About Us

Our Mission

The Community Connections’ Mission is to faciltate the organization of comprehensive family support systems in neighborhoods throughout the Commonwealth. It promotes a planning framework that:

  • is prevention focused
  • is collaborative
  • builds upon existing strengths
  • builds upon the diversity of families and communities

History

In 1993 the Federal Family Preservation and Support Act Allowed funding for the State of Massachusetts to create and implement Family Support Programs in designated neighborhoods in order to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect. The total funding was 13 million dollars over the course of five years.

Massachusetts was granted a waiver to devote all the new funding to family support efforts DSS was already investing 50 million per year on family preservation

In 1997, FFPSA was absorbed into the Promoting Safe and Stable Families Act. Funding for Family Preservation and Family Support was reauthorized through 2006.

In 2002, Community Connections refined its work and leveled funding to commit to service integrations and coordination and developing partnerships to meet specific community needs.

Our Community

Chelsea has one of the densest populations in Massachusetts covering only 1.8 sq. miles.

A significant portion of the population consists of foreign-born residents, many of which are undocumented and/or newly arrived.  Over three-quarters of residents identify as Hispanic or Latinx. And for many residents, some of the barriers they face are access to healthy homes, economic instability due to lack of job opportunities, healthcare, and much more.

CCC provides assistance to these families as they adjust to life in a new country and navigate unfamiliar systems.

Our Core Values

  • Compassion: CCC values empathy and kindness towards others, particularly those in need.
  • Respect: CCC values treating all people with dignity, respect, and understanding, regardless of their circumstances or background.
  • Collaboration: CCC values working with partners and community members to achieve common goals and address social challenges.
  • Empowerment: CCC values empowering individuals and communities to make positive changes in their lives.
  • Diversity: CCC values embracing and celebrating differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, and other dimensions of diversity.

Meet The Team

Staff

Angelica Gonzalez– Interim Co-Coordinator

Grace Muwina– Interim Co-Coordinator

Irma Mazzoni– CHNI Workshop Coordinator

Eily Ulloa- Family Advocate

Volunteers

Stacy Amaral

Yessenia Salinas

Steering Committee

Stacy Amaral– (Chair), Resident

Jen Kelly– (Co-Chair), MGH Chelsea

Lisa Santagate– Resident

Rosa Hanks– Parent Representative

Adela Gonzalez– Resident

Bianca Servellon– Chelsea Recreation

Lisette Rodriguez– DCF

Richard Claytor/Emma Tobin- Family Nurturing Center Fiscal Partner

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