Allthingsnew the Newsletter of the Episcopal City Mission

winter 2014

Building Communities through Partners hip AllThingsNew The Newsletter of the Episcopal City Mission

From the Executive Director Dr. Ruy O. Costa, PhD Raising Up for Low-income Wage Earners in Massachusetts On the Social Role his fall Episcopal City Mission, part- of Religion nering with dozens of social justice Torganizations in the Raise Up Mas- tudents of religion approach their sachusetts Campaign, worked to collect subject from various disciplines: the- signatures for the campaign’s two ballot Sology, philosophy of religion, sociol- initiatives on worker justice issues. Speci- ogy, anthropology, psychology, etc. Each fically, the ballot initiatives were to raise discipline generates its own spectrum the state minimum wage and create an of competing method- earned sick time standard in Massachusetts. ologies and working ECM engaged nearly 30 parishes and con- assumptions. As a social gregations in Massachusetts to help the phenomenon, religion campaign collect over 285,000 signatures, is a key variable in the well over its initial goal of 220,000 signa- ECM’s Life Together intern, Joseph Sheeran system of symbolic ex- tures. After a rally at the State House steps (second from left) with Life Together interns (L-R) Justin Rose (Mass Sr. Action Council), Greg Johnston changes that take place on December 3, the Raise Up MA team (MCAN) and Seth Woody (Dorchester Bay Youth in a given society and in some cases reli- marched the last of the petitions over to Force) at Raise Up MA rally at the State House. gion functions as a nucleus around which the Secretary of the Commonwealth; the Update: Bill stalled in the MA house. other symbolic and material variables office, which measures the stack in inches, Corporate lobbyists attempting to tie bill are organized. Princeton anthropologist declared the Raise Up MA stack to be over to cuts to unemployment benefits. Clifford Geertz argues that “religious sym- 255 inches! Call your Legislator. bols formulate a basic congruence between a particular style of life and a specific (if, most often implicit) metaphysic, and in Our HUGE Thanks to All the Parishes who Collected so doing sustain each with the borrowed Signatures for the Raise Up MA Campaign authority of the other.”* This conclusion, which Geertz shares with many other scholars Church of the Good Shepherd, Acton St. Mark’s Church, Foxborough renders obsolete previous approaches to Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston St. John’s Church, Jamaica Plain religion that either (a) reduce religion to Christ Church, Boston St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Church, Lincoln a by-product of socio-economic arrange- Emmanuel Church, Boston Church of the Holy Spirit, Mattapan ments—as some expressions of “scientific” St. Stephen’s Church, Boston Grace Church, Medford Marxism postulate -- or (b) raise religion to Trinity Church, Boston Church of the Holy Spirit, Orleans a glorified, idealist role, implying that it is All Saints Parish, Brookline Parish of St. Chrysostom, Quincy above economic and social matters. Look- St. Paul’s Church, Brookline St. Luke’s Church, Scituate ing at religion as a system of symbols that Christ Church, Cambridge Trinity Chapel, Shirley formulates a basic congruence between a Saint Peter’s Church, Cambridge St. David’s Church, South Yarmouth continued on page 10 St Stephen’s Church, Cohasset St. Elizabeth’s, Sudbury

* Clifford Geertz, Interpretation of Cultures St. Mary’s Church, Dorchester St. Thomas’s Church, Taunton (New York: Basic Books, 1973), p. 90. St. Luke’s Church, Fall River St. Mark’s Church, Westford

Episcopal City Mission is a faith-based ministry which promotes social and economic justice working through congregations, community-based organizations and people within the Diocese of Massachusetts, with special emphasis on the urban poor and oppressed. 2 ■ All Things New ■ Winter 2014

