem. YMWAP’s individualized success plans and culturally responsive model create lasting outcomes in education, employment, and leadership.
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