The City of Chelsea has been an epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis in Massachusetts. With a large immigrant population, including many who are undocumented, Chelsea struggled with high unemployment rates as well as housing and food shortages even before the pandemic hit. In response to the suffering brought on by COVID, however, the city has proven to be both resilient and resourceful, with nonprofits such as La Colaborativa (formerly Chelsea Collaborative) creating popup food pantries and offering a myriad of other emergency services.  

This webinar will focus on the innovative “Chelsea 2021” initiative, a new donor and community partnership aimed at ensuring a just and equitable recovery for Chelsea through deep engagement and enlightened philanthropy.

Welcome
Kate Guedj, Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropic Officer, The Boston Foundation

Introduction to Data
Vetto Casado, Assistant Director, Programs, The Boston Foundation 

Chelsea Overview and Data Presentation
Trevor Mattos, Research Manager, Boston Indicators

Panel Discussion and Q&A
Alberto Calvo, Founder, Stop and Compare Markets
Marcela Garcia, Columnist, The Boston Globe (Moderator)
Kelly Garcia-Mirza, Chairwoman, Chelsea School Committee
Yahya Noor, Community Advocate and Owner, Tawakal Cafe
Elsie Taveras, MD, MPH, Executive Director, Kraft Center for Community Health - MGH
Gladys Vega, Executive Director, OneChelsea / La Colaborativa

Responding Comments
Thomas G. Ambrosino, City Manager, City of Chelsea

What is Chelsea 2021? 
Chelsea 2021 is a place-based initiative the Boston Foundation is undertaking along with our donor community to help the most affected city in our region persevere and recover from these unprecedented times. A community-driven process facilitated by the Foundation, together we will work with residents and community leaders to learn more about this dynamic city, set priorities, and review and vet grant investments. Community voice and lived experience will be centered in both our work and process. And we will work with the public, private and nonprofit sectors to support rapid and active grantmaking towards a just and equitable recovery.