sswenson

Who was a Food Network addict? Who studied architecture? And who abandoned the world of high finance? Javier Amador-Peña, Gerly Adrien, David Lindsey and Kelsey Munger all took unique paths to business ownership. And what they are building together is also unusual. Daunted by high commercial rents in Jamaica Plain, they’re combining forces in [...]

“I saw kids running around outside when they should have been in school. I thought, what is this? And so, I wanted to do something about it.” Sometimes JPNDC's work goes to unexpected places. Anne St. Juste took a business class at JPNDC to strengthen her non-profit. Now she's doing more than ever to [...]

“My dad and I kind of butted heads. So when he told me, “All you need is scissors and a comb and you can go anywhere and make money,” I told him that I would never do hair!” (Lena Vinnitsky, right) The owners of Vinndio Salon are passionate about making people look their best. Today [...]

“It’s not just banging nails. It’s engineering. It’s architecture. We need young people to realize they can make a good living.” Boston is in a building boom. Did you know most of the workers on the city’s construction sites today are neither Boston residents nor people of color (who make up at least 53% of [...]

Michael Mulcahy, 1928-2018 In this post we celebrate the life of Michael Mulcahy, a pillar of the neighborhood for more than 50 years. First, in a 2007 interview, Michael reminisces about JP in the 1960s, living two blocks from the Haffenreffer Brewery, and facing down some bigots who opposed JPNDC in the early days. Michael would [...]

“You won't believe you're eating something that's vegan.” Vegan Dominican food? That’s right, and it’s being made here in JP. Today we’re speaking with Cecilia Flores and Ivannoe Rodriguez Sierra, owners of the brand-new catering business Coco Verde Vegan (https://cocoverdevegan.com/), about creating delicious recipes based on traditional dishes (and new ones), helping people get healthier, [...]

“Serving on the board has been so fulfilling and has given me a wonderful opportunity to serve people seeking decent, affordable housing and jobs that pay a respectable wage.” JP resident and activist Joe Vallely joined the JPNDC board in 1993 and served for 25 years. At our Annual Meeting on June 7, we were [...]

“My mom says I decided to become a lawyer because I’m always arguing,” says Gabriela Mendoza. “But I argue because I’m defending other people! And because I want to make a difference and help people.” On June 7th, because of her work helping local businesses avoid displacement, Gabriela will be one of the individuals and [...]

Did you know that a JP organization is a national leader in the anti-displacement movement? City Life/Vida Urbana is celebrating its 45th anniversary on May 19 with a party and multi-media art exhibit that will shine a light on victories by working-class people to stay in their homes and advance racial, social and economic justice. [...]

Did you know JPNDC has generations of volunteers? Today, we are chatting with Jamaica Plain native Genevieve Shattow, whose father helped get JPNDC started in the '70s. She shares about growing up in JP, why she also volunteers with JPNDC, and why you should join us at the 3rd Annual Friendrasier on April 19th! K: You were [...]