New Bedford Community Connections Coalition - United Way of Greater New Bedford

Since 1996, our United Way has served as the fiscal partner and home of New Bedford Community Connections Coalition (NBCCC). Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF); the mission of the coalition is to take a leadership role within the City of New Bedford in facilitating collaborative strategies to build neighborhood-based networks of family support to prevent child abuse and neglect, strengthen families, and build healthier communities.

NBCCC works through a philosophy and culture of building off family’s strengths and the promotion of the 5 Protective Factors. NBCCC supports the work of a co-located DCF unit called Patch, which utilizes a community-based child welfare practice model and focuses on families within the South End of New Bedford.

NBCCC is continually working to improve the landscape for families in New Bedford. The coalition is guided by its Advisory Board, which is comprised of a diverse group of passionate community residents and stakeholders listed below. The coalition is currently working toward growing its membership through 3 main areas:

Near North End Alliance (NNEA)

NBCCC facilitates a multi-disciplinary team of individuals and organizations working to address some of the challenges and build on strengths and assets to improve the quality of life within a struggling area of the city. It currently focuses its work in 5 areas:

Ensuring families have access to the supports and services that they need to thrive
Addressing neighborhood crime and public safety
Improving neighborhood aesthetic
Ensuring neighborhood youth (including out-of-school youth) have access to the enrichment and recreational opportunities that they need to thrive
Promoting resiliency

Partners for Foster Care Support (PFFCS)

PFFCS is a collaborative group working toward the below mission and vision to support local foster children and families. For more information on the group click here

VISION: Successful & Positive Foster Care Outcomes

MISSION: To create a positive web of relationships that will ensure children cared for by the New Bedford Area Office thrive while in foster care and into their adulthood.

Fatherhood Engagement

Working towards increasing community awareness of the importance of fathers within the family unit. NBCCC participates in the planning committee and promotes the Father & Family Network of the Southcoast; a training series dedicated to improving the knowledge of community providers and others that work with and engage with fathers.

For more information on NBCCC and how to become involved in the coalition, please contact Stan Brajer at sbrajer@unitedwayofgnb.org or (508)-994-4521 x 106.

NEW BEDFORD COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS COALITION ADVISORY BOARD

Esperanza Alejandro-Berube; Manager of Resident Services, New Bedford Housing Authority
Katlyn Auty; Director of Business Development, Southcoast Behavioral Health
Lucy Canuel; New Bedford Area Director, Massachusetts Department of Children & Families
Damon Chaplin; Director, New Bedford Health Department
Joseph Cordeiro; Chief of Police, New Bedford Police Department
Ashley Eaton; Neighborhood Planne, Office of Housing and Community Development
Linda Hutchinson; Consultant
Pam Keuchler; Executive Director, PACE
Renee Ledbetter; Director of New Bedford Shannon Program, United Way of Greater New Bedford
Glenn Oliveira; Director of Foundation Programs, Carney Family Foundation
Marcelina Pina-Christian; Human Services Coordinator, City of New Bedford