ECM Presents 2013 Burgess Urban Fund Awards

n December 17, ECM hosted its annual Organizers and Executive Directors who came Burgess Urban Fund Grantee Awards to receive their 2013 Burgess Urban Fund grants. OReception and Check Presentation. ECM awards Burgess Urban Fund grants to grassroots organizations in the Commonwealth working to engage communities to lead, orga- nize and reach those affected by social injustice. ECM is proud to have presented $290,000 to 20 community organizations. The grants ranged from $10,000 to $20,000. ECM Executive Director, Dr. Ruy Costa, welcomed the grantees. Board Secretary and Chair of the Burgess Urban Fund Committee, Dr. Alexandra Pineros-Shields shared the goals of the Burgess Urban Fund and the challenges the Gloribell Mota, NUBE; Renata Teodoro and Corinne Williams, CEDCSeMA and Dan Katherine Ascension, SIM Lesser, ECCO committee had in selecting this year’s recipients from more than 60 applications. Katie Campbell Simons, Associate Director for Community Part- nerships and Public Policy, presented the awards; and, ECM’s Board Chair, The Rev. Noah Evans, thanked the recipients for all the work they do to improve the lives of those in the Commonwealth affected by social injustice and encouraged their teams to do great things with their grant. ECM Board Member, The Rev. Edwin Johnson, and Burgess Urban Fund Committee Member, Father Brian Murdoch, came to the celebration. Grace Ross, MAAPL; Alejandra St. Guillen, Oiste Stephen Sorkin, Oiste; Lew Finfer, MCAN 3 ■ All Things New ■ Winter 2014

T he 2013 Burgess Urban Fund Recipients

Boston Youth Organizing Project, immigration reform, and human rights low-income people, people of color immi- Boston—Led by youth and supported among others. grants and allies that uses issue and elec- by adults, united in a common purpose, toral organizing to build political power. Dorchester Bay Youth Force, Boston— working to increase youth power and Training local teens to be community Oiste, Boston—A member-based organi- create positive social change. They achieve leaders and community organizers, who zation working to promote the principals this by identifying values, building rela- in turn train other teens to be leaders and practices of democracy and to advance tionships across differences, training and and organizers. the political, social and economic standing developing leaders, identifying key issues of Latinos and Latinas in Massachusetts. of concern, and taking action for justice. Essex County Community Organization, Lynn—An organization of faith commu- Student Immigrant Movement, Boston Boston Workers Alliance, Dorchester— nity leaders and members developing —A statewide immigrant youth-led orga- A member-led organization of underem- leadership to build power and collabora- nization identifying, recruiting and devel- ployed and unemployed workers fighting tion among families and communities oping leaders who are invested in improv- for employment rights. on the North Shore. ing their communities through relational Brazilian Immigrant Center, Brighton— building, leadership development and Massachusetts Alliance Against Portuguese speaking Boston non-profit electoral organizing. Predatory Lending, Worcester—A broad focusing on workers rights and workplace alliance of community organizing, advo- United Neighbors of Fitchburg, Fitchburg justice. Specifically organizing among cacy, real estate, political, labor, legal, —An organization working to promote domestic workers whose rights are poorly financial, peace and other organizations and maintain a spirit of community among defined under state and federal labor laws. focused on reducing foreclosures in Fitchburg’s diverse peoples and neighbor- Brazilian Women’s Group, Brighton— Massachusetts, utilizing a multi-pronged hoods, by fostering equitable economic, Supporting and empowering the develop- approach to pressure lenders into undoing educational, health, cultural social and ment of women in the Brazilian community the impacts of their predatory lending, recreational opportunities. in greater Boston. Focus on immigration through education, organizing, legislative Worcester Homeless Action Committee, issues, workers’ rights, and community action and direct case work. Worcester—Formerly and currently development. Massachusetts Community Action homeless persons working in partnership Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores, Network, Dorchester—A network of faith- and taking action to provide housing and New Bedford—A Latin American-run based community organizations that pri- shelter for all those who are in need in worker organization challenging unfair oritize leadership development, relationship Greater Worcester. Current campaign is labor practices, taking collective action building, and power in numbers to engage focusing on educating and organizing the to address their problems and uniting decision makers on our proposed solutions public about better discharge planning with others in the struggle for economic to community problems. Currently focused statewide, as a feeder to the homeless and social justice. on the Raise Up Mass campaign on mini- population. mum wage and earned paid sick time. Community Economic Development YWCA of Greater Lawrence: Women’s Center of Southeastern Massachusetts, MetroWest Worker Center, Framingham— Health Advocacy Initiative, Lawrence Fall River—Working to create a more just Working to build a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual —Grassroots network of community- local economy by building bridges to re- community-based power in the immigrant based social justice programs helping low- sources, networks and cooperative action and low-income worker communities of income, medically underserved and under for low-income members of our commu- MetroWest. Working to eliminate abusive or uninsured women and their families nity. Specifically focused on improving the labor practices and racial profiling. secure the services and information they quality of and access to public transpor- need to improve their health. The Neighborhood Developers, Chelsea tation in Southeastern Massachusetts. —Building vibrant and diverse neighbor- Youth on Board, Boston—A project Dominican Development Center, Jamaica hoods with homes that are affordable to forging partnerships between youth and Plain—Developing and empowering families with a mix of incomes, where peo- adults to create positive educational com- Dominican immigrants as well as immi- ple choose to invest in their neighborhood’s munities in which young people are val- grants representing all Latin American and social fabric and economic opportunities. ued, engaged and heard, working to bring Caribbean communities to achieve social the student voice and engagement to the Neighbors United for a Better East Boston justice by promoting and organizing around forefront of the educational movement —An organization explicitly of and for current laws, legal procedures, education, on a national level. 4 ■ All Things New ■ Winter 2014

