The Pluralism Project at Harvard UniversityCenter Profile
East Boston Ecumenical Community Council (2009)
(Christianity)
50 Meridian Street, Suite B1
East Boston MA 02128
Phone: 617-567-2750
Fax: 617-569-5946
Websites:
About
Founded in 1978 to promote racial harmony, East Boston Ecumenical Community Council (EBECC) is a neighborhood-based organization that today promotes the advancement of Latino immigrants of all ages through education, services, advocacy, community organizing, and leadership development. By participating in EBECC programs, newcomers build support networks and acquire information and skills to achieve their own goals. By participating in EBECC organizing initiatives, individuals engage in collective action to improve the quality of life in East Boston and to advance immigrant rights at the local, state, and national levels.
Description
Issue
East Boston Ecumenical Community Council (EBECC) is an organization dedicated to helping immigrant populations adapt to life in the U.S. They offer counseling and services on family issues, housing (including tenant education and advocacy for affordable housing), ESL classes to help break the language barrier, and so on. The group also advocates immigrant civil rights and runs a "Latino Youth Development Program" for students in the Spanish bilingual program at East Boston High School.Source: EBECC website
Affiliation
EBECC describes itself as "ecumenical," by which it means inclusive of all peoples: Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, non-deists, and so on. EBECC is a non-profit community organization that was started as a Lutheran movement.Activities and Programs
"East Boston Ecumenical Community Council (EBECC) is a multi-service agency that works to improve the quality of life for East Boston’s immigrants and promote their participation in the life of the neighborhood. Through services, education, advocacy, and organizing, EBECC [works with around 3,000 individuals annually]. Current programs address the needs of Latino and Brazilian immigrants."Source: EBECC website In addition to the aforementioned programs, EBECC offers a wide variety of community organization services, social services and counseling.
Brief History
EBECC was started in 1978 by Sister Carol Rossi and Sister Noel Doyle, Lutheran nuns doing anti-racist work in East Boston. At its inception, the group primarily was involved with helping people of color integrate the housing development in Maverick Square. Later the organization developed into a grassroots, community-based multicultural organization. The participants as well as the leaders are from the communities they serve.Leadership
19-member board of directorsDate Center Founded
1978
Membership
roughly 3,000
Ethnic Composition
Primarily Latino and Asian immigrant communities located in East Boston
Affiliation with Other Communities/Organizations
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