IPPNW is a federation of medical organizations comprised of doctors, health care professionals, students and other workers that are focused on eradicating the threat of nuclear annihilation. Membership spans throughout 60 countries. The group was originally founded by physicians from the US and former Soviet Union with a mutual vested interest in preventing nuclear war between the two powers. They promoted prevention by educating policy makers and the public about the catastrophic health and environmental issues that would result from nuclear war. IPPNW won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. This is their central office.
Open since 1978, Mudflat Studio is part of a Boston -based, national non-profit organization that has been in existence for more than 40 years. Holding over 20 classes per week for all levels and ages, Mudflat also conducts classes at schools, senior centers, and other locales nationwide, and is always accepting new students. Private classes and workshops arranged by age group are available as well. As part of Somerville Open Studios, it holds two yearly sales, one in May and one in December, featuring the work of students and faculty alike. Each workstation in the spacious downstairs classroom features a spinning wheel, and the hot kilns are constantly churning out new works.
Founded in 1987, the Welcome Project is a non-profit, community organization headquartered on Mystic Avenue in Somerville. The organization is dedicated to fostering intercultural harmony and creating economic and social opportunities for Somerville's immigrant community through language, education and community outrach programs. For more information about the organization's philosophy and resources, visit the Welcome Project website.
This nonprofit provides therapy and support services to low-income, at-risk families in Somerville and Greater Boston. Founded in 1982, their mission "is to create safer, more resilient families by supporting them in developing the inner strengths, life skills, and networks of resources they need to succeed." They provide both direct counseling and support services to families and also train human service workers and educators who work with families and children. Services are offered in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.
Counseling is offered to whole families, couples, individuals and parent-child groups. Areas of focus include family violence intervention, parenting education and support and addressing the unique needs of immigrant parents. The center runs a number of support groups. They also hold Family Fun Nights to offer families a chance to share a positive experience.
A total of 59% of Family Center clients fall below the U.S. poverty level and 80% are single parents. The center relies on donations for much of their support.
Founded in 1967 with a "call to resist illegitimate authority" during the Vietnam War, this foundation is now located on Elm Street in Davis Square. Resist "is a progressive foundation that supports grassroots organizing for peace, economic, social and environmental justice, and provides political education for social change activism."
Resist has several hearty grants that are given out each year and it works to advise analogous grass roots organizations. Be sure to call ahead for an appointment.
The Somerville Community Corporation focuses on maintaining the affordability of housing in Somerville by building low-cost housing and preserving Somerville's historic building for residential use. Founded in 1969, the SCC also offers financial education and counseling to allow residents to make the best choice for their housing needs. SCC also assists in community organizing and supporting Somerville's immigrant communities.
This local branch of the national Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States organization, VFW Post 529, is named for George Dilboy, a onetime Somerville resident of Greek descent who received the Medal of Honor for his efforts in World War I.
The George Dilboy Post is located on Summer Street just outside of Davis Square in the Winter Hill Bank building, with its entrance on Summer Street adjacent to the parking lot. This local branch holds monthly meetings, hosts fundraisers, does community service projects, participates in national scholarship contests and reaches out to local veterans. The George Dilboy Post also rents out its hall for functions and events.
The Somerville City Club is a private social club located on the outskirts of Boston; potential members must apply and be voted by two sponsors who are in good standing. The City Club also offers its facility to the public for social gatherings, corporate events, business seminars, weddings and showers. Its main function hall accommodates up to 170 people, while its smaller function hall can accommodate up to 50 people. Catering services are available.
This civic society was created to as a resource for Somerville's large Portuguese community. Operating out of a towering white house just off Inman Square, the Portuguese American Civic Center has a gleaming industrial kitchen and multiple conference rooms. It also has its own free parking lot, and rents its meeting halls to members and non-members alike.
Youthbuild works on community development for disadvantaged kids. The organization harnesses the collective power of motivated 16-24 year-olds to transcend low-income limitations via education and job skill development. It also helps to better its communities by building affordable housing. Youthbuild was founded in 1988 and has since grown to 273 programs in 45 states. Together, 92,000 Youthbuild students have built 19,000 units of affordable housing. The 58 Day Street location is the central office, but the Cambridge Street location is also pictured here.
Located at the Clarendon Presbyterian Church, the Open Center for Children provides families with quality day care. Focusing on learing through games and creative activities, the Center has two classrooms: a Green Room, for ages 2 through 3.5-years-old, and a Blue Room for 3.5 through 5-years-old. The Center offers community-based day care in which parents can choose to enroll their children in either a five or three day program.