Grantee Gathering, Inspired for Justice

n Saturday, November 16, 2013 ECM and the Haymarket People’s Fund host- Oed our Third Annual Grantee Gathering for our current Burgess Urban Fund grantees and Haymarket’s funded organizations. Over 130 people from 40 grassroots community organizations came together to be inspired and energized in their mission to bring about justice for all people. Our annual gathering is an opportunity for grantees to come together with other organizations working on similar issues in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. The objective is to provide an opportunity for our grantees ECM & Haymarket grantees to share their work and learn from other organizations about their missions, thus deepening efforts to build a social justice movement across New England. This year’s gathering began with an inter- active exercise that got everyone up and moving! The activity provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on their vision of a “just community” and what that might look like. They were then challenged by unknown authority figures (volunteers from ECM and Haymarket!) who forced them to give up a piece of their community, whether they liked it or not! This then created an opportunity for the groups to respond to these “oppressors” and figure out how to stop them from returning and taking more from them. The outcome was a keen reminder to Karla Nicholson, Haymarket Executive Director, guides breakout all of why grassroots organizing and leadership development in our communities is so essential in maintaining a just world for all. In the afternoon we viewed a powerful selection from the PBS produced film, Race: The Power of Illusion, a film addressing the under- lying social, economic, and political conditions that disproportionately channel advantages and opportunities to white people in the United States. We followed the film with a debrief session about what we saw and learned from the film, and how we see the ramifications of these actions in daily life and work. It was an inspiring, emotional and thought provoking day. We thank our partners at the Haymarket People’s Fund for working with us on this event and look forward to hosting many more. A sample drawing of what’s important in community (note parts torn away) 5 ■ All Things New ■ Winter 2014

Bishop Shaw welcomes attendees Attendees in a breakout group The Annual Meeting of the Corporation

n our second Annual Meeting since it was separated from the festive Annual Fund- Iraising Dinner, more than 40 clergy, dele- gates, members of ECM’s Executive Commit- tee and lay people from all over the Diocese attended ECM’s Annual Meeting on October 5th at St. Andrew’s in Framingham. The purpose of the gathering is to conduct the official meeting of the corporation AND to gain in- sight into new focal points for ECM’s work. This year’s meeting was significant because it was the last meeting that will be pre- sided over by Bishop Shaw before his retire- ment. The Bishop of the Diocese of Massachu- setts is the President of Episcopal City Mission. This means that in September of 2014, ECM will have a new President. We also said fare- well to several outgoing members of the Executive Committee: The Rev. Zenetta Armstrong, Andrew McIntosh and Laura ECM Board Chair, The Rev. Noah Evans, thanks The Rev. Zenetta Armstrong for her years of Vennard. Dr. Costa thanked them for their service on the ECM board. service and gave them each a certificate of appreciation and a copy of the book “Immu- nity to Change.” A slate of new members was THANK YOU approved to replace the outgoing members, ST. ANDREW’S serving their first term will be: Jim Gammill, CHURCH, The Rev. Edwin Johnson and Hazel Johnson. FRAMINGHAM! The program for the day included a video presentation of ECM’s accomplishments ECM would like to thank over the past year focusing on the themes St. Andrew’s Church in of economic justice and lifting up leaders. Framingham and their After the video, attendees participated in clergy, the Rev. Julie a conversation about how ECM is making Carson and the Rev. Lori Mills-Curran for serving an impact and the ways that we could Attendees in a breakout group strengthen our work. as gracious hosts for the 2013 Annual Meeting! 6 ■ All Things New ■ Winter 2014

