Here are some local organizations, groups and charities to consider volunteering for in the new year!

South Boston Neighborhood House

The Mission of the South Boston Neighborhood House (The Ollie) is “to support family and neighborhood life in South Boston.” This means we have something for everyone! As a settlement house, they look to meet the needs of the community and offer programs for everyone in South Boston: infants, children, teens, families, and seniors. The South Boston Neighborhood House is the oldest continuously-operated community based non-profit in South Boston, and we’ve been going strong for 115 years! Find out how you can help. Contact Kathy Lafferty at 617-268-1619 x201 or [email protected]  

Colin’s Joy Project

Colin’s Joy Project was created by the McGrath family to give back to their community the same joy with which Colin lived each day. The mission of Colin’s Joy Project is to enhance play space within our community, as well as sponsoring children and family programming, particularly for families in need. You can learn more here!

Tierney Center Learning Center

The Tierney Learning Center (TLC), located at The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony in South Boston, opened its doors in 2012 as part of a massive redevelopment of a large affordable residential community. There are over 1,400 people living at Old Colony. The Old Colony population is immensely diverse in age, race, and ethnicity, and universally in need of educational, economic, and social support.

Many of the households living at Old Colony need comprehensive services to support them in furthering their children’s education and their family’s economic mobility. Many households also require support accessing services that address domestic violence, drug addiction, and trauma. In response to the community’s needs, the TLC provides collaborative programming with educational interventions and supportive services at every age, targeting early childhood, school-aged youth, teens, and adults. We aim to provide the resources needed to Learn, Grow and Connect in a safe, caring, and welcoming environment and improve the wellbeing of all we engage with. All services for Old Colony families are provided on a no-cost basis.  You can learn more by visiting here! 

South Boston Boys & Girls Club

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is to help young people, especially those who need us most, build strong character and realize their full potential as responsible citizens and leaders. We do this by providing: a safe haven filled with hope and opportunity, ongoing relationships with caring adults, and life-enhancing programs. For 80 years, the South Boston Boys & Girls Club have worked to create a welcoming and supportive environment for the children of South Boston. To learn more visit here. 

Brain Aneurysm Foundation

Friend of CIS,  Tom Tinlin had the scare of his life back in 2017. “I was doing the live auction at the Fourth Fest and while I was up on stage it felt as though someone came up from behind me and cracked me over the head with a baseball bat,” said Tinlin.  Having a strong work ethic, he quickly finished up the final two auction items and had his wife Heather drive him to the emergency room at Beth Israel. Tinlin suffered an aneurysm in his brain and had to have emergency surgery to repair the damage.  Since his experience, Tinlin has been a true champion for the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.  It’s an important organization that helps so many!  You can learn more here! 

Julie’s Family Learning Program 

This amazing local institution, Julie’s Family Learning Program, is a community based support and education program helping low-income female headed families break the cycle of poverty. For more information visit here! 

Mass Fallen Heroes

At Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, they memorialize our fallen and provide programs and services for our Veteran and Gold Star Family community. Help honor the memories of the Massachusetts men and women who served since September 11, 2001 and gave their lives for our nation. For more information visit here! 

Greater Boston Food Bank

You can help provide food and hope for struggling local families across Eastern MA. Make today about neighbors helping neighbors. Your gift will help provide 25,000 meals. A 501(c)3 nonprofit. Healthy food for kids. Improving nutrition. You can learn more about volunteering here! 

Martin Richard Foundation

Founded in 2014, the Martin W. Richard Charitable Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation formed by the parents of eight-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed in the bombing at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013.  In the days after his death, a photo of Martin holding a  handmade poster that read “No more hurting people. Peace” was shared over the Internet.   Martin’s view of peace went well beyond simply wanting to prevent violence. To Martin, peace meant togetherness, teamwork, fairness, sportsmanship, inclusion, and kindness. The Martin Richard Foundation provides opportunities for individuals and communities to live out the values of peace, justice and kindness. To learn more visit here! 

Did we miss your favorite charity or organization?  Let us know who you like to volunteer for and why! Email us at [email protected]