GenUnity

Did you know only 5.7% of U.S. doctors are Black? Lack of diversity in the healthcare landscape has perpetuated discriminatory practices that have led to major distrust between BIPOC folks and medical professionals. For this week’s Member Spotlight we’re highlighting Kareem King (Health Equity ‘24). Kareem is a community organizer, public speaker, and health advocate from Cleveland, Ohio. He came to Boston for college in 2019 and currently resides in Roxbury. When not working as a Research Program Manager at BU Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Kareem is an Advisory Board Member for We Got Us: A Community Empowerment Project . We Got Us’ is a Boston-based student-led (high school, college, and graduate level) grassroots coalition committed to combating racism in our communities through increasing access to equitable healthcare, community-centered health education, and direct healing. Join us in celebrating Kareem by shouting him out in the COMMENTS SECTION. Learn more about Kareem’s work with We Got Us via LINK IN COMMENTS. Interested in meeting mission-driven folks like Kareem? Applications for our Health Equity Fellowship will be accepted while spots last (through July).

Did you know that about 45% of renters in Greater Boston are cost-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income on housing? Many communities in Greater Boston face significant challenges related to affordable housing, financial instability, and limited access to education and job opportunities. These issues disproportionately affect low-income families and communities of color, leading to cycles of poverty and limited upward mobility. Several organizations are working tirelessly to address these problems through comprehensive community development programs: Lawrence CommunityWorks, Inc.(LCW)- Offers a broad range of services, including financial empowerment programs, workforce development, youth engagement through the Movement City Youth Network, and extensive real estate development for affordable housing. They also provide community organizing initiatives to build social capital and leadership within the community. The Neighborhood Developers (TND)- focuses on creating affordable housing, economic development, and community engagement in the Greater Boston area. Their services include real estate development, housing counseling, financial education, workforce development, and community building activities to foster a stronger, more resilient community. The Latino Support Network, Inc. - Provides resources and support to Latino communities, including educational programs, cultural activities, and advocacy for social justice. Their goal is to empower Latino families through education, economic opportunities, and community engagement. North Shore Community Development Coalition Inc (NSCDC)- Works on affordable housing development, community engagement, and economic mobility initiatives in the North Shore region of Massachusetts. Their programs include housing assistance, financial literacy workshops, and youth development activities. Be sure to support the highlighted orgs by learning more about their work at the LINK IN COMMENTS. Interested in joining a community of folks working towards equity in Boston? Apply to GenUnity’s Health Equity and Housing Justice Fellowships while spots last via LINK IN COMMENTS.

The One Family Scholars program application is now open for the Fall 2024 semester! One Family Scholars provides scholarships, technology, and coaching to single parents in college across Massachusetts. Application deadline July 21, 2024. Learn more and apply at https://lnkd.in/dQzdmP3t

The solution to homelessness is a home. I am grateful to live in Massachusetts where we are working to expand deeply affordable and supportive housing. The Supreme Court’s cruel and harmful decision comes the day after the Massachusetts Senate passed the Affordable Homes Act, proposing investments in supportive housing, public housing, and affordable housing in addition to allowing accessory dwelling units by right in every community, creating a statewide Office of Fair Housing, and adding more of the funding and tools we need to expand opportunities for everyone to have a home they can afford in the community they choose. Thank you to the Senate, House, and Governor Healey for committing to the health and vitality of people, our communities, and the Commonwealth. At the local level, we need you all to say yes to housing in your neighborhood. Get involved with CHAPA’s new campaign for 200,000 homes across income levels. https://lnkd.in/eX9ScNZM

The new school year is just around the corner, and that means shopping for school supplies. You can equip our students for success by contributing toward high-quality, comprehensive school supply kits. To learn more about our Back to School Drive and equip students for a successful year, visit https://lnkd.in/ea8r7AYm

📢We're selecting the final round of fellows for the few remaining seats in the cohorts! From now through July, we are accepting applications for our Fall ’24 Health Equity and Housing Justice Fellowships. GenUnity’s Health Equity and Housing Justice Fellowships allow companies and community members to meet as peers with shared interests they can collaborate around. Through inquiry-based dialogue, our fellowships elevate the best of what community members and employees bring to the table, enhancing their understanding of pertinent issues and how to address them. Make a difference in your community! Apply to our Fall Health Equity and Housing Justice Fellowships via LINK IN COMMENTS.

📢 Only a FEW MORE DAYS to apply to our Andrew Dreyfus Impact Incubator!! If you're a GenUnity Lifetime Community member, check out the LINK IN COMMENTS to learn more and apply.

I am honored to be the first recipient of the BCBSMA Be Courageous award! A big thank you to my teammates Shannon Wilz for nominating me and Sim Kahlon for advocating for me to receive this award😁 I take much inspiration to be courageous from historic LGBTQIA+ figures such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera who were two notable leaders of the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. Today marks the 55th anniversary of said uprising which ultimately resulted in the gay liberation movement and why we have pride today! Marsha and Sylvia’s courage to live as their authentic selves, to continue their advocacy in the face of adversity, violence, and to foster inclusive environments specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth inspires me to continue to use my voice and advocate for my brothers, sisters and everyone who identifies in between to ensure they have equitable access to dignified health care!

The GenUnity Team is taking the week off for a team-wide rest and reflection period (6/28-7/8)! Approaching our first ever simultaneous Health Equity and Housing Justice cohorts, we’re taking time to rest up and reflect on our intentions for the fall, especially this new milestone. At GenUnity, scheduled time off for the whole team is one of the ways that we imbed self-care into our practices. As our team grows and we continue to codify our workplace policies and practices, we’ve been discussing how employers can support their employees to not just survive but also thrive. We look forward to coming back and reviewing all the new applications submitted during our time off! Reminder to apply for our Fall Health Equity and Housing Justice Fellowships WHILE SPOTS LAST.

Congratulations to the four recipients of our Lifetime Community Pilot Grants: Elizabeth Auguste, Justice Williams, Stacy Hill-Sutherland, and Daphnee Puryear! From a competitive pool of applications, these Lifetime members were selected to receive $2,000 grants to support their community change efforts. We're so grateful to everyone who applied. The Lifetime Community has big ideas, and we are excited to continue supporting all our members to drive change. Reminder that in honor of Civic Season our Fall Health Equity and Housing Justice Fellowship Application is open while spots last (Application link in bio).