The Mission Institute Takes Shape hen Episcopal City Mission made the decision to support the Together WNow Campaign we wanted to make sure our resources went where they would make the biggest impact in the life of the Diocese. We saw the Mission Institute as one of the most exciting parts of the work that would come out of the Campaign. A collaboration between Episcopal City Mission, Episcopal Divinity School and the Diocese, The Mission Institute aims to be a resource to congregations and groups as they seek to do the transformative work of Christ in their communities. After many hours of conversation between the three partners, Diane D’Sousa was hired to be the first director of the Institute and under her leadership it has begun to take shape. SAVE THE DATE In its first year, the Mission Institute has put a premium on collaboration. It has run programs with Leslie University, The Hispanic LOBBY DAY & RALLY Ministries Team, Episcopal Divinity School and the Diocese of Massachusetts’ Mission Wednesday, April 9th Hub Committee. In 2014 the Mission Institute Join us to support Raise Up Massachusetts will be launching its website, which will host inspirational content and resources for con- and to celebrate gregations. ECM is proud to be one of the Bishop Shaw’s work to bring those three partners collaborating on this innova- on the margins into the center tive project. Keep your eyes open for Mission Institute offerings in 2014!

9:30 am @ Cathedral of St. Paul 138 Tremont Street, Boston

12:30 pm Rally @ The State House with our faith partners and State House allies

For updates and more information, stay tuned to our website and Facebook page.

www.EpiscopalCityMission.org We welcome Diane D’Sousa, Director, Mission Institute www.Facebook.com/EpiscopalCityMission 7 ■ All Things New ■ Winter 2014

ECM Board Visits St. Luke's & St. Margaret’s in Allston

Ed Cardoza, Director of Still Harbor and in discernment for the priesthood (light blue shirt), presents plans for the renovation of St. Luke's and St. Margaret's Parish Hall to the ECM Board. Plans call for the space to be used as an innovative co-working space for non-profit organizations in Allston. ECM gave the group a small grant to help secure additional funding. Creation Care and the Church Conference: A Resounding Success! n October 12, 2013 about 50 Episcopalians gathered at and currently with Walden Assets Management who argues for Christ Church, Needham, for a day of reflection and learn- shareholder activism instead of divestment and (c) the closing Oing about the role of church investments in caring for panel discussion among the main presenters and other experts creation, co-sponsored by Episcopal City Mission and the Trustees on social responsible investing. of Donations of the Diocese. The event was framed as a “debate” The background for the conference were the resolutions going between proponents of divestment from fossil fuels and those to convention a week later on measures to address the impact who advocate investor activism to force the sector to act respon- of fossil fuels on the environment. One of these resolutions called sibly. The issues were not new to most participants; they are on the Trustees of Donations to freeze all direct investments in people who have given their time and talent to build the assets the Carbon Tracker Top 200 fossil fuels companies and to research of the church and people who are committed to making those investments in alternative energy companies. The other resolution assets work in a fashion that is consistent with the teachings of was on a carbon tax in Massachusetts. the church. And, they do not see things the same way. Both the Trustees of Donations of the Diocese and Episcopal The highlights of the conference were (a) the keynote address City Mission own fossil fuels in their portfolios. The Board of by Laura Berry, the Executive Director of the Interfaith Center Directors of Episcopal City Mission is exploring a fossil fuel-free for Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), (b) the presentations by Bob portfolio with Trillium Assets Management who manages most Massie, Episcopal priest and former director of CERES who advo- of ECM’s investments. cates for divestment and Tim Smith, former director of the ICCR 8 ■ All Things New ■ Winter 2014

PLEASE JOIN ECM FOR THESE EXCITING 2014 EVENTS

JANUARY 22 APRIL 9 Join us for an intimate dinner Lobby Day & Rally to discuss our 1K Churches project Join us to support Raise Up Massachusetts Ideal for those interested in connecting their parish to and to celebrate Bishop Shaw’s work to bring important social and economic justice issues those on the margins into the center Space is limited 9:30 am @ Cathedral of St. Paul, 138 Tremont St., Boston 12:30 pm Rally @ The State House with our faith partners and State House allies FEBRUARY 8 North Shore—Mission Discernment Day MAY 3 Come connect with ECM’s network of advocates for Southeastern MA & Cape Cod’s— social and economic justice on the North Shore Mission Discernment Day 9:00 AM–1:00 pm @ St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Lynn Come connect with ECM’s network of advocates for social and economic justice in Southeastern Massachusetts MARCH 6 9:00 AM–1:00 pm @ Church of the Good Shepherd, Wareham Join us for a screening of a new film, The Vigil JUNE 10 A moving film about faith ECM’s Annual Fundraising Dinner and immigration reform in the U.S. Join us to celebrate our work and that of our grantees 6:30pm @ The West Newton Cinema, West Newton 6:00–9:00 pm @ Boston University The screening is co-sponsored by the Ecumenical Advocacy Coalition

MARCH 15 MetroWest—Mission Discernment Day Come connect with ECM’s network of advocates for social and economic justice in MetroWest 9:00 AM–1:00 pm @ St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Wellesley Building Communities through Partners hip

To learn more or to register for any of these events, visit our website www.EpiscopalCityMission.org or “Like Us” on Facebook. www.Facebook.com/EpiscopalCityMission 9 ■ All Things New ■ Winter 2014

1k Churches Invites Conversations About Financial Relationships

n December 3rd ECM invited a Partner.” The themes of each model are prefers to experiment with a model small group of Episcopalians to also designed to respond to the culture of based on mutual trust and a face-to-face Obe part of a new conversation the local church. For example, if a church relationship with their neighbors, they can about money. In partnership with the choose the “Peer Landing Host” model Criterion Institute, ECM is inviting congre- According to the Association but if others prefer to be more formal and gations in the Diocese to take part in a to experiment with contracts, notes and five-week curriculum that examines finan- for Enterprise Opportunity, other financial instruments, there are cial relationships between our church and there are over 25 million models for them to choose as well. our neighborhood. With an eye towards The objective of the 1k Churches cam- investing in microbusinesses, the 1k micro-businesses in the United paign is to challenge Christians to look at Churches discernment process invites States. If each were to hire ONE their financial relationships as part of their small groups to consider five different person, it would effectively end relationship with God. By engaging in this ways of making an investment. conversation, we hope that people in our These models are informed by different the US crisis of unemployment. churches and our communities will begin themes and these themes are illustrated to feel more empowered in their financial by different settings in the Scriptures. So, choices and see the ways they really can “Peer Landing Host,” for example, is in- IMPACT OF 1K CHURCHES make a profound difference in the life of formed by the themes of mutuality, hospi- their community while at the same time tality and facilitation and these themes are 1000 Churches investing in deepening their spiritual lives. seen in light of the invitation to abun- 4 businesses each for dance in Isaiah 55 and the feeding of the If you are interested in attending a recruiting 5 years in a row 5,000 in the Gospel of Matthew. The other dinner, please contact Mary Beth Mills-Curran models are called “Mission Partner,” “Pub- 20,000 businesses affected at [email protected]. lic Witness,” “Angel Investor,” and “Justice

Marissa Mahoney, Program Director, Criterion Institute presents at ECM and Criteron 1k Churches dinner. 10 ■ All Things New ■ Winter 2014

From the Executive Director PEOPLE IN MISSION Dr. Ruy O. Costa, PhD continued from page 8 continued from page 1 dignity for all. Through activism in my role as advocate and administrator for our particular style of life and a specific metaphysic prevents simplistic pontifications such as Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Rape “poverty causes religious radicalism” or “religious dogma causes terrorism.” Religion is at Crisis, and Women’s Health Advocacy the same time an expression of and a model for society; it reveals and conceals the mean- Services programs, I’ve been able to assist, ing of social exchanges. It is shaped by context and it can shape history. Its impact may be guide and empower those most in need intentional or unintended. When intentional it may be implicit or explicit, conscious or in my community. As this wasn’t enough, unconscious. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity What does this have to do with the work of Episcopal City Mission? to extend this work beyond the walls and As a Christian agency for social justice we need to be aware that the role of religious programs of the YWCA; in my role as Co- institutions is never linear and simple. The best we can do is to be intentional and seek to Director, under a contract with the City flesh out the evangelical commandment to love our neighbor and to love God. of Lawrence, I also coordinate the City With this in mind, we look forward to a new year of work in partnership with parishes of Lawrence Mayor’s Health Task Force. and community organizers committed to the same ideals and moved by the same hope. Through this vast coalition, which has strong connections at the local, regional and statewide levels, I’ve been able to infuse our mission to influence systemic, environmental and policy changes on issues that affect the health and wellbeing of our community, using a health disparities and social justice lens.

You have been working for many years within the Lawrence community to Poverty is not address health disparities facing the immigrant/low-income population. an accident. What are the biggest challenges they face ❝ to access healthcare and be informed? According to the World Health Organiza- Like slavery and tion, social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, apartheid, it is grow, live, work and age. These circum- stances are shaped by the distribution man-made and of money, power and resources at global, national and local levels. Needless to say, can be removed people of color and immigrant communities often experience health inequities by the actions of disproportionately. With Lawrence being primarily populated by Latinos, health human beings. inequities are very much present, and continue to evolve based on the constant changes generated by ineffective policies that effect systemic, environmental and Nelson Mandela cultural barriers. 1918–2013 Despite our collective, community- wide efforts to reduce health disparities and promote health equity through educating our community, emphasizing the provision of culturally sensitive/culturally appropriate services, and establishing and maintaining collaborations with medical 11 ■ All Things New ■ Winter 2014

Mery Rivas, YWCA Health Ambassador; Vilma Lora, Co-Director of Women's Services, YWCA of Great Lawrence and Coordinator for the City of Lawrence Mayor's Health Task Force; Luzmar Centeno; and Esther Alburquerque, YWCA Women's Health Advocate at 2013 Burgess Urban Fund Grantee Reception. partners and community organizations providers currently in the city, this popula- equity, is definitely something that has that support coordinated services and care, tion is often unaware of places they could brought me into this faith and kept me our immigrant/low-income population go to receive this assistance. In fact, many, active within and outside the walls of the continues to struggle with many barriers especially the undocumented or those in church. I’ve been able to combine my that negatively impact health outcomes. the process of adjusting their immigration passion for social justice through my Chief among the various barriers faced status, avoid visiting large public entities work and now through my faith. are the complexities related to enrollment like hospitals, to avoid the need to provide Because of the synergy in missions, and re-enrollment to the numerous and identification, fearing retaliatory actions. not only with the YWCA, but with other ever changing health insurance options, This is especially true, given the anti-immi- organizations in the community, the Epis- which also make it difficult to navigate the grant sentiment and news about raids and copal Church is a clear catalyst for social complex health care system, both a direct deportations across our state and the nation. change! Churches represent safe places result of the ongoing implementation of for communities, particularly for immi- the Affordable Care Act. Even when health You have also been very involved grants and newcomers, documented or insurance is acquired, it doesn’t necessar- with Grace Church, Lawrence, what undocumented, and thus, should be open ily mean full access to comprehensive potential do you see for the church to work collaboratively with community medical care. The type of health insurance to affect change? organizations, such as ours, to provide a that you qualify for dictates the level and Approximately five years ago, I was neutral, safe space for us to outreach, quality of care and services that you receive. blessed with becoming a member of educate, share resources, connect people Needless to say, our new immigrants often Grace Episcopal Church. I’ve been an to services, and ultimately empower have limited coverage, which translates active member of our congregation ever members of our community to become into limited care. Many are unable to since, and have served on the vestry self-advocates and ambassadors for change. afford high premiums, high deductibles and for the past four years, currently serving Churches could also lend a voice, co-pays. This is significant, considering as the Senior Warden. engage and help mobilize parishioners that Lawrence is one of, if not, the poorest I met our priest, Joel Almono, at our into community activism. Oppression and community in the Commonwealth, and annual March of the Brides to eradicate injustice is not something that organiza- thus, keeping a roof over your head and domestic violence, where he led a collec- tions, local, state, and federal government, food on the table often take priority over tive prayer during our vigil, and spoke and those in power need to confront; consistently engaging in preventive care. about his and the church stance on gen- we ALL have the responsibility to play a In addition, language barriers, low der violence. He invited me to Grace Epis- role and do our part. This is something education attainment, and limited health copal Church and after a few visits I fell in that Father Joel, myself, and other leaders literacy make it difficult for our immigrant, love with the mission of the Episcopalian within our church have been able to edu- low-income community, particularly for faith. Their purpose to intentionally and cate our congregation about as it relates newcomers and the undocumented, to actively work in communities to eradicate to a variety of topics, be it health care, seek or follow through with their medical injustice and oppression in any form, and domestic and sexual violence, the right care. We find that despite the various pub- to raise awareness about and promote to vote and participate in elections, etc. lic health insurance enrollment assistance human rights, social justice, and gender Episcopal City Mission Nonprofit AllThingsNew 138 Tremont Street Organization The Newsletter of the Episcopal City Mission U.S. Postage Boston, MA 02111 PAID spring 2011 Boston, MA Permit No 14471

Episcopal City Mission

Executive Director: Dr. Ruy O. Costa

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR community partnerships & PUBLIC POLICY: Katie Campbell Simons operations Manager: Lucena Daley coordinator of church-based ministries: Mary Beth Mills-Curran

L ife TogeTHER Intern: Joseph Sheeran All Things New welcomes letters to the editor. Contact: ATN/Episcopal City Mission, 138 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02111. [email protected]

Learn more about ecm and the work we do. Visit our website and facebook pages. www.EpiscopalCityMission.org | www.facebook.com/EpiscopalCityMission

PEOPLE IN MISSION Vilma Lora Co-Director of Women’s Services, YWCA of Greater Lawrence and Coordinator for the City of Lawrence Mayor’s Health Task Force

To those that don’t know many ways, and that He had this heightened sense of justice, you, how do we best intro- equips us with what we which typically got me into trouble! As the duce you (personally and need to do and lead others oldest of six, I was charged with the care professionally)? through his work. I also and protection of my siblings, so advocacy I’m Vilma Lora, a Lawrence believe that all of God’s became a well-known practice for me at resident, community activist creation on this earth is a young age. Years later, as a young pro- and mentor, who strives to for EVERYONE to care for fessional in search of that “perfect job,” promote social justice, gen- and enjoy it to the fullest, I stumbled across the YWCA. Little did I der equity, and health equity despite of our gender, race, know that this would turn out to be the through my work as a human age, or socio-economic place where God was calling me to do services professional, and status! With that in mind, His work. For approximately 21 years, the as a Christian through the what informs my actions YWCA has served as a home where I’ve practice of my faith. and work is the belief that all human been able to fulfill my spiritual and profes- beings are created equal and therefore sional needs, and the perfect place to live What are the core convictions of your should be afforded the same access and my faith through our mission of elimi- faith that inform your actions/work? opportunities to live healthy, safe, and nating racism, empowering women, and As a Christian and Episcopalian, I believe fulfilling lives. promoting peace, justice, freedom and that we’re all called to do God’s work in Ever since I can remember I’ve always continued on